gdb/doc/
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
3 @c 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
4 @c 2010, 2011 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c
6 @c %**start of header
7 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9 @setfilename gdb.info
10 @c
11 @include gdb-cfg.texi
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @syncodeindex ky cp
24 @syncodeindex tp cp
25
26 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
27 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
28 @syncodeindex vr cp
29 @syncodeindex fn cp
30
31 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
32 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
33 @set EDITION Ninth
34
35 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
36 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
37
38 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
39
40 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
41 @c manuals to an info tree.
42 @dircategory Software development
43 @direntry
44 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
45 @end direntry
46
47 @copying
48 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
49 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
50 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
51
52 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
53 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
54 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
55 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
56 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
57 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
58
59 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
60 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
61 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
62 @end copying
63
64 @ifnottex
65 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
66
67 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
68 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
69 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
70 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
71 @end ifset
72 Version @value{GDBVN}.
73
74 @insertcopying
75 @end ifnottex
76
77 @titlepage
78 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
79 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
80 @sp 1
81 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
82 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
85 @end ifset
86 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
87 @page
88 @tex
89 {\parskip=0pt
90 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
91 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
92 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
93 }
94 @end tex
95
96 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
97 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
98 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102 @insertcopying
103 @page
104 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
105 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
106 software in general. We will miss him.
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
169 @end ifset
170 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
171 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
172 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
173 @end ifclear
174 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
175 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
176 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
177 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
178 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
179 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
180 @value{GDBN}
181 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
182 the operating system
183 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
184 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
185 how you can copy and share GDB
186 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
187 * Index:: Index
188 @end menu
189
190 @end ifnottex
191
192 @contents
193
194 @node Summary
195 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
196
197 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
198 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
199 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
200
201 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
202 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
203
204 @itemize @bullet
205 @item
206 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
207
208 @item
209 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
210
211 @item
212 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
213
214 @item
215 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
216 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
217 @end itemize
218
219 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
220 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
221 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
222
223 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
224 @ref{D,,D}.
225
226 @cindex Modula-2
227 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
228 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
229
230 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
231 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
232
233 @cindex Pascal
234 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
235 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
236 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
237 syntax.
238
239 @cindex Fortran
240 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
241 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
242 underscore.
243
244 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
245 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
246
247 @menu
248 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
249 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
250 @end menu
251
252 @node Free Software
253 @unnumberedsec Free Software
254
255 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
256 General Public License
257 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
258 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
259 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
260 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
261 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
262 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
263
264 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
265 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
266 from anyone else.
267
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 -directory @var{directory}
997 @itemx -d @var{directory}
998 @cindex @code{--directory}
999 @cindex @code{-d}
1000 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1001
1002 @item -r
1003 @itemx -readnow
1004 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1005 @cindex @code{-r}
1006 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1007 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1008 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1009
1010 @end table
1011
1012 @node Mode Options
1013 @subsection Choosing Modes
1014
1015 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1016 batch mode or quiet mode.
1017
1018 @table @code
1019 @item -nx
1020 @itemx -n
1021 @cindex @code{--nx}
1022 @cindex @code{-n}
1023 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1024 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1025 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1026 Files}.
1027
1028 @item -quiet
1029 @itemx -silent
1030 @itemx -q
1031 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1032 @cindex @code{--silent}
1033 @cindex @code{-q}
1034 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1035 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1036
1037 @item -batch
1038 @cindex @code{--batch}
1039 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1040 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1041 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1042 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1043 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1044 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1045 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1046
1047 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1048 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1049 make this more useful, the message
1050
1051 @smallexample
1052 Program exited normally.
1053 @end smallexample
1054
1055 @noindent
1056 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1057 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1058 mode.
1059
1060 @item -batch-silent
1061 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1062 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1063 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1064 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1065 for an interactive session.
1066
1067 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1068 messages, for example.
1069
1070 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1071 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1072
1073 @item -return-child-result
1074 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1075 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1076 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1077
1078 @itemize @bullet
1079 @item
1080 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1081 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1082 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1083 @item
1084 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1085 @item
1086 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1087 the exit code will be -1.
1088 @end itemize
1089
1090 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1091 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1092 interface.
1093
1094 @item -nowindows
1095 @itemx -nw
1096 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1097 @cindex @code{-nw}
1098 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1099 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1100 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1101
1102 @item -windows
1103 @itemx -w
1104 @cindex @code{--windows}
1105 @cindex @code{-w}
1106 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1107 used if possible.
1108
1109 @item -cd @var{directory}
1110 @cindex @code{--cd}
1111 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1112 instead of the current directory.
1113
1114 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1115 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1116 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1117 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1118 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1119
1120 @item -fullname
1121 @itemx -f
1122 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1123 @cindex @code{-f}
1124 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1125 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1126 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1127 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1128 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1129 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1130 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1131 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1132 frame.
1133
1134 @item -epoch
1135 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1136 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1137 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1138 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1139 separate window.
1140
1141 @item -annotate @var{level}
1142 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1143 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1144 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1145 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1146 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1147 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1148 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1149 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1150 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1151
1152 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1153 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1154
1155 @item --args
1156 @cindex @code{--args}
1157 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1158 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1159 This option stops option processing.
1160
1161 @item -baud @var{bps}
1162 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1163 @cindex @code{--baud}
1164 @cindex @code{-b}
1165 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1166 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1167
1168 @item -l @var{timeout}
1169 @cindex @code{-l}
1170 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1171 for remote debugging.
1172
1173 @item -tty @var{device}
1174 @itemx -t @var{device}
1175 @cindex @code{--tty}
1176 @cindex @code{-t}
1177 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1178 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1179
1180 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1181 @item -tui
1182 @cindex @code{--tui}
1183 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1184 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1185 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1186 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1187 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1188 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1189 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1190
1191 @c @item -xdb
1192 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1193 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1194 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1195 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1196 @c systems.
1197
1198 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1199 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1200 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1201 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1202 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1203 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1204
1205 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1206 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1207 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1208 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1209 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1210 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1211
1212 @item -write
1213 @cindex @code{--write}
1214 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1215 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1216 (@pxref{Patching}).
1217
1218 @item -statistics
1219 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1220 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1221 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1222
1223 @item -version
1224 @cindex @code{--version}
1225 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1226 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1227
1228 @end table
1229
1230 @node Startup
1231 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1232 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1233
1234 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1235
1236 @enumerate
1237 @item
1238 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1239 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1240
1241 @item
1242 @cindex init file
1243 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1244 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1245 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1246 that file.
1247
1248 @item
1249 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1250 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1251 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1252 that file.
1253
1254 @item
1255 Processes command line options and operands.
1256
1257 @item
1258 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1259 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1260 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1261 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1262 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1263 @value{GDBN}.
1264
1265 @item
1266 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1267 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1268 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1269 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1270
1271 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1272 you must do something like the following:
1273
1274 @smallexample
1275 $ gdb -ex "set auto-load-scripts off" -ex "file myprogram"
1276 @end smallexample
1277
1278 The following does not work because the auto-loading is turned off too late:
1279
1280 @smallexample
1281 $ gdb -ex "set auto-load-scripts off" myprogram
1282 @end smallexample
1283
1284 @item
1285 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1286 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1287
1288 @item
1289 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1290 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1291 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1292 @end enumerate
1293
1294 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1295 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1296 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1297 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1298 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1299 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1300
1301 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1302 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1303
1304 @cindex init file name
1305 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1306 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1307 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1308 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1309 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1310 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1311 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1312 the file to the standard name.
1313
1314
1315 @node Quitting GDB
1316 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1317 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1318 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1319
1320 @table @code
1321 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1322 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1323 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1324 @itemx q
1325 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1326 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1327 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1328 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1329 error code.
1330 @end table
1331
1332 @cindex interrupt
1333 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1334 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1335 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1336 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1337 until a time when it is safe.
1338
1339 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1340 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1341 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1342
1343 @node Shell Commands
1344 @section Shell Commands
1345
1346 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1347 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1348 just use the @code{shell} command.
1349
1350 @table @code
1351 @kindex shell
1352 @cindex shell escape
1353 @item shell @var{command string}
1354 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1355 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1356 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1357 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1358 @end table
1359
1360 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1361 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1362 @value{GDBN}:
1363
1364 @table @code
1365 @kindex make
1366 @cindex calling make
1367 @item make @var{make-args}
1368 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1369 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1370 @end table
1371
1372 @node Logging Output
1373 @section Logging Output
1374 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1375 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1376
1377 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1378 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1379
1380 @table @code
1381 @kindex set logging
1382 @item set logging on
1383 Enable logging.
1384 @item set logging off
1385 Disable logging.
1386 @cindex logging file name
1387 @item set logging file @var{file}
1388 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1389 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1390 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1391 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1392 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1393 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1394 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1395 @kindex show logging
1396 @item show logging
1397 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1398 @end table
1399
1400 @node Commands
1401 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1402
1403 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1404 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1405 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1406 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1407 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1408
1409 @menu
1410 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1411 * Completion:: Command completion
1412 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1413 @end menu
1414
1415 @node Command Syntax
1416 @section Command Syntax
1417
1418 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1419 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1420 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1421 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1422 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1423 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1424
1425 @cindex abbreviation
1426 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1427 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1428 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1429 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1430 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1431 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1432 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1433
1434 @cindex repeating commands
1435 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1436 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1437 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1438 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1439 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1440 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1441 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1442
1443 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1444 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1445 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1446
1447 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1448 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1449 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1450 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1451 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1452
1453 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1454 @cindex comment
1455 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1456 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1457 Files,,Command Files}).
1458
1459 @cindex repeating command sequences
1460 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1461 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1462 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1463 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1464 for editing.
1465
1466 @node Completion
1467 @section Command Completion
1468
1469 @cindex completion
1470 @cindex word completion
1471 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1472 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1473 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1474 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1475
1476 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1477 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1478 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1479 enter it). For example, if you type
1480
1481 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1482 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1483 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1484 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1485 @smallexample
1486 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1487 @end smallexample
1488
1489 @noindent
1490 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1491 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1492
1493 @smallexample
1494 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1495 @end smallexample
1496
1497 @noindent
1498 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1499 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1500 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1501 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1502 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1503 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1504
1505 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1506 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1507 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1508 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1509 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1510 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1511 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1512 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1513 example:
1514
1515 @smallexample
1516 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1517 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1518 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1519 make_abs_section make_function_type
1520 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1521 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1522 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1523 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1524 @end smallexample
1525
1526 @noindent
1527 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1528 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1529 command.
1530
1531 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1532 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1533 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1534 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1535 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1536
1537 @cindex quotes in commands
1538 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1539 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1540 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1541 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1542 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1543 @value{GDBN} commands.
1544
1545 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1546 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1547 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1548 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1549 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1550 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1551 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1552 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1553 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1554 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1555 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1556
1557 @smallexample
1558 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1559 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1560 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1561 @end smallexample
1562
1563 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1564 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1565 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1566 place:
1567
1568 @smallexample
1569 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1570 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1571 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1572 @end smallexample
1573
1574 @noindent
1575 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1576 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1577 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1578
1579 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1580 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1581 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1582 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1583
1584 @cindex completion of structure field names
1585 @cindex structure field name completion
1586 @cindex completion of union field names
1587 @cindex union field name completion
1588 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1589 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1590 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1591 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1592 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1593 left-hand-side:
1594
1595 @smallexample
1596 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1597 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1598 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1599 @end smallexample
1600
1601 @noindent
1602 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1603 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1604 follows:
1605
1606 @smallexample
1607 struct ui_file
1608 @{
1609 int *magic;
1610 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1611 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1612 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1613 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1614 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1615 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1616 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1617 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1618 void *to_data;
1619 @}
1620 @end smallexample
1621
1622
1623 @node Help
1624 @section Getting Help
1625 @cindex online documentation
1626 @kindex help
1627
1628 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1629 using the command @code{help}.
1630
1631 @table @code
1632 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1633 @item help
1634 @itemx h
1635 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1636 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1637
1638 @smallexample
1639 (@value{GDBP}) help
1640 List of classes of commands:
1641
1642 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1643 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1644 data -- Examining data
1645 files -- Specifying and examining files
1646 internals -- Maintenance commands
1647 obscure -- Obscure features
1648 running -- Running the program
1649 stack -- Examining the stack
1650 status -- Status inquiries
1651 support -- Support facilities
1652 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1653 stopping the program
1654 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1655
1656 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1657 commands in that class.
1658 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1659 documentation.
1660 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1661 (@value{GDBP})
1662 @end smallexample
1663 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1664
1665 @item help @var{class}
1666 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1667 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1668 help display for the class @code{status}:
1669
1670 @smallexample
1671 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1672 Status inquiries.
1673
1674 List of commands:
1675
1676 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1677 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1678 info -- Generic command for showing things
1679 about the program being debugged
1680 show -- Generic command for showing things
1681 about the debugger
1682
1683 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1684 documentation.
1685 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1686 (@value{GDBP})
1687 @end smallexample
1688
1689 @item help @var{command}
1690 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1691 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1692
1693 @kindex apropos
1694 @item apropos @var{args}
1695 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1696 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1697 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1698
1699 @smallexample
1700 apropos reload
1701 @end smallexample
1702
1703 @noindent
1704 results in:
1705
1706 @smallexample
1707 @c @group
1708 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1709 multiple times in one run
1710 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1711 multiple times in one run
1712 @c @end group
1713 @end smallexample
1714
1715 @kindex complete
1716 @item complete @var{args}
1717 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1718 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1719 command you want completed. For example:
1720
1721 @smallexample
1722 complete i
1723 @end smallexample
1724
1725 @noindent results in:
1726
1727 @smallexample
1728 @group
1729 if
1730 ignore
1731 info
1732 inspect
1733 @end group
1734 @end smallexample
1735
1736 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1737 @end table
1738
1739 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1740 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1741 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1742 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1743 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1744 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1745
1746 @c @group
1747 @table @code
1748 @kindex info
1749 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1750 @item info
1751 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1752 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1753 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1754 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1755 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1756 @w{@code{help info}}.
1757
1758 @kindex set
1759 @item set
1760 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1761 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1762 @code{set prompt $}.
1763
1764 @kindex show
1765 @item show
1766 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1767 @value{GDBN} itself.
1768 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1769 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1770 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1771 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1772
1773 @kindex info set
1774 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1775 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1776 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1777 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1778 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1779 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1780 @end table
1781 @c @end group
1782
1783 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1784 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1785
1786 @table @code
1787 @kindex show version
1788 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1789 @item show version
1790 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1791 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1792 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1793 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1794 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1795 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1796 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1797 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1798 @value{GDBN}.
1799
1800 @kindex show copying
1801 @kindex info copying
1802 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1803 @item show copying
1804 @itemx info copying
1805 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1806
1807 @kindex show warranty
1808 @kindex info warranty
1809 @item show warranty
1810 @itemx info warranty
1811 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1812 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1813
1814 @end table
1815
1816 @node Running
1817 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1818
1819 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1820 debugging information when you compile it.
1821
1822 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1823 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1824 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1825 kill a child process.
1826
1827 @menu
1828 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1829 * Starting:: Starting your program
1830 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1831 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1832
1833 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1834 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1835 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1836 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1837
1838 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1839 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1840 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1841 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1842 @end menu
1843
1844 @node Compilation
1845 @section Compiling for Debugging
1846
1847 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1848 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1849 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1850 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1851 and addresses in the executable code.
1852
1853 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1854 the compiler.
1855
1856 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1857 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1858 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1859 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1860 executables containing debugging information.
1861
1862 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1863 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1864 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1865 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1866 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1867
1868 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1869 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1870 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1871
1872 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1873 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1874 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1875 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1876 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1877 provides macro information if you specify the options
1878 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1879 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1880 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1881 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1882 @option{-g} alone.
1883
1884 @need 2000
1885 @node Starting
1886 @section Starting your Program
1887 @cindex starting
1888 @cindex running
1889
1890 @table @code
1891 @kindex run
1892 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1893 @item run
1894 @itemx r
1895 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1896 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1897 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1898 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1899 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1900
1901 @end table
1902
1903 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1904 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1905 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1906 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1907 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1908 message like this one:
1909
1910 @smallexample
1911 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1912 Try "help target" or "continue".
1913 @end smallexample
1914
1915 @noindent
1916 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1917 first (@pxref{load}).
1918
1919 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1920 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1921 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1922 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1923 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1924 divided into four categories:
1925
1926 @table @asis
1927 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1928 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1929 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1930 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1931 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1932 the arguments.
1933 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1934 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1935 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1936
1937 @item The @emph{environment.}
1938 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1939 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1940 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1941 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1942
1943 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1944 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1945 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1946 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1947
1948 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1949 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1950 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1951 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1952 set a different device for your program.
1953 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1954
1955 @cindex pipes
1956 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1957 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1958 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1959 wrong program.
1960 @end table
1961
1962 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1963 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1964 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1965 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1966 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1967
1968 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1969 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1970 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1971 your current breakpoints.
1972
1973 @table @code
1974 @kindex start
1975 @item start
1976 @cindex run to main procedure
1977 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1978 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1979 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1980 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1981 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1982 procedure, depending on the language used.
1983
1984 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1985 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1986 the @samp{run} command.
1987
1988 @cindex elaboration phase
1989 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1990 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1991 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1992 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1993 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1994 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1995 will remain to halt execution.
1996
1997 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1998 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1999 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2000 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2001 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2002
2003 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2004 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2005 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2006 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2007 elaboration code before running your program.
2008
2009 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2010 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2011 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2012 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2013 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2014 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2015 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2016 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2017 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2018 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2019 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2020
2021 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2022 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2023 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2024 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2025
2026 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2027 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2028 environment:
2029
2030 @smallexample
2031 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2032 (@value{GDBP}) run
2033 @end smallexample
2034
2035 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2036 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2037
2038 @kindex set disable-randomization
2039 @item set disable-randomization
2040 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2041 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2042 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2043 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2044 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2045
2046 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2047 behavior using
2048
2049 @smallexample
2050 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2051 @end smallexample
2052
2053 @item set disable-randomization off
2054 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2055 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2056 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2057 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2058 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2059 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2060
2061 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2062 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2063 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2064 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2065 a code at its expected addresses.
2066
2067 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2068 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2069 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2070 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2071 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2072 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2073 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2074 a randomly chosen address.
2075
2076 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2077 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2078 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2079 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2080 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2081
2082 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2083 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2084
2085 @item show disable-randomization
2086 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2087 the virtual address space of the started program.
2088
2089 @end table
2090
2091 @node Arguments
2092 @section Your Program's Arguments
2093
2094 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2095 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2096 @code{run} command.
2097 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2098 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2099 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2100 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2101 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2102
2103 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2104 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2105 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2106 the program, not by the shell.
2107
2108 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2109 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2110
2111 @table @code
2112 @kindex set args
2113 @item set args
2114 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2115 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2116 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2117 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2118 it again without arguments.
2119
2120 @kindex show args
2121 @item show args
2122 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2123 @end table
2124
2125 @node Environment
2126 @section Your Program's Environment
2127
2128 @cindex environment (of your program)
2129 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2130 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2131 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2132 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2133 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2134 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2135 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2136
2137 @table @code
2138 @kindex path
2139 @item path @var{directory}
2140 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2141 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2142 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2143 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2144 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2145 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2146 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2147
2148 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2149 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2150 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2151 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2152 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2153 @var{directory} to the search path.
2154 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2155 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2156
2157 @kindex show paths
2158 @item show paths
2159 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2160 environment variable).
2161
2162 @kindex show environment
2163 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2164 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2165 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2166 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2167 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2168
2169 @kindex set environment
2170 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2171 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2172 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2173 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2174 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2175 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2176 null value.
2177 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2178 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2179
2180 For example, this command:
2181
2182 @smallexample
2183 set env USER = foo
2184 @end smallexample
2185
2186 @noindent
2187 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2188 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2189 are not actually required.)
2190
2191 @kindex unset environment
2192 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2193 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2194 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2195 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2196 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2197 @end table
2198
2199 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2200 the shell indicated
2201 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2202 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2203 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2204 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2205 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2206 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2207 @file{.profile}.
2208
2209 @node Working Directory
2210 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2211
2212 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2213 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2214 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2215 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2216 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2217 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2218
2219 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2220 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2221 Specify Files}.
2222
2223 @table @code
2224 @kindex cd
2225 @cindex change working directory
2226 @item cd @var{directory}
2227 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2228
2229 @kindex pwd
2230 @item pwd
2231 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2232 @end table
2233
2234 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2235 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2236 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2237 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2238 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2239 current working directory of the debuggee.
2240
2241 @node Input/Output
2242 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2243
2244 @cindex redirection
2245 @cindex i/o
2246 @cindex terminal
2247 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2248 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2249 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2250 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2251 running your program.
2252
2253 @table @code
2254 @kindex info terminal
2255 @item info terminal
2256 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2257 program is using.
2258 @end table
2259
2260 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2261 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2262
2263 @smallexample
2264 run > outfile
2265 @end smallexample
2266
2267 @noindent
2268 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2269
2270 @kindex tty
2271 @cindex controlling terminal
2272 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2273 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2274 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2275 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2276 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2277
2278 @smallexample
2279 tty /dev/ttyb
2280 @end smallexample
2281
2282 @noindent
2283 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2284 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2285 that as their controlling terminal.
2286
2287 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2288 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2289 terminal.
2290
2291 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2292 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2293 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2294 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2295
2296 @cindex inferior tty
2297 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2298 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2299 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2300 program.
2301
2302 @table @code
2303 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2304 @kindex set inferior-tty
2305 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2306
2307 @item show inferior-tty
2308 @kindex show inferior-tty
2309 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2310 @end table
2311
2312 @node Attach
2313 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2314 @kindex attach
2315 @cindex attach
2316
2317 @table @code
2318 @item attach @var{process-id}
2319 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2320 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2321 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2322 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2323 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2324
2325 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2326 executing the command.
2327 @end table
2328
2329 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2330 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2331 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2332 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2333
2334 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2335 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2336 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2337 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2338 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2339 Specify Files}.
2340
2341 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2342 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2343 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2344 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2345 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2346 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2347 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2348
2349 @table @code
2350 @kindex detach
2351 @item detach
2352 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2353 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2354 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2355 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2356 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2357 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2358 executing the command.
2359 @end table
2360
2361 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2362 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2363 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2364 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2365 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2366 Messages}).
2367
2368 @node Kill Process
2369 @section Killing the Child Process
2370
2371 @table @code
2372 @kindex kill
2373 @item kill
2374 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2375 @end table
2376
2377 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2378 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2379 is running.
2380
2381 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2382 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2383 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2384 outside the debugger.
2385
2386 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2387 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2388 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2389 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2390 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2391 breakpoint settings).
2392
2393 @node Inferiors and Programs
2394 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2395
2396 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2397 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2398 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2399 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2400 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2401 from multiple executables.
2402
2403 @cindex inferior
2404 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2405 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2406 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2407 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2408 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2409 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2410 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2411 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2412 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2413 threads running in it.
2414
2415 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2416 inferiors}}:
2417
2418 @table @code
2419 @kindex info inferiors
2420 @item info inferiors
2421 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2422
2423 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2424
2425 @enumerate
2426 @item
2427 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2428
2429 @item
2430 the target system's inferior identifier
2431
2432 @item
2433 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2434
2435 @end enumerate
2436
2437 @noindent
2438 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2439 indicates the current inferior.
2440
2441 For example,
2442 @end table
2443 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2444
2445 @smallexample
2446 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2447 Num Description Executable
2448 2 process 2307 hello
2449 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2450 @end smallexample
2451
2452 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2453
2454 @table @code
2455 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2456 @item inferior @var{infno}
2457 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2458 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2459 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2460 @end table
2461
2462
2463 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2464 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2465 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2466 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2467 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2468 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2469
2470 @table @code
2471 @kindex add-inferior
2472 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2473 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2474 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2475 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2476 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2477 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2478
2479 @kindex clone-inferior
2480 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2481 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2482 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2483 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2484 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2485
2486 @smallexample
2487 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2488 Num Description Executable
2489 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2490 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2491 Added inferior 2.
2492 1 inferiors added.
2493 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2494 Num Description Executable
2495 2 <null> helloworld
2496 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2497 @end smallexample
2498
2499 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2500
2501 @kindex remove-inferiors
2502 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2503 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2504 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2505 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2506
2507 @end table
2508
2509 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2510 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2511 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2512 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2513
2514 @table @code
2515 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2516 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2517 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2518 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2519 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2520 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2521
2522 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2523 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2524 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2525 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2526 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2527 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2528 @end table
2529
2530 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2531 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2532 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2533 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2534
2535
2536 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2537 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2538
2539 @table @code
2540 @kindex set print inferior-events
2541 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2542 @item set print inferior-events
2543 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2544 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2545 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2546 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2547 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2548 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2549
2550 @kindex show print inferior-events
2551 @item show print inferior-events
2552 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2553 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2554 @end table
2555
2556 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2557 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2558 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2559
2560
2561 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2562 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2563 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2564 info program-spaces}} command.
2565
2566 @table @code
2567 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2568 @item maint info program-spaces
2569 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2570 @value{GDBN}.
2571
2572 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2573
2574 @enumerate
2575 @item
2576 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2577
2578 @item
2579 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2580 the @code{file} command.
2581
2582 @end enumerate
2583
2584 @noindent
2585 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2586 indicates the current program space.
2587
2588 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2589 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2590 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2591
2592 @smallexample
2593 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2594 Id Executable
2595 2 goodbye
2596 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2597 * 1 hello
2598 @end smallexample
2599
2600 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2601 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2602 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2603 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2604 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2605
2606 @smallexample
2607 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2608 Id Executable
2609 * 1 vfork-test
2610 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2611 @end smallexample
2612
2613 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2614 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2615 @end table
2616
2617 @node Threads
2618 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2619
2620 @cindex threads of execution
2621 @cindex multiple threads
2622 @cindex switching threads
2623 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2624 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2625 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2626 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2627 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2628 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2629 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2630
2631 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2632 programs:
2633
2634 @itemize @bullet
2635 @item automatic notification of new threads
2636 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2637 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2638 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2639 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2640 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2641 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2642 messages on thread start and exit.
2643 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2644 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2645 isn't compatible with the program.
2646 @end itemize
2647
2648 @quotation
2649 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2650 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2651 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2652 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2653 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2654 like this:
2655
2656 @smallexample
2657 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2658 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2659 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2660 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2661 @end smallexample
2662 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2663 @c doesn't support threads"?
2664 @end quotation
2665
2666 @cindex focus of debugging
2667 @cindex current thread
2668 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2669 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2670 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2671 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2672 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2673
2674 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2675 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2676 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2677 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2678 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2679 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2680 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2681 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2682 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2683 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2684
2685 @smallexample
2686 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2687 @end smallexample
2688
2689 @noindent
2690 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2691 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2692 further qualifier.
2693
2694 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2695 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2696 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2697 @c program?
2698 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2699 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2700 @c threads ab initio?
2701
2702 @cindex thread number
2703 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2704 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2705 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2706
2707 @table @code
2708 @kindex info threads
2709 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2710 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2711 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2712 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2713 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2714
2715 @enumerate
2716 @item
2717 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2718
2719 @item
2720 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2721
2722 @item
2723 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2724 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2725 program itself.
2726
2727 @item
2728 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2729 @end enumerate
2730
2731 @noindent
2732 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2733 indicates the current thread.
2734
2735 For example,
2736 @end table
2737 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2738
2739 @smallexample
2740 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2741 Id Target Id Frame
2742 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2743 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2744 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2745 at threadtest.c:68
2746 @end smallexample
2747
2748 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2749 Solaris-specific command:
2750
2751 @table @code
2752 @item maint info sol-threads
2753 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2754 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2755 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2756 @end table
2757
2758 @table @code
2759 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2760 @item thread @var{threadno}
2761 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2762 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2763 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2764 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2765 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2766
2767 @smallexample
2768 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2769 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2770 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2771 8 printf ("hello\n");
2772 @end smallexample
2773
2774 @noindent
2775 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2776 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2777 threads.
2778
2779 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2780 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2781 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2782 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2783 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2784 information on convenience variables.
2785
2786 @kindex thread apply
2787 @cindex apply command to several threads
2788 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2789 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2790 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2791 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2792 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2793 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2794 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2795 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2796
2797 @kindex thread name
2798 @cindex name a thread
2799 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2800 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2801 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2802 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2803
2804 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2805 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2806 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2807 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2808 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2809
2810 @kindex thread find
2811 @cindex search for a thread
2812 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2813 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2814 matches the supplied regular expression.
2815
2816 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2817 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2818 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2819 is the LWP id.
2820
2821 @smallexample
2822 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2823 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2824 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2825 Id Target Id Frame
2826 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2827 @end smallexample
2828
2829 @kindex set print thread-events
2830 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2831 @item set print thread-events
2832 @itemx set print thread-events on
2833 @itemx set print thread-events off
2834 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2835 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2836 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2837 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2838 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2839
2840 @kindex show print thread-events
2841 @item show print thread-events
2842 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2843 have started and exited.
2844 @end table
2845
2846 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2847 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2848 programs with multiple threads.
2849
2850 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2851 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2852
2853 @table @code
2854 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2855 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2856 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2857 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2858 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2859 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2860 an empty list.
2861
2862 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2863 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2864 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2865 to find @code{libthread_db}. If that fails, @value{GDBN} will continue
2866 with default system shared library directories, and finally the directory
2867 from which @code{libpthread} was loaded in the inferior process.
2868
2869 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2870 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2871 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2872 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2873 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2874 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2875 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2876
2877 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2878 only on some platforms.
2879
2880 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2881 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2882 Display current libthread_db search path.
2883
2884 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2885 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2886 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2887 @item set debug libthread-db
2888 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2889 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2890 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2891 @end table
2892
2893 @node Forks
2894 @section Debugging Forks
2895
2896 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2897 @cindex multiple processes
2898 @cindex processes, multiple
2899 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2900 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2901 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2902 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2903 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2904 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2905 will cause it to terminate.
2906
2907 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2908 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2909 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2910 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2911 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2912 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2913 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2914 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2915 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2916 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2917
2918 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2919 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2920 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2921 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2922
2923 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2924 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2925
2926 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2927 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2928
2929 @table @code
2930 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2931 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2932 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2933 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2934 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2935
2936 @table @code
2937 @item parent
2938 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2939 unimpeded. This is the default.
2940
2941 @item child
2942 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2943 unimpeded.
2944
2945 @end table
2946
2947 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2948 @item show follow-fork-mode
2949 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2950 @end table
2951
2952 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2953 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2954 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2955
2956 @table @code
2957 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2958 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2959 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2960 retain debugger control over them both.
2961
2962 @table @code
2963 @item on
2964 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2965 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2966 independently. This is the default.
2967
2968 @item off
2969 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2970 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2971 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2972 is held suspended.
2973
2974 @end table
2975
2976 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2977 @item show detach-on-fork
2978 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2979 @end table
2980
2981 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2982 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2983 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2984 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2985 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
2986 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
2987
2988 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2989 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
2990 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
2991 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2992 and Programs}.
2993
2994 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2995 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2996 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2997 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2998 the child process's @code{main}.
2999
3000 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3001 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3002
3003 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3004 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3005 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3006 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3007 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3008 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3009 command.
3010
3011 @table @code
3012 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3013 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3014
3015 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3016 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3017
3018 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3019
3020 @table @code
3021 @item new
3022 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3023 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3024 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3025 original inferior.
3026
3027 For example:
3028
3029 @smallexample
3030 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3031 (gdb) info inferior
3032 Id Description Executable
3033 * 1 <null> prog1
3034 (@value{GDBP}) run
3035 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3036 Program exited normally.
3037 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3038 Id Description Executable
3039 * 2 <null> prog2
3040 1 <null> prog1
3041 @end smallexample
3042
3043 @item same
3044 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3045 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3046 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3047 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3048 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3049
3050 For example:
3051
3052 @smallexample
3053 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3054 Id Description Executable
3055 * 1 <null> prog1
3056 (@value{GDBP}) run
3057 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3058 Program exited normally.
3059 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3060 Id Description Executable
3061 * 1 <null> prog2
3062 @end smallexample
3063
3064 @end table
3065 @end table
3066
3067 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3068 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3069 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3070
3071 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3072 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3073
3074 @cindex checkpoint
3075 @cindex restart
3076 @cindex bookmark
3077 @cindex snapshot of a process
3078 @cindex rewind program state
3079
3080 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3081 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3082 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3083 later.
3084
3085 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3086 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3087 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3088 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3089 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3090
3091 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3092 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3093 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3094 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3095 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3096 start again from there.
3097
3098 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3099 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3100
3101 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3102
3103 @table @code
3104 @kindex checkpoint
3105 @item checkpoint
3106 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3107 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3108 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3109
3110 @kindex info checkpoints
3111 @item info checkpoints
3112 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3113 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3114 listed:
3115
3116 @table @code
3117 @item Checkpoint ID
3118 @item Process ID
3119 @item Code Address
3120 @item Source line, or label
3121 @end table
3122
3123 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3124 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3125 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3126 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3127 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3128 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3129 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3130
3131 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3132 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3133 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3134 the debugger.
3135
3136 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3137 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3138 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3139
3140 @end table
3141
3142 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3143 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3144 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3145 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3146 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3147 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3148 previously read data can be read again.
3149
3150 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3151 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3152 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3153 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3154 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3155 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3156
3157 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3158 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3159 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3160 different execution path this time.
3161
3162 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3163 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3164 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3165 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3166 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3167 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3168 potentially pose a problem.
3169
3170 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3171
3172 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3173 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3174 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3175 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3176 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3177 next.
3178
3179 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3180 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3181 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3182 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3183 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3184
3185 @node Stopping
3186 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3187
3188 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3189 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3190 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3191
3192 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3193 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3194 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3195 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3196 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3197 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3198 explicitly request this information at any time.
3199
3200 @table @code
3201 @kindex info program
3202 @item info program
3203 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3204 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3205 @end table
3206
3207 @menu
3208 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3209 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3210 * Signals:: Signals
3211 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3212 @end menu
3213
3214 @node Breakpoints
3215 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3216
3217 @cindex breakpoints
3218 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3219 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3220 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3221 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3222 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3223 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3224 program.
3225
3226 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3227 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3228 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3229 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3230 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3231 call).
3232
3233 @cindex watchpoints
3234 @cindex data breakpoints
3235 @cindex memory tracing
3236 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3237 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3238 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3239 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3240 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3241 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3242 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3243 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3244 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3245 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3246 same commands.
3247
3248 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3249 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3250 Automatic Display}.
3251
3252 @cindex catchpoints
3253 @cindex breakpoint on events
3254 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3255 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3256 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3257 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3258 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3259 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3260 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3261
3262 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3263 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3264 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3265 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3266 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3267 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3268 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3269 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3270 enable it again.
3271
3272 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3273 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3274 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3275 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3276 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3277 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3278 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3279
3280 @menu
3281 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3282 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3283 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3284 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3285 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3286 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3287 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3288 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3289 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3290 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3291 @end menu
3292
3293 @node Set Breaks
3294 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3295
3296 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3297 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3298 @c
3299 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3300
3301 @kindex break
3302 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3303 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3304 @cindex latest breakpoint
3305 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3306 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3307 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3308 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3309 convenience variables.
3310
3311 @table @code
3312 @item break @var{location}
3313 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3314 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3315 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3316 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3317 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3318
3319 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3320 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3321 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3322 that situation.
3323
3324 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3325 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3326 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3327
3328 @item break
3329 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3330 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3331 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3332 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3333 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3334 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3335 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3336 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3337 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3338 inside loops.
3339
3340 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3341 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3342 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3343 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3344 existed when your program stopped.
3345
3346 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3347 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3348 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3349 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3350 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3351 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3352 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3353
3354 @kindex tbreak
3355 @item tbreak @var{args}
3356 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3357 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3358 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3359 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3360
3361 @kindex hbreak
3362 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3363 @item hbreak @var{args}
3364 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3365 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3366 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3367 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3368 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3369 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3370 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3371 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3372 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3373 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3374 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3375 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3376 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3377 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3378 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3379 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3380 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3381 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3382
3383 @kindex thbreak
3384 @item thbreak @var{args}
3385 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3386 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3387 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3388 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3389 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3390 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3391 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3392 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3393
3394 @kindex rbreak
3395 @cindex regular expression
3396 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3397 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3398 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3399 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3400 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3401 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3402 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3403 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3404 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3405
3406 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3407 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3408 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3409 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3410 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3411 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3412
3413 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3414 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3415 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3416 classes.
3417
3418 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3419 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3420 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3421
3422 @smallexample
3423 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3424 @end smallexample
3425
3426 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3427 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3428 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3429 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3430 every function in a given file:
3431
3432 @smallexample
3433 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3434 @end smallexample
3435
3436 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3437 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3438
3439 @kindex info breakpoints
3440 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3441 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3442 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3443 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3444 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3445 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3446 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3447
3448 @table @emph
3449 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3450 @item Type
3451 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3452 @item Disposition
3453 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3454 @item Enabled or Disabled
3455 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3456 that are not enabled.
3457 @item Address
3458 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3459 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3460 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3461 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3462 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3463 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3464 @item What
3465 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3466 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3467 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3468 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3469 @end table
3470
3471 @noindent
3472 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3473 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3474 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3475 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3476 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3477 valid location.
3478
3479 @noindent
3480 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3481 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3482 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3483 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3484 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3485
3486 @noindent
3487 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3488 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3489 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3490 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3491 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3492 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3493 @end table
3494
3495 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3496 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3497 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3498 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3499
3500 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3501 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3502 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3503 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3504
3505 @itemize @bullet
3506 @item
3507 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3508 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3509
3510 @item
3511 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3512 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3513
3514 @item
3515 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3516 several places where that function is inlined.
3517 @end itemize
3518
3519 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3520 the relevant locations@footnote{
3521 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3522 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3523 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3524 info with line numbers for them.}.
3525
3526 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3527 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3528 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3529 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3530 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3531 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3532 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3533
3534 For example:
3535
3536 @smallexample
3537 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3538 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3539 stop only if i==1
3540 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3541 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3542 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3543 @end smallexample
3544
3545 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3546 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3547 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3548 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3549 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3550 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3551 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3552 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3553 that belong to that breakpoint.
3554
3555 @cindex pending breakpoints
3556 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3557 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3558 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3559 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3560 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3561 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3562 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3563 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3564 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3565 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3566 is not yet resolved.
3567
3568 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3569 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3570 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3571 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3572 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3573 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3574
3575 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3576 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3577 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3578 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3579
3580 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3581 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3582 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3583
3584 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3585 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3586 address specification to an address:
3587
3588 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3589 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3590 @table @code
3591 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3592 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3593 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3594
3595 @item set breakpoint pending on
3596 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3597 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3598
3599 @item set breakpoint pending off
3600 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3601 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3602 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3603
3604 @item show breakpoint pending
3605 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3606 @end table
3607
3608 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3609 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3610 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3611
3612 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3613 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3614 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3615 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3616 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3617 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3618 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3619 breakpoints.
3620
3621 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3622
3623 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3624 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3625 @table @code
3626 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3627 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3628 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3629 breakpoint must be used.
3630
3631 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3632 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3633 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3634 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3635 @end table
3636
3637 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3638 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3639 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3640 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3641 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3642 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3643 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3644 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3645 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3646
3647 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3648 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3649 @table @code
3650 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3651 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3652 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3653 removed from the target when it stops.
3654
3655 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3656 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3657 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3658 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3659 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3660
3661 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3662 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3663 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3664 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3665 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3666 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3667 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3668 @end table
3669
3670 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3671 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3672 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3673 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3674 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3675 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3676 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3677 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3678
3679
3680 @node Set Watchpoints
3681 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3682
3683 @cindex setting watchpoints
3684 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3685 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3686 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3687 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3688 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3689
3690 @itemize @bullet
3691 @item
3692 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3693
3694 @item
3695 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3696 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3697 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3698
3699 @item
3700 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3701 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3702 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3703 @end itemize
3704
3705 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3706 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3707 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3708 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3709 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3710 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3711 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3712 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3713 the expression changes.
3714
3715 @cindex software watchpoints
3716 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3717 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3718 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3719 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3720 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3721 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3722 culprit.)
3723
3724 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3725 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3726 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3727
3728 @table @code
3729 @kindex watch
3730 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3731 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3732 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3733 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3734 to watch the value of a single variable:
3735
3736 @smallexample
3737 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3738 @end smallexample
3739
3740 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3741 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3742 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3743 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3744 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3745 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3746
3747 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3748 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3749 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3750 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3751 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3752 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3753 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3754 error.
3755
3756 @kindex rwatch
3757 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3758 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3759 by the program.
3760
3761 @kindex awatch
3762 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3763 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3764 or written into by the program.
3765
3766 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3767 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3768 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3769 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3770 @end table
3771
3772 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3773 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3774 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3775 a never-changing value:
3776
3777 @smallexample
3778 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3779 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3780 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3781 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3782 @end smallexample
3783
3784 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3785 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3786 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3787 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3788 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3789 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3790
3791 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3792 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3793 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3794 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3795 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3796 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3797 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3798 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3799
3800 @table @code
3801 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3802 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3803 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3804
3805 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3806 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3807 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3808 @end table
3809
3810 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3811 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3812 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3813
3814 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3815
3816 @smallexample
3817 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3818 @end smallexample
3819
3820 @noindent
3821 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3822
3823 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3824 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3825 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3826 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3827 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3828 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3829 will print a message like this:
3830
3831 @smallexample
3832 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3833 @end smallexample
3834
3835 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3836 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3837 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3838 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3839 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3840 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3841 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3842 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3843
3844 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3845 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3846 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3847 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3848 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3849 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3850
3851 @smallexample
3852 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3853 @end smallexample
3854
3855 @noindent
3856 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3857
3858 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3859 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3860 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3861 expression with separately allocated resources.
3862
3863 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3864 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3865 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3866
3867 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3868 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3869 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3870 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3871 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3872 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3873 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3874 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3875 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3876
3877 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3878 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3879 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3880 watched expression from every thread.
3881
3882 @quotation
3883 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3884 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3885 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3886 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3887 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3888 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3889 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3890 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3891 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3892 @end quotation
3893
3894 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3895
3896 @node Set Catchpoints
3897 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3898 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3899 @cindex exception handlers
3900 @cindex event handling
3901
3902 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3903 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3904 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3905
3906 @table @code
3907 @kindex catch
3908 @item catch @var{event}
3909 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3910 @table @code
3911 @item throw
3912 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3913 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3914
3915 @item catch
3916 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3917
3918 @item exception
3919 @cindex Ada exception catching
3920 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3921 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3922 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3923 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3924 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3925
3926 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3927 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3928 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3929 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3930 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3931 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3932 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3933 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3934
3935 @item exception unhandled
3936 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3937
3938 @item assert
3939 A failed Ada assertion.
3940
3941 @item exec
3942 @cindex break on fork/exec
3943 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3944 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3945
3946 @item syscall
3947 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
3948 @cindex break on a system call.
3949 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
3950 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
3951 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
3952 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
3953 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
3954 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
3955 will be caught.
3956
3957 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
3958 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
3959 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
3960 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
3961
3962 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
3963 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
3964 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
3965 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
3966
3967 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
3968 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
3969 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
3970 available choices.
3971
3972 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
3973 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
3974 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
3975 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
3976 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
3977 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
3978 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
3979 behind the OS upgrades).
3980
3981 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
3982 arguments to it:
3983
3984 @smallexample
3985 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
3986 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
3987 (@value{GDBP}) r
3988 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3989
3990 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
3991 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3992 (@value{GDBP}) c
3993 Continuing.
3994
3995 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
3996 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3997 (@value{GDBP})
3998 @end smallexample
3999
4000 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4001
4002 @smallexample
4003 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4004 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4005 (@value{GDBP}) r
4006 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4007
4008 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4009 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4010 (@value{GDBP}) c
4011 Continuing.
4012
4013 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4014 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4015 (@value{GDBP})
4016 @end smallexample
4017
4018 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4019 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4020 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4021
4022 @smallexample
4023 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4024 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4025 (@value{GDBP}) r
4026 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4027
4028 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4029 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4030 (@value{GDBP}) c
4031 Continuing.
4032
4033 Program exited normally.
4034 (@value{GDBP})
4035 @end smallexample
4036
4037 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4038 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4039 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4040 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4041
4042 @smallexample
4043 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4044 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4045 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4046 (@value{GDBP})
4047 @end smallexample
4048
4049 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4050 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4051 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4052 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4053 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4054 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4055
4056 @smallexample
4057 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4058 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4059 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4060 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4061 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4062 (@value{GDBP})
4063 @end smallexample
4064
4065 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4066
4067 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4068 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4069
4070 @smallexample
4071 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4072 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4073 @end smallexample
4074
4075 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4076
4077 @item fork
4078 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4079 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4080
4081 @item vfork
4082 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4083 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4084
4085 @end table
4086
4087 @item tcatch @var{event}
4088 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4089 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4090
4091 @end table
4092
4093 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4094
4095 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4096 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4097
4098 @itemize @bullet
4099 @item
4100 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4101 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4102 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4103 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4104 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4105 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4106 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4107 disabled within interactive calls.
4108
4109 @item
4110 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4111
4112 @item
4113 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4114 @end itemize
4115
4116 @cindex raise exceptions
4117 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4118 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4119 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4120 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4121 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4122 out where the exception was raised.
4123
4124 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4125 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4126 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4127 which has the following ANSI C interface:
4128
4129 @smallexample
4130 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4131 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4132 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4133 @end smallexample
4134
4135 @noindent
4136 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4137 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4138 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4139
4140 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4141 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4142 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4143 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4144 raised.
4145
4146
4147 @node Delete Breaks
4148 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4149
4150 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4151 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4152 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4153 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4154 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4155 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4156
4157 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4158 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4159 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4160 their breakpoint numbers.
4161
4162 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4163 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4164 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4165
4166 @table @code
4167 @kindex clear
4168 @item clear
4169 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4170 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4171 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4172 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4173
4174 @item clear @var{location}
4175 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4176 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4177 most useful ones are listed below:
4178
4179 @table @code
4180 @item clear @var{function}
4181 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4182 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4183
4184 @item clear @var{linenum}
4185 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4186 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4187 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4188 @end table
4189
4190 @cindex delete breakpoints
4191 @kindex delete
4192 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4193 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4194 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4195 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4196 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4197 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4198 @end table
4199
4200 @node Disabling
4201 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4202
4203 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4204 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4205 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4206 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4207 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4208
4209 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4210 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4211 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4212 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4213 do not know which numbers to use.
4214
4215 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4216 affects all of its locations.
4217
4218 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
4219 states of enablement:
4220
4221 @itemize @bullet
4222 @item
4223 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4224 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4225 @item
4226 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4227 @item
4228 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4229 disabled.
4230 @item
4231 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4232 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4233 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4234 @end itemize
4235
4236 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4237 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4238
4239 @table @code
4240 @kindex disable
4241 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4242 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4243 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4244 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4245 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4246 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4247 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4248
4249 @kindex enable
4250 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4251 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4252 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4253
4254 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4255 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4256 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4257
4258 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4259 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4260 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4261 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4262 @end table
4263
4264 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4265 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4266 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4267 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4268 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4269 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4270 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4271 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4272 Stepping}.)
4273
4274 @node Conditions
4275 @subsection Break Conditions
4276 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4277 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4278
4279 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4280 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4281 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4282 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4283 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4284 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4285 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4286 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4287
4288 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4289 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4290 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4291 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4292 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4293
4294 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4295 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4296 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4297 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4298 one.
4299
4300 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4301 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4302 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4303 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4304 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4305 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4306 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4307 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4308 conditions for the
4309 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4310 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4311
4312 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4313 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4314 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4315 with the @code{condition} command.
4316
4317 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4318 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4319 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4320 catchpoint.
4321
4322 @table @code
4323 @kindex condition
4324 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4325 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4326 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4327 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4328 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4329 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4330 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4331 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4332 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4333 prints an error message:
4334
4335 @smallexample
4336 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4337 @end smallexample
4338
4339 @noindent
4340 @value{GDBN} does
4341 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4342 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4343 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4344
4345 @item condition @var{bnum}
4346 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4347 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4348 @end table
4349
4350 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4351 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4352 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4353 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4354 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4355 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4356 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4357 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4358 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4359 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4360 your program reaches it.
4361
4362 @table @code
4363 @kindex ignore
4364 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4365 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4366 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4367 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4368 takes no action.
4369
4370 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4371 a count of zero.
4372
4373 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4374 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4375 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4376 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4377
4378 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4379 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4380 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4381
4382 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4383 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4384 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4385 Variables}.
4386 @end table
4387
4388 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4389
4390
4391 @node Break Commands
4392 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4393
4394 @cindex breakpoint commands
4395 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4396 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4397 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4398 enable other breakpoints.
4399
4400 @table @code
4401 @kindex commands
4402 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4403 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4404 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4405 @itemx end
4406 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4407 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4408 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4409
4410 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4411 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4412
4413 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4414 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4415 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4416 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4417 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4418 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4419 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4420 Expressions}).
4421 @end table
4422
4423 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4424 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4425
4426 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4427 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4428 that resumes execution.
4429
4430 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4431 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4432 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4433 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4434 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4435
4436 @kindex silent
4437 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4438 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4439 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4440 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4441 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4442 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4443
4444 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4445 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4446 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4447
4448 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4449 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4450
4451 @smallexample
4452 break foo if x>0
4453 commands
4454 silent
4455 printf "x is %d\n",x
4456 cont
4457 end
4458 @end smallexample
4459
4460 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4461 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4462 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4463 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4464 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4465 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4466 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4467
4468 @smallexample
4469 break 403
4470 commands
4471 silent
4472 set x = y + 4
4473 cont
4474 end
4475 @end smallexample
4476
4477 @node Save Breakpoints
4478 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4479
4480 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4481 breakpoints}} command.
4482
4483 @table @code
4484 @kindex save breakpoints
4485 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4486 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4487 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4488 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4489 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4490 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4491 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4492 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4493 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4494 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4495 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4496 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4497 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4498 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4499 that can no longer be recreated.
4500 @end table
4501
4502 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4503 @node Error in Breakpoints
4504 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4505
4506 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4507 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4508
4509 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4510 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4511 @smallexample
4512 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4513 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4514 @end smallexample
4515
4516 @noindent
4517 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4518 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4519 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4520
4521 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4522 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4523
4524 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4525 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4526 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4527
4528 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4529 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4530 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4531 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4532
4533 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4534 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4535 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4536 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4537 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4538 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4539 first in the bundle.
4540
4541 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4542 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4543 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4544 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4545 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4546 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4547 is hit.
4548
4549 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4550 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4551
4552 @smallexample
4553 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4554 @end smallexample
4555
4556 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4557 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4558 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4559 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4560 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4561 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4562 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4563 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4564
4565 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4566 adjusted breakpoints:
4567
4568 @smallexample
4569 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4570 to 0x00010410.
4571 @end smallexample
4572
4573 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4574 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4575 frequently than expected.
4576
4577 @node Continuing and Stepping
4578 @section Continuing and Stepping
4579
4580 @cindex stepping
4581 @cindex continuing
4582 @cindex resuming execution
4583 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4584 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4585 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4586 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4587 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4588 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4589 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4590 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4591
4592 @table @code
4593 @kindex continue
4594 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4595 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4596 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4597 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4598 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4599 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4600 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4601 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4602 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4603 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4604
4605 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4606 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4607 @code{continue} is ignored.
4608
4609 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4610 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4611 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4612 @code{continue}.
4613 @end table
4614
4615 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4616 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4617 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4618 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4619
4620 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4621 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4622 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4623 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4624 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4625 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4626
4627 @table @code
4628 @kindex step
4629 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4630 @item step
4631 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4632 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4633 abbreviated @code{s}.
4634
4635 @quotation
4636 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4637 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4638 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4639 @c distinction here.
4640 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4641 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4642 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4643 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4644 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4645 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4646 below.
4647 @end quotation
4648
4649 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4650 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4651 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4652 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4653 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4654 called within the line.
4655
4656 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4657 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4658 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4659 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4660 was any debugging information about the routine.
4661
4662 @item step @var{count}
4663 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4664 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4665 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4666
4667 @kindex next
4668 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4669 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4670 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4671 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4672 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4673 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4674 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4675 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4676
4677 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4678
4679
4680 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4681 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4682 @c
4683 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4684 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4685 @c function are executed without stopping.
4686
4687 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4688 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4689 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4690
4691 @kindex set step-mode
4692 @item set step-mode
4693 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4694 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4695 @itemx set step-mode on
4696 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4697 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4698 information rather than stepping over it.
4699
4700 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4701 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4702 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4703
4704 @item set step-mode off
4705 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4706 debug information. This is the default.
4707
4708 @item show step-mode
4709 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4710 source line debug information.
4711
4712 @kindex finish
4713 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4714 @item finish
4715 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4716 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4717 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4718
4719 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4720 ,Returning from a Function}).
4721
4722 @kindex until
4723 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4724 @cindex run until specified location
4725 @item until
4726 @itemx u
4727 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4728 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4729 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4730 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4731 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4732 than the address of the jump.
4733
4734 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4735 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4736 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4737 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4738 through the next iteration.
4739
4740 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4741 stack frame.
4742
4743 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4744 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4745 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4746 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4747 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4748
4749 @smallexample
4750 (@value{GDBP}) f
4751 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4752 206 expand_input();
4753 (@value{GDBP}) until
4754 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4755 @end smallexample
4756
4757 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4758 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4759 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4760 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4761 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4762 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4763 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4764
4765 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4766 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4767 argument.
4768
4769 @item until @var{location}
4770 @itemx u @var{location}
4771 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4772 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4773 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4774 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4775 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4776 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4777 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4778 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4779 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4780 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4781 invocations have returned.
4782
4783 @smallexample
4784 94 int factorial (int value)
4785 95 @{
4786 96 if (value > 1) @{
4787 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4788 98 @}
4789 99 return (value);
4790 100 @}
4791 @end smallexample
4792
4793
4794 @kindex advance @var{location}
4795 @itemx advance @var{location}
4796 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4797 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4798 @ref{Specify Location}.
4799 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4800 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4801 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4802 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4803
4804
4805 @kindex stepi
4806 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4807 @item stepi
4808 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4809 @itemx si
4810 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4811
4812 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4813 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4814 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4815 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4816
4817 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4818
4819 @need 750
4820 @kindex nexti
4821 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4822 @item nexti
4823 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4824 @itemx ni
4825 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4826 proceed until the function returns.
4827
4828 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4829 @end table
4830
4831 @node Signals
4832 @section Signals
4833 @cindex signals
4834
4835 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4836 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4837 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4838 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4839 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4840 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4841 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4842 requested an alarm).
4843
4844 @cindex fatal signals
4845 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4846 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4847 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4848 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4849 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4850 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4851
4852 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4853 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4854 signal.
4855
4856 @cindex handling signals
4857 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4858 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4859 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4860 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4861 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4862
4863 @table @code
4864 @kindex info signals
4865 @kindex info handle
4866 @item info signals
4867 @itemx info handle
4868 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4869 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4870 the defined types of signals.
4871
4872 @item info signals @var{sig}
4873 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4874
4875 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4876
4877 @kindex handle
4878 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4879 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4880 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4881 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4882 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4883 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4884 say what change to make.
4885 @end table
4886
4887 @c @group
4888 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4889 Their full names are:
4890
4891 @table @code
4892 @item nostop
4893 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4894 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4895
4896 @item stop
4897 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4898 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4899
4900 @item print
4901 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4902
4903 @item noprint
4904 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4905 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4906
4907 @item pass
4908 @itemx noignore
4909 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4910 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4911 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4912
4913 @item nopass
4914 @itemx ignore
4915 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4916 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4917 @end table
4918 @c @end group
4919
4920 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4921 program until you
4922 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4923 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4924 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4925 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4926 program sees that signal when you continue.
4927
4928 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4929 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4930 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4931 erroneous signals.
4932
4933 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4934 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4935 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4936 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4937 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4938 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4939 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4940 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4941 Program a Signal}.
4942
4943 @cindex extra signal information
4944 @anchor{extra signal information}
4945
4946 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4947 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4948 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4949 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4950 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4951 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4952 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4953 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4954 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4955 system header.
4956
4957 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4958 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4959
4960 @smallexample
4961 @group
4962 (@value{GDBP}) continue
4963 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
4964 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
4965 69 *(int *)p = 0;
4966 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4967 type = struct @{
4968 int si_signo;
4969 int si_errno;
4970 int si_code;
4971 union @{
4972 int _pad[28];
4973 struct @{...@} _kill;
4974 struct @{...@} _timer;
4975 struct @{...@} _rt;
4976 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
4977 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
4978 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
4979 @} _sifields;
4980 @}
4981 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
4982 type = struct @{
4983 void *si_addr;
4984 @}
4985 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
4986 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
4987 @end group
4988 @end smallexample
4989
4990 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
4991
4992 @node Thread Stops
4993 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4994
4995 @cindex stopped threads
4996 @cindex threads, stopped
4997
4998 @cindex continuing threads
4999 @cindex threads, continuing
5000
5001 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5002 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5003 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5004 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5005 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5006 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5007 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5008 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5009 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5010
5011 @menu
5012 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5013 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5014 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5015 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5016 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5017 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5018 @end menu
5019
5020 @node All-Stop Mode
5021 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5022
5023 @cindex all-stop mode
5024
5025 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5026 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5027 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5028 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5029 underfoot.
5030
5031 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5032 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5033 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5034
5035 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5036 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5037 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5038 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5039 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5040 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5041 stops.
5042
5043 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5044 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5045 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5046 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5047
5048 @cindex automatic thread selection
5049 @cindex switching threads automatically
5050 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5051 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5052 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5053 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5054 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5055 thread.
5056
5057 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5058 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5059
5060 @table @code
5061 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5062 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5063 @cindex lock scheduler
5064 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5065 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5066 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5067 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5068 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5069 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5070 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5071 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5072 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5073 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5074 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5075 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5076
5077 @item show scheduler-locking
5078 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5079 @end table
5080
5081 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5082 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5083 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5084 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5085 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5086 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5087 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5088 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5089 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5090 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5091 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5092 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5093 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5094 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5095
5096 @table @code
5097 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5098 @item set schedule-multiple
5099 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5100 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5101 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5102 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5103 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5104 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5105
5106 @item show schedule-multiple
5107 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5108 multiple processes.
5109 @end table
5110
5111 @node Non-Stop Mode
5112 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5113
5114 @cindex non-stop mode
5115
5116 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5117 @c with more details.
5118
5119 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5120 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5121 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5122 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5123 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5124 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5125
5126 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5127 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5128 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5129 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5130 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5131 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5132 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5133 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5134 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5135 independently and simultaneously.
5136
5137 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5138 or attach to your program:
5139
5140 @smallexample
5141 # Enable the async interface.
5142 set target-async 1
5143
5144 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5145 set pagination off
5146
5147 # Finally, turn it on!
5148 set non-stop on
5149 @end smallexample
5150
5151 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5152
5153 @table @code
5154 @kindex set non-stop
5155 @item set non-stop on
5156 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5157 @item set non-stop off
5158 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5159 @kindex show non-stop
5160 @item show non-stop
5161 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5162 @end table
5163
5164 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5165 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5166 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5167 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5168 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5169 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5170 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5171 default.
5172
5173 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5174 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5175 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5176
5177 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5178 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5179 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5180 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5181 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5182
5183 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5184 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5185 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5186 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5187 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5188
5189 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5190
5191 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5192 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5193 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5194 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5195 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5196 previously current thread.
5197
5198 @node Background Execution
5199 @subsection Background Execution
5200
5201 @cindex foreground execution
5202 @cindex background execution
5203 @cindex asynchronous execution
5204 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5205
5206 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5207 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5208 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5209 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5210 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5211 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5212
5213 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5214 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5215 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5216
5217 @table @code
5218 @kindex set target-async
5219 @item set target-async on
5220 Enable asynchronous mode.
5221 @item set target-async off
5222 Disable asynchronous mode.
5223 @kindex show target-async
5224 @item show target-async
5225 Show the current target-async setting.
5226 @end table
5227
5228 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5229 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5230
5231 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5232 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5233 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5234 are:
5235
5236 @table @code
5237 @kindex run&
5238 @item run
5239 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5240
5241 @item attach
5242 @kindex attach&
5243 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5244
5245 @item step
5246 @kindex step&
5247 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5248
5249 @item stepi
5250 @kindex stepi&
5251 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5252
5253 @item next
5254 @kindex next&
5255 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5256
5257 @item nexti
5258 @kindex nexti&
5259 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5260
5261 @item continue
5262 @kindex continue&
5263 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5264
5265 @item finish
5266 @kindex finish&
5267 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5268
5269 @item until
5270 @kindex until&
5271 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5272
5273 @end table
5274
5275 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5276 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5277 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5278 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5279 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5280 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5281
5282 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5283 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5284
5285 @table @code
5286 @kindex interrupt
5287 @item interrupt
5288 @itemx interrupt -a
5289
5290 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5291 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5292 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5293 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5294 @end table
5295
5296 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5297 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5298
5299 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5300 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5301 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5302
5303 @table @code
5304 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5305 @cindex thread breakpoints
5306 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5307 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5308 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5309 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5310 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5311 specify some source line.
5312
5313 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5314 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5315 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5316 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5317 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5318
5319 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5320 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5321 program.
5322
5323 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5324 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5325 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5326
5327 @smallexample
5328 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5329 @end smallexample
5330
5331 @end table
5332
5333 @node Interrupted System Calls
5334 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5335
5336 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5337 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5338 @cindex premature return from system calls
5339 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5340 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5341 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5342 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5343 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5344 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5345 stop execution.
5346
5347 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5348 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5349 style anyways.
5350
5351 For example, do not write code like this:
5352
5353 @smallexample
5354 sleep (10);
5355 @end smallexample
5356
5357 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5358 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5359
5360 Instead, write this:
5361
5362 @smallexample
5363 int unslept = 10;
5364 while (unslept > 0)
5365 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5366 @end smallexample
5367
5368 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5369 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5370 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5371 @value{GDBN}.
5372
5373 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5374 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5375 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5376 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5377
5378 @node Observer Mode
5379 @subsection Observer Mode
5380
5381 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5382 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5383 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5384 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5385 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5386
5387 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5388 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5389 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5390 mode.
5391
5392 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5393 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5394 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5395 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5396 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5397
5398 @table @code
5399
5400 @kindex observer
5401 @item set observer on
5402 @itemx set observer off
5403 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5404 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5405 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5406 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5407
5408 @item show observer
5409 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5410
5411 @kindex may-write-registers
5412 @item set may-write-registers on
5413 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5414 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5415 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5416 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5417
5418 @item show may-write-registers
5419 Show the current permission to write registers.
5420
5421 @kindex may-write-memory
5422 @item set may-write-memory on
5423 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5424 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5425 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5426 defaults to @code{on}.
5427
5428 @item show may-write-memory
5429 Show the current permission to write memory.
5430
5431 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5432 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5433 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5434 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5435 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5436 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5437
5438 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5439 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5440
5441 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5442 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5443 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5444 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5445 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5446 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5447 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5448
5449 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5450 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5451
5452 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5453 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5454 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5455 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5456 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5457 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5458 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5459
5460 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5461 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5462
5463 @kindex may-interrupt
5464 @item set may-interrupt on
5465 @itemx set may-interrupt off
5466 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5467 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5468 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5469 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5470
5471 @item show may-interrupt
5472 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5473
5474 @end table
5475
5476 @node Reverse Execution
5477 @chapter Running programs backward
5478 @cindex reverse execution
5479 @cindex running programs backward
5480
5481 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5482 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5483 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5484 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5485
5486 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5487 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5488 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5489 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5490 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5491 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5492
5493 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5494 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5495 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5496 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5497 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5498 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5499 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5500 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5501 prior values@footnote{
5502 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5503 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5504 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5505
5506 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5507 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5508 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5509 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5510 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5511 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5512 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5513 }.
5514
5515 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5516 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5517
5518 @table @code
5519 @kindex reverse-continue
5520 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5521 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5522 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5523 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5524 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5525 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5526 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5527
5528 @kindex reverse-step
5529 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5530 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5531 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5532 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5533
5534 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5535 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5536 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5537 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5538 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5539 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5540
5541 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5542 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5543
5544 @kindex reverse-stepi
5545 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5546 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5547 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5548 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5549 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5550 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5551 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5552
5553 @kindex reverse-next
5554 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5555 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5556 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5557 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5558 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5559 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5560 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5561 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5562 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5563 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5564
5565 @kindex reverse-nexti
5566 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5567 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5568 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5569 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5570 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5571 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5572 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5573 frame) is reached.
5574
5575 @kindex reverse-finish
5576 @item reverse-finish
5577 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5578 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5579 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5580 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5581
5582 @kindex set exec-direction
5583 @item set exec-direction
5584 Set the direction of target execution.
5585 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
5586 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
5587 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5588 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5589 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5590 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5591 @item set exec-direction forward
5592 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5593 This is the default.
5594 @end table
5595
5596
5597 @node Process Record and Replay
5598 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5599 @cindex process record and replay
5600 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5601
5602 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5603 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5604 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5605
5606 @cindex replay mode
5607 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5608 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5609 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5610 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5611 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5612 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5613 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5614 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5615 execution log.
5616
5617 @cindex record mode
5618 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5619 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5620 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5621 for future replay.
5622
5623 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5624 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5625 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5626 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5627 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5628 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5629
5630 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5631 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5632 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5633 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5634
5635 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5636 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5637
5638 @table @code
5639 @kindex target record
5640 @kindex record
5641 @kindex rec
5642 @item target record
5643 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5644 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5645 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5646 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5647 the @kbd{target record} command.
5648
5649 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5650
5651 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5652 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5653 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5654 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5655 doesn't support displaced stepping.
5656
5657 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5658 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5659 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5660 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5661 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5662 support these two modes.
5663
5664 @kindex record stop
5665 @kindex rec s
5666 @item record stop
5667 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5668 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5669 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5670
5671 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5672 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5673 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5674 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5675 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5676
5677 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5678 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5679 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5680 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5681 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5682
5683 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5684 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5685
5686 @kindex record save
5687 @item record save @var{filename}
5688 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5689 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
5690 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
5691
5692 @kindex record restore
5693 @item record restore @var{filename}
5694 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5695 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
5696
5697 @kindex set record insn-number-max
5698 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5699 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5700
5701 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5702 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5703 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5704 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5705 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5706 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5707 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5708 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5709
5710 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5711 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5712 instructions is unlimited in this case.
5713
5714 @kindex show record insn-number-max
5715 @item show record insn-number-max
5716 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5717
5718 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
5719 @item set record stop-at-limit
5720 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5721 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5722 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5723 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5724 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5725 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5726
5727 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5728 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5729
5730 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
5731 @item show record stop-at-limit
5732 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5733
5734 @kindex set record memory-query
5735 @item set record memory-query
5736 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
5737 changes caused by an instruction. If ON, @value{GDBN} will query
5738 whether to stop the inferior in that case.
5739
5740 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
5741 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
5742 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
5743 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
5744 results.
5745
5746 @kindex show record memory-query
5747 @item show record memory-query
5748 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
5749
5750 @kindex info record
5751 @item info record
5752 Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
5753 in-memory execution log buffer, including:
5754
5755 @itemize @bullet
5756 @item
5757 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
5758 @item
5759 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
5760 @item
5761 Highest recorded instruction number.
5762 @item
5763 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
5764 @item
5765 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
5766 @item
5767 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
5768 @end itemize
5769
5770 @kindex record delete
5771 @kindex rec del
5772 @item record delete
5773 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5774 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5775 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5776 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5777 @end table
5778
5779
5780 @node Stack
5781 @chapter Examining the Stack
5782
5783 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5784 stopped and how it got there.
5785
5786 @cindex call stack
5787 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5788 is generated.
5789 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5790 the arguments of the call,
5791 and the local variables of the function being called.
5792 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5793 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5794 stack}.
5795
5796 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5797 stack allow you to see all of this information.
5798
5799 @cindex selected frame
5800 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5801 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5802 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5803 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5804 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5805 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5806
5807 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5808 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5809 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5810
5811 @menu
5812 * Frames:: Stack frames
5813 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
5814 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
5815 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5816
5817 @end menu
5818
5819 @node Frames
5820 @section Stack Frames
5821
5822 @cindex frame, definition
5823 @cindex stack frame
5824 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5825 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5826 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5827 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5828 which the function is executing.
5829
5830 @cindex initial frame
5831 @cindex outermost frame
5832 @cindex innermost frame
5833 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5834 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5835 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5836 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5837 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5838 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5839 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5840 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5841
5842 @cindex frame pointer
5843 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5844 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5845 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5846 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5847 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5848 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5849
5850 @cindex frame number
5851 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5852 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5853 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5854 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5855 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5856
5857 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5858 @c underflow problems.
5859 @cindex frameless execution
5860 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5861 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5862 @smallexample
5863 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5864 @end smallexample
5865 generates functions without a frame.)
5866 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5867 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5868 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5869 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5870 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5871 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5872 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5873
5874 @table @code
5875 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5876 @cindex current stack frame
5877 @item frame @var{args}
5878 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5879 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5880 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5881 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5882
5883 @kindex select-frame
5884 @cindex selecting frame silently
5885 @item select-frame
5886 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5887 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5888 @code{frame}.
5889 @end table
5890
5891 @node Backtrace
5892 @section Backtraces
5893
5894 @cindex traceback
5895 @cindex call stack traces
5896 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5897 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5898 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5899 stack.
5900
5901 @table @code
5902 @kindex backtrace
5903 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5904 @item backtrace
5905 @itemx bt
5906 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5907 frames in the stack.
5908
5909 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5910 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5911
5912 @item backtrace @var{n}
5913 @itemx bt @var{n}
5914 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5915
5916 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5917 @itemx bt -@var{n}
5918 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5919
5920 @item backtrace full
5921 @itemx bt full
5922 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5923 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5924 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5925 number of frames to print, as described above.
5926 @end table
5927
5928 @kindex where
5929 @kindex info stack
5930 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5931 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5932
5933 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5934 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5935 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5936 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5937 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5938 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5939 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5940 multi-threaded program.
5941
5942 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5943 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5944 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5945 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5946 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5947 line number.
5948
5949 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5950 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5951
5952 @smallexample
5953 @group
5954 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5955 at builtin.c:993
5956 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5957 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5958 at macro.c:71
5959 (More stack frames follow...)
5960 @end group
5961 @end smallexample
5962
5963 @noindent
5964 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5965 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5966 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5967
5968 @noindent
5969 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5970 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5971 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5972 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5973 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
5974
5975 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
5976 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5977 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5978 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5979 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5980 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5981 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5982 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5983 such a backtrace might look like:
5984
5985 @smallexample
5986 @group
5987 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5988 at builtin.c:993
5989 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5990 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5991 at macro.c:71
5992 (More stack frames follow...)
5993 @end group
5994 @end smallexample
5995
5996 @noindent
5997 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5998 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
5999
6000 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6001 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6002 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6003
6004 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6005 @cindex program entry point
6006 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6007 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6008 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6009 @code{main}@footnote{
6010 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6011 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6012 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6013 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6014 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6015 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6016
6017 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6018 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6019
6020 @table @code
6021 @item set backtrace past-main
6022 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6023 @kindex set backtrace
6024 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6025
6026 @item set backtrace past-main off
6027 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6028 default.
6029
6030 @item show backtrace past-main
6031 @kindex show backtrace
6032 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6033
6034 @item set backtrace past-entry
6035 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6036 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6037 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6038 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6039
6040 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6041 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6042 application. This is the default.
6043
6044 @item show backtrace past-entry
6045 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6046
6047 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6048 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6049 @cindex backtrace limit
6050 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
6051 unlimited.
6052
6053 @item show backtrace limit
6054 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6055 @end table
6056
6057 @node Selection
6058 @section Selecting a Frame
6059
6060 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6061 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6062 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6063 of the stack frame just selected.
6064
6065 @table @code
6066 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6067 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6068 @item frame @var{n}
6069 @itemx f @var{n}
6070 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6071 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6072 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6073 @code{main}.
6074
6075 @item frame @var{addr}
6076 @itemx f @var{addr}
6077 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6078 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6079 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6080 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6081 switches between them.
6082
6083 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6084 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6085
6086 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6087 pointer and a program counter.
6088
6089 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6090 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6091
6092 @kindex up
6093 @item up @var{n}
6094 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6095 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6096 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6097
6098 @kindex down
6099 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6100 @item down @var{n}
6101 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6102 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6103 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6104 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6105 @end table
6106
6107 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6108 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6109 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6110 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6111
6112 @need 1000
6113 For example:
6114
6115 @smallexample
6116 @group
6117 (@value{GDBP}) up
6118 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6119 at env.c:10
6120 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6121 @end group
6122 @end smallexample
6123
6124 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6125 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6126 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6127 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6128 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6129 for details.
6130
6131 @table @code
6132 @kindex down-silently
6133 @kindex up-silently
6134 @item up-silently @var{n}
6135 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
6136 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6137 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6138 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6139 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6140 distracting.
6141 @end table
6142
6143 @node Frame Info
6144 @section Information About a Frame
6145
6146 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6147 stack frame.
6148
6149 @table @code
6150 @item frame
6151 @itemx f
6152 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6153 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6154 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6155 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6156 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6157
6158 @kindex info frame
6159 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6160 @item info frame
6161 @itemx info f
6162 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6163 including:
6164
6165 @itemize @bullet
6166 @item
6167 the address of the frame
6168 @item
6169 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6170 @item
6171 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6172 @item
6173 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6174 @item
6175 the address of the frame's arguments
6176 @item
6177 the address of the frame's local variables
6178 @item
6179 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6180 @item
6181 which registers were saved in the frame
6182 @end itemize
6183
6184 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6185 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6186 the usual conventions.
6187
6188 @item info frame @var{addr}
6189 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6190 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6191 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6192 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6193 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6194 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6195
6196 @kindex info args
6197 @item info args
6198 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6199
6200 @item info locals
6201 @kindex info locals
6202 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6203 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6204 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6205
6206 @kindex info catch
6207 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
6208 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
6209 @item info catch
6210 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
6211 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
6212 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
6213 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
6214 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
6215
6216 @end table
6217
6218
6219 @node Source
6220 @chapter Examining Source Files
6221
6222 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6223 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6224 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6225 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6226 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6227 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6228 source files by explicit command.
6229
6230 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6231 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6232 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6233
6234 @menu
6235 * List:: Printing source lines
6236 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6237 * Edit:: Editing source files
6238 * Search:: Searching source files
6239 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6240 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6241 @end menu
6242
6243 @node List
6244 @section Printing Source Lines
6245
6246 @kindex list
6247 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6248 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6249 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6250 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6251 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6252
6253 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6254
6255 @table @code
6256 @item list @var{linenum}
6257 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6258 current source file.
6259
6260 @item list @var{function}
6261 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6262 @var{function}.
6263
6264 @item list
6265 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6266 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6267 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6268 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6269 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6270
6271 @item list -
6272 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6273 @end table
6274
6275 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6276 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6277 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6278
6279 @table @code
6280 @kindex set listsize
6281 @item set listsize @var{count}
6282 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6283 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6284
6285 @kindex show listsize
6286 @item show listsize
6287 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6288 @end table
6289
6290 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6291 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6292 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6293 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6294 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6295
6296 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6297 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6298 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6299 to specify some source line.
6300
6301 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6302
6303 @table @code
6304 @item list @var{linespec}
6305 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6306
6307 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6308 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6309 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6310 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6311 the same source file as the first linespec.
6312
6313 @item list ,@var{last}
6314 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6315
6316 @item list @var{first},
6317 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6318
6319 @item list +
6320 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6321
6322 @item list -
6323 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6324
6325 @item list
6326 As described in the preceding table.
6327 @end table
6328
6329 @node Specify Location
6330 @section Specifying a Location
6331 @cindex specifying location
6332 @cindex linespec
6333
6334 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6335 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6336 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6337 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6338
6339 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6340 @value{GDBN} understands:
6341
6342 @table @code
6343 @item @var{linenum}
6344 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6345
6346 @item -@var{offset}
6347 @itemx +@var{offset}
6348 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6349 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6350 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6351 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6352 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6353 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6354 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6355 linespec.
6356
6357 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6358 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6359
6360 @item @var{function}
6361 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6362 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6363
6364 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6365 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6366 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6367 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6368 functions in different source files.
6369
6370 @item @var{label}
6371 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
6372 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
6373 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
6374 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
6375 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
6376
6377 @item *@var{address}
6378 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6379 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6380 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6381 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6382 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6383 source files.
6384
6385 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6386 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6387 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6388 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6389 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6390 of @var{address}:
6391
6392 @table @code
6393 @item @var{expression}
6394 Any expression valid in the current working language.
6395
6396 @item @var{funcaddr}
6397 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6398 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6399 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6400 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6401 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6402 (although the Pascal form also works).
6403
6404 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6405 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6406
6407 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6408 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6409 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6410 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6411 functions with identical names in different source files.
6412 @end table
6413
6414 @end table
6415
6416
6417 @node Edit
6418 @section Editing Source Files
6419 @cindex editing source files
6420
6421 @kindex edit
6422 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6423 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6424 The editing program of your choice
6425 is invoked with the current line set to
6426 the active line in the program.
6427 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6428 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6429
6430 @table @code
6431 @item edit @var{location}
6432 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6433 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6434 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6435 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6436 command most commonly used:
6437
6438 @table @code
6439 @item edit @var{number}
6440 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6441
6442 @item edit @var{function}
6443 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6444 @end table
6445
6446 @end table
6447
6448 @subsection Choosing your Editor
6449 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6450 @footnote{
6451 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6452 following command-line syntax:
6453 @smallexample
6454 ex +@var{number} file
6455 @end smallexample
6456 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6457 the file where to start editing.}.
6458 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6459 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6460 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6461 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6462 @smallexample
6463 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6464 export EDITOR
6465 gdb @dots{}
6466 @end smallexample
6467 or in the @code{csh} shell,
6468 @smallexample
6469 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6470 gdb @dots{}
6471 @end smallexample
6472
6473 @node Search
6474 @section Searching Source Files
6475 @cindex searching source files
6476
6477 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6478 regular expression.
6479
6480 @table @code
6481 @kindex search
6482 @kindex forward-search
6483 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
6484 @itemx search @var{regexp}
6485 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6486 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6487 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6488 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6489 @code{fo}.
6490
6491 @kindex reverse-search
6492 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6493 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6494 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6495 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6496 this command as @code{rev}.
6497 @end table
6498
6499 @node Source Path
6500 @section Specifying Source Directories
6501
6502 @cindex source path
6503 @cindex directories for source files
6504 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6505 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6506 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6507 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6508 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6509 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6510 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6511
6512 For example, suppose an executable references the file
6513 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6514 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6515 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6516 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6517 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6518 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6519 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6520 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6521 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6522 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6523
6524 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6525 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6526 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6527 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6528 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6529 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6530
6531 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6532 source files.
6533
6534 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6535 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6536 each line is in the file.
6537
6538 @kindex directory
6539 @kindex dir
6540 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6541 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6542 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6543
6544 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6545 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6546
6547 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6548 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6549 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6550 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6551 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6552 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6553 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
6554 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
6555 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
6556 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
6557 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
6558 name to look up the sources.
6559
6560 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
6561 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
6562 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
6563 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
6564 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
6565 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
6566 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6567 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6568
6569 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6570 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6571 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6572 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6573 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6574 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6575 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6576
6577 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6578 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6579 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
6580 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
6581 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
6582 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
6583 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
6584 command.
6585
6586 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
6587 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
6588 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
6589 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
6590 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6591 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6592 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6593
6594 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6595 @cindex default source path substitution
6596 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6597 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6598 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6599 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6600 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6601 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6602 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6603 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6604 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6605 together.
6606
6607 @table @code
6608 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6609 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6610 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6611 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6612 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6613 part of absolute file names) or
6614 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6615 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6616
6617 @kindex cdir
6618 @kindex cwd
6619 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6620 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6621 @cindex compilation directory
6622 @cindex current directory
6623 @cindex working directory
6624 @cindex directory, current
6625 @cindex directory, compilation
6626 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6627 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6628 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6629 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6630 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6631 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6632
6633 @item directory
6634 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6635
6636 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6637 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6638
6639 @item set directories @var{path-list}
6640 @kindex set directories
6641 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
6642 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
6643
6644 @item show directories
6645 @kindex show directories
6646 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6647
6648 @anchor{set substitute-path}
6649 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6650 @kindex set substitute-path
6651 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6652 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6653 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6654
6655 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6656 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6657
6658 @smallexample
6659 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6660 @end smallexample
6661
6662 @noindent
6663 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6664 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6665 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6666
6667 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6668 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6669 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6670 the substitution.
6671
6672 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6673
6674 @smallexample
6675 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6676 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6677 @end smallexample
6678
6679 @noindent
6680 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6681 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6682 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6683 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6684
6685
6686 @item unset substitute-path [path]
6687 @kindex unset substitute-path
6688 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6689 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6690 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6691
6692 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6693
6694 @item show substitute-path [path]
6695 @kindex show substitute-path
6696 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6697 which would rewrite that path, if any.
6698
6699 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6700 rules.
6701
6702 @end table
6703
6704 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6705 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6706 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6707
6708 @enumerate
6709 @item
6710 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6711
6712 @item
6713 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6714 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6715 directories in one command.
6716 @end enumerate
6717
6718 @node Machine Code
6719 @section Source and Machine Code
6720 @cindex source line and its code address
6721
6722 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6723 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6724 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6725 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6726 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6727 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6728 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6729 well as hex.
6730
6731 @table @code
6732 @kindex info line
6733 @item info line @var{linespec}
6734 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6735 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6736 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6737 @end table
6738
6739 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6740 the object code for the first line of function
6741 @code{m4_changequote}:
6742
6743 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6744 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6745 @smallexample
6746 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6747 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6748 @end smallexample
6749
6750 @noindent
6751 @cindex code address and its source line
6752 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6753 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6754 @smallexample
6755 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6756 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6757 @end smallexample
6758
6759 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6760 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
6761 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6762 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6763 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6764 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6765 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6766 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6767 Variables}).
6768
6769 @table @code
6770 @kindex disassemble
6771 @cindex assembly instructions
6772 @cindex instructions, assembly
6773 @cindex machine instructions
6774 @cindex listing machine instructions
6775 @item disassemble
6776 @itemx disassemble /m
6777 @itemx disassemble /r
6778 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6779 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6780 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
6781 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
6782 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6783 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6784 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6785 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
6786 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
6787 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
6788
6789 @table @code
6790 @item @var{start},@var{end}
6791 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
6792 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
6793 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
6794 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
6795 @end table
6796
6797 @noindent
6798 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
6799 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
6800
6801 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
6802 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
6803
6804 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
6805 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
6806 @end table
6807
6808 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6809 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6810
6811 @smallexample
6812 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
6813 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6814 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6815 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6816 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6817 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6818 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6819 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6820 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6821 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6822 End of assembler dump.
6823 @end smallexample
6824
6825 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
6826 program is stopped just after function prologue:
6827
6828 @smallexample
6829 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6830 Dump of assembler code for function main:
6831 5 @{
6832 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
6833 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6834 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6835 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6836 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6837
6838 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
6839 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6840 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6841
6842 7 return 0;
6843 8 @}
6844 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6845 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
6846 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
6847
6848 End of assembler dump.
6849 @end smallexample
6850
6851 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
6852
6853 @smallexample
6854 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
6855 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
6856 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
6857 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
6858 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
6859 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
6860 End of assembler dump.
6861 @end smallexample
6862
6863 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6864 mnemonics or other syntax.
6865
6866 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6867 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6868 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6869 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6870 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6871
6872 @table @code
6873 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
6874 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6875 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6876 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6877 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6878 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6879
6880 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6881 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6882 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6883 assemblers for x86-based targets.
6884
6885 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
6886 @item show disassembly-flavor
6887 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6888 @end table
6889
6890 @table @code
6891 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
6892 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
6893 @item set disassemble-next-line
6894 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
6895 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6896 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6897 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6898 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6899 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6900 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6901 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6902 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6903 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6904 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6905 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6906 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6907 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6908 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6909 instruction.
6910 @end table
6911
6912
6913 @node Data
6914 @chapter Examining Data
6915
6916 @cindex printing data
6917 @cindex examining data
6918 @kindex print
6919 @kindex inspect
6920 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6921 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6922 @c different window or something like that.
6923 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6924 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6925 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6926 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6927 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
6928 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
6929
6930 @table @code
6931 @item print @var{expr}
6932 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6933 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6934 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6935 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6936 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6937 Formats}.
6938
6939 @item print
6940 @itemx print /@var{f}
6941 @cindex reprint the last value
6942 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6943 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6944 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6945 @end table
6946
6947 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6948 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6949 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6950
6951 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6952 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6953 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6954 Table}.
6955
6956 @menu
6957 * Expressions:: Expressions
6958 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6959 * Variables:: Program variables
6960 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6961 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6962 * Memory:: Examining memory
6963 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6964 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6965 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
6966 * Value History:: Value history
6967 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6968 * Registers:: Registers
6969 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6970 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6971 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6972 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6973 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6974 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6975 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6976 character set than GDB does
6977 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6978 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6979 @end menu
6980
6981 @node Expressions
6982 @section Expressions
6983
6984 @cindex expressions
6985 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6986 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6987 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6988 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6989 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6990 you compiled your program to include this information; see
6991 @ref{Compilation}.
6992
6993 @cindex arrays in expressions
6994 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6995 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6996 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6997 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6998 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6999 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
7000
7001 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7002 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7003 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7004 languages.
7005
7006 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7007 expressions regardless of your programming language.
7008
7009 @cindex casts, in expressions
7010 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7011 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7012 at that address in memory.
7013 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7014
7015 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7016 to programming languages:
7017
7018 @table @code
7019 @item @@
7020 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7021 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7022
7023 @item ::
7024 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7025 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7026
7027 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
7028 @cindex type casting memory
7029 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7030 @cindex casts, to view memory
7031 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7032 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7033 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7034 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7035 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7036 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7037 @end table
7038
7039 @node Ambiguous Expressions
7040 @section Ambiguous Expressions
7041 @cindex ambiguous expressions
7042
7043 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7044 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7045 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7046 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7047 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7048 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7049 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7050
7051 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7052 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7053 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7054 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7055 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7056 as well.
7057
7058 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7059 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7060 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7061 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7062 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7063 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7064 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7065 choices.
7066
7067 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7068 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7069 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7070
7071 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7072 @smallexample
7073 @group
7074 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7075 [0] cancel
7076 [1] all
7077 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7078 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7079 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7080 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7081 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7082 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7083 > 2 4 6
7084 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7085 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7086 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7087 Multiple breakpoints were set.
7088 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7089 breakpoints.
7090 (@value{GDBP})
7091 @end group
7092 @end smallexample
7093
7094 @table @code
7095 @kindex set multiple-symbols
7096 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7097 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
7098
7099 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7100 is ambiguous.
7101
7102 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7103 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7104 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7105 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7106 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7107 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7108 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7109 in the use of the menu.
7110
7111 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7112 when an ambiguity is detected.
7113
7114 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7115 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7116
7117 @kindex show multiple-symbols
7118 @item show multiple-symbols
7119 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7120 @end table
7121
7122 @node Variables
7123 @section Program Variables
7124
7125 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7126 in your program.
7127
7128 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7129 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7130
7131 @itemize @bullet
7132 @item
7133 global (or file-static)
7134 @end itemize
7135
7136 @noindent or
7137
7138 @itemize @bullet
7139 @item
7140 visible according to the scope rules of the
7141 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7142 @end itemize
7143
7144 @noindent This means that in the function
7145
7146 @smallexample
7147 foo (a)
7148 int a;
7149 @{
7150 bar (a);
7151 @{
7152 int b = test ();
7153 bar (b);
7154 @}
7155 @}
7156 @end smallexample
7157
7158 @noindent
7159 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7160 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7161 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7162 the block where @code{b} is declared.
7163
7164 @cindex variable name conflict
7165 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7166 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7167 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7168 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
7169 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
7170 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
7171 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
7172
7173 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
7174 @ifnotinfo
7175 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
7176 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
7177 @end ifnotinfo
7178 @smallexample
7179 @var{file}::@var{variable}
7180 @var{function}::@var{variable}
7181 @end smallexample
7182
7183 @noindent
7184 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
7185 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
7186 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
7187 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
7188
7189 @smallexample
7190 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
7191 @end smallexample
7192
7193 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
7194 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
7195 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
7196 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
7197 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
7198 @c conflict?? --mew
7199
7200 @cindex wrong values
7201 @cindex variable values, wrong
7202 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
7203 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
7204 @quotation
7205 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
7206 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
7207 scope, and just before exit.
7208 @end quotation
7209 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
7210 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
7211 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
7212 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
7213 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
7214 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
7215 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
7216 variable definitions may be gone.
7217
7218 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7219 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7220 when compiling.
7221
7222 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7223 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7224 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7225 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7226 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7227 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7228 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7229
7230 @smallexample
7231 No symbol "foo" in current context.
7232 @end smallexample
7233
7234 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7235 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7236 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
7237 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
7238 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
7239 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
7240 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
7241 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
7242 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
7243 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
7244 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7245
7246 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7247 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7248 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7249 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7250
7251 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7252 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7253 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7254 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7255 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7256 For program code
7257
7258 @smallexample
7259 char var0[] = "A";
7260 signed char var1[] = "A";
7261 @end smallexample
7262
7263 You get during debugging
7264 @smallexample
7265 (gdb) print var0
7266 $1 = "A"
7267 (gdb) print var1
7268 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7269 @end smallexample
7270
7271 @node Arrays
7272 @section Artificial Arrays
7273
7274 @cindex artificial array
7275 @cindex arrays
7276 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7277 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7278 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7279 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7280 program.
7281
7282 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7283 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7284 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7285 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7286 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7287 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7288 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7289 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7290 example. If a program says
7291
7292 @smallexample
7293 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7294 @end smallexample
7295
7296 @noindent
7297 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7298
7299 @smallexample
7300 p *array@@len
7301 @end smallexample
7302
7303 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7304 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7305 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7306 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7307 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7308
7309 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7310 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7311 The value need not be in memory:
7312 @smallexample
7313 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7314 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7315 @end smallexample
7316
7317 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7318 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7319 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7320 @smallexample
7321 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7322 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7323 @end smallexample
7324
7325 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7326 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7327 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7328 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7329 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7330 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7331 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7332 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7333 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7334 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7335
7336 @smallexample
7337 set $i = 0
7338 p dtab[$i++]->fv
7339 @key{RET}
7340 @key{RET}
7341 @dots{}
7342 @end smallexample
7343
7344 @node Output Formats
7345 @section Output Formats
7346
7347 @cindex formatted output
7348 @cindex output formats
7349 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7350 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7351 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7352 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7353 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
7354
7355 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
7356 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
7357 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
7358 letters supported are:
7359
7360 @table @code
7361 @item x
7362 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
7363 hexadecimal.
7364
7365 @item d
7366 Print as integer in signed decimal.
7367
7368 @item u
7369 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
7370
7371 @item o
7372 Print as integer in octal.
7373
7374 @item t
7375 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
7376 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
7377 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
7378 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
7379
7380 @item a
7381 @cindex unknown address, locating
7382 @cindex locate address
7383 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
7384 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
7385 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
7386
7387 @smallexample
7388 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
7389 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
7390 @end smallexample
7391
7392 @noindent
7393 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
7394 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
7395
7396 @item c
7397 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
7398 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
7399 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
7400 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
7401
7402 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
7403 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
7404 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
7405 data.
7406
7407 @item f
7408 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
7409 using typical floating point syntax.
7410
7411 @item s
7412 @cindex printing strings
7413 @cindex printing byte arrays
7414 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
7415 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
7416 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
7417 natural types.
7418
7419 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
7420 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
7421 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
7422 array.
7423
7424 @item r
7425 @cindex raw printing
7426 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
7427 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
7428 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
7429 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
7430 pretty-printer which might exist.
7431 @end table
7432
7433 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
7434
7435 @smallexample
7436 p/x $pc
7437 @end smallexample
7438
7439 @noindent
7440 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
7441 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
7442
7443 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
7444 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
7445 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
7446
7447 @node Memory
7448 @section Examining Memory
7449
7450 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
7451 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
7452
7453 @cindex examining memory
7454 @table @code
7455 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
7456 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
7457 @itemx x @var{addr}
7458 @itemx x
7459 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
7460 @end table
7461
7462 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
7463 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
7464 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
7465 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
7466 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
7467
7468 @table @r
7469 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
7470 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
7471 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
7472 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
7473 @c 4.1.2.
7474
7475 @item @var{f}, the display format
7476 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
7477 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
7478 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
7479 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
7480 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
7481
7482 @item @var{u}, the unit size
7483 The unit size is any of
7484
7485 @table @code
7486 @item b
7487 Bytes.
7488 @item h
7489 Halfwords (two bytes).
7490 @item w
7491 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
7492 @item g
7493 Giant words (eight bytes).
7494 @end table
7495
7496 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
7497 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
7498 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
7499 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
7500 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
7501 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
7502 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
7503 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
7504 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
7505 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
7506 be altered.
7507
7508 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
7509 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
7510 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
7511 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
7512 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
7513 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
7514 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
7515 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
7516 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
7517 a value from memory).
7518 @end table
7519
7520 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
7521 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
7522 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
7523 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
7524 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
7525
7526 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
7527 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
7528 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
7529 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
7530 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
7531
7532 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
7533 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
7534 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
7535 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
7536 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
7537 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
7538 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
7539 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
7540 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
7541
7542 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
7543 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
7544 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
7545 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
7546 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
7547 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
7548 for successive uses of @code{x}.
7549
7550 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
7551 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
7552
7553 @smallexample
7554 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
7555 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
7556 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
7557 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
7558 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
7559 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
7560 @end smallexample
7561
7562 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
7563 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
7564 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
7565 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
7566 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
7567 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
7568 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
7569 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
7570 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
7571
7572 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
7573 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
7574 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
7575
7576 @cindex remote memory comparison
7577 @cindex verify remote memory image
7578 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
7579 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
7580 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
7581 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
7582 situations.
7583
7584 @table @code
7585 @kindex compare-sections
7586 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
7587 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
7588 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
7589 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
7590 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
7591 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
7592 remote request.
7593 @end table
7594
7595 @node Auto Display
7596 @section Automatic Display
7597 @cindex automatic display
7598 @cindex display of expressions
7599
7600 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
7601 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
7602 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
7603 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
7604 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
7605 The automatic display looks like this:
7606
7607 @smallexample
7608 2: foo = 38
7609 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
7610 @end smallexample
7611
7612 @noindent
7613 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
7614 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
7615 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
7616 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
7617 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
7618 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
7619
7620 @table @code
7621 @kindex display
7622 @item display @var{expr}
7623 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
7624 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
7625
7626 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
7627
7628 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
7629 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
7630 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
7631 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
7632 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
7633
7634 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
7635 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
7636 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
7637 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
7638 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7639 @end table
7640
7641 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
7642 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
7643 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7644
7645 @table @code
7646 @kindex delete display
7647 @kindex undisplay
7648 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
7649 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7650 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
7651
7652 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
7653 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7654
7655 @kindex disable display
7656 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7657 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7658 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7659 enabled again later.
7660
7661 @kindex enable display
7662 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7663 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7664 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7665
7666 @item display
7667 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7668 done when your program stops.
7669
7670 @kindex info display
7671 @item info display
7672 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7673 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7674 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7675 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7676 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7677 @end table
7678
7679 @cindex display disabled out of scope
7680 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7681 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7682 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7683 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7684 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7685 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7686 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7687 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7688 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7689 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7690
7691 @node Print Settings
7692 @section Print Settings
7693
7694 @cindex format options
7695 @cindex print settings
7696 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7697 and symbols are printed.
7698
7699 @noindent
7700 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7701
7702 @table @code
7703 @kindex set print
7704 @item set print address
7705 @itemx set print address on
7706 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7707 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7708 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7709 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7710 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7711 @code{set print address on}:
7712
7713 @smallexample
7714 @group
7715 (@value{GDBP}) f
7716 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7717 at input.c:530
7718 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7719 @end group
7720 @end smallexample
7721
7722 @item set print address off
7723 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7724 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7725
7726 @smallexample
7727 @group
7728 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7729 (@value{GDBP}) f
7730 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7731 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7732 @end group
7733 @end smallexample
7734
7735 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7736 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7737 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7738 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7739
7740 @kindex show print
7741 @item show print address
7742 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7743 @end table
7744
7745 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7746 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7747 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7748 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7749 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7750 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7751 it prints a symbolic address:
7752
7753 @table @code
7754 @item set print symbol-filename on
7755 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
7756 @cindex symbol, source file and line
7757 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7758 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7759
7760 @item set print symbol-filename off
7761 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7762 default.
7763
7764 @item show print symbol-filename
7765 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7766 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7767 @end table
7768
7769 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7770 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7771 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7772
7773 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7774 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7775
7776 @table @code
7777 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7778 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7779 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7780 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7781 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7782 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7783
7784 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
7785 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7786 symbolic address.
7787 @end table
7788
7789 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7790 @cindex pointer, finding referent
7791 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7792 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7793 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7794 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7795 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7796 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7797
7798 @smallexample
7799 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7800 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7801 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7802 @end smallexample
7803
7804 @quotation
7805 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7806 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7807 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7808 @end quotation
7809
7810 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7811
7812 @table @code
7813 @item set print array
7814 @itemx set print array on
7815 @cindex pretty print arrays
7816 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7817 but uses more space. The default is off.
7818
7819 @item set print array off
7820 Return to compressed format for arrays.
7821
7822 @item show print array
7823 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7824 arrays.
7825
7826 @cindex print array indexes
7827 @item set print array-indexes
7828 @itemx set print array-indexes on
7829 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7830 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7831 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7832
7833 @item set print array-indexes off
7834 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7835
7836 @item show print array-indexes
7837 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7838 arrays.
7839
7840 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7841 @cindex number of array elements to print
7842 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7843 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7844 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7845 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7846 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7847 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7848 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7849
7850 @item show print elements
7851 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7852 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7853
7854 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7855 @kindex set print frame-arguments
7856 @cindex printing frame argument values
7857 @cindex print all frame argument values
7858 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7859 @cindex do not print frame argument values
7860 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7861 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7862 values are:
7863
7864 @table @code
7865 @item all
7866 The values of all arguments are printed.
7867
7868 @item scalars
7869 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7870 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7871 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7872 only scalar arguments are shown:
7873
7874 @smallexample
7875 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7876 at frame-args.c:23
7877 @end smallexample
7878
7879 @item none
7880 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7881 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7882
7883 @smallexample
7884 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7885 at frame-args.c:23
7886 @end smallexample
7887 @end table
7888
7889 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7890 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7891 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7892 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7893 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7894 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7895 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7896 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7897 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7898 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7899
7900 @item show print frame-arguments
7901 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7902
7903 @item set print repeats
7904 @cindex repeated array elements
7905 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7906 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7907 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7908 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7909 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7910 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7911 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7912
7913 @item show print repeats
7914 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7915 elements.
7916
7917 @item set print null-stop
7918 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7919 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7920 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7921 contain only short strings.
7922 The default is off.
7923
7924 @item show print null-stop
7925 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7926 @sc{null} character.
7927
7928 @item set print pretty on
7929 @cindex print structures in indented form
7930 @cindex indentation in structure display
7931 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7932 per line, like this:
7933
7934 @smallexample
7935 @group
7936 $1 = @{
7937 next = 0x0,
7938 flags = @{
7939 sweet = 1,
7940 sour = 1
7941 @},
7942 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7943 @}
7944 @end group
7945 @end smallexample
7946
7947 @item set print pretty off
7948 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7949
7950 @smallexample
7951 @group
7952 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7953 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7954 @end group
7955 @end smallexample
7956
7957 @noindent
7958 This is the default format.
7959
7960 @item show print pretty
7961 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
7962
7963 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
7964 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
7965 @cindex octal escapes in strings
7966 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
7967 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7968 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7969 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7970 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7971
7972 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
7973 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7974 international character sets, and is the default.
7975
7976 @item show print sevenbit-strings
7977 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7978
7979 @item set print union on
7980 @cindex unions in structures, printing
7981 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7982 and other unions. This is the default setting.
7983
7984 @item set print union off
7985 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7986 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7987 instead.
7988
7989 @item show print union
7990 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7991 structures and other unions.
7992
7993 For example, given the declarations
7994
7995 @smallexample
7996 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7997 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7998 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7999 Bug_forms;
8000
8001 struct thing @{
8002 Species it;
8003 union @{
8004 Tree_forms tree;
8005 Bug_forms bug;
8006 @} form;
8007 @};
8008
8009 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
8010 @end smallexample
8011
8012 @noindent
8013 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
8014
8015 @smallexample
8016 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
8017 @end smallexample
8018
8019 @noindent
8020 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
8021
8022 @smallexample
8023 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
8024 @end smallexample
8025
8026 @noindent
8027 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
8028 and in Pascal.
8029 @end table
8030
8031 @need 1000
8032 @noindent
8033 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
8034
8035 @table @code
8036 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
8037 @item set print demangle
8038 @itemx set print demangle on
8039 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
8040 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
8041 linkage. The default is on.
8042
8043 @item show print demangle
8044 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
8045
8046 @item set print asm-demangle
8047 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
8048 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
8049 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
8050 The default is off.
8051
8052 @item show print asm-demangle
8053 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
8054 or demangled form.
8055
8056 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
8057 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
8058 @kindex set demangle-style
8059 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
8060 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
8061 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
8062
8063 @table @code
8064 @item auto
8065 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
8066
8067 @item gnu
8068 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
8069 This is the default.
8070
8071 @item hp
8072 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
8073
8074 @item lucid
8075 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
8076
8077 @item arm
8078 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
8079 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
8080 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
8081 require further enhancement to permit that.
8082
8083 @end table
8084 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
8085
8086 @item show demangle-style
8087 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
8088
8089 @item set print object
8090 @itemx set print object on
8091 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
8092 @cindex display derived types
8093 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
8094 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
8095 the virtual function table.
8096
8097 @item set print object off
8098 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
8099 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
8100
8101 @item show print object
8102 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
8103
8104 @item set print static-members
8105 @itemx set print static-members on
8106 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
8107 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
8108
8109 @item set print static-members off
8110 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
8111
8112 @item show print static-members
8113 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
8114
8115 @item set print pascal_static-members
8116 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
8117 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
8118 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
8119 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
8120
8121 @item set print pascal_static-members off
8122 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
8123
8124 @item show print pascal_static-members
8125 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
8126
8127 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
8128 @item set print vtbl
8129 @itemx set print vtbl on
8130 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
8131 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
8132 @cindex VTBL display
8133 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
8134 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
8135 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
8136
8137 @item set print vtbl off
8138 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
8139
8140 @item show print vtbl
8141 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
8142 @end table
8143
8144 @node Pretty Printing
8145 @section Pretty Printing
8146
8147 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
8148 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
8149 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
8150
8151 @menu
8152 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
8153 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
8154 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
8155 @end menu
8156
8157 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
8158 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
8159
8160 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
8161 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
8162 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
8163
8164 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
8165 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
8166 pretty-printers with their names.
8167 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
8168 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
8169 Each such subprinter has its own name.
8170 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
8171
8172 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
8173 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
8174 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
8175 do anything special.
8176
8177 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
8178
8179 @itemize @bullet
8180 @item
8181 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
8182 all inferiors.
8183
8184 @item
8185 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
8186 when debugging that program.
8187 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
8188
8189 @item
8190 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
8191 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
8192 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
8193 @end itemize
8194
8195 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
8196 pretty-printers are selected,
8197
8198 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
8199 for new types.
8200
8201 @node Pretty-Printer Example
8202 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
8203
8204 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
8205
8206 @smallexample
8207 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8208 $1 = @{
8209 static npos = 4294967295,
8210 _M_dataplus = @{
8211 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
8212 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
8213 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
8214 @},
8215 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
8216 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
8217 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
8218 @}
8219 @}
8220 @end smallexample
8221
8222 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
8223
8224 @smallexample
8225 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8226 $2 = "abcd"
8227 @end smallexample
8228
8229 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
8230 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
8231 @cindex pretty-printer commands
8232
8233 @table @code
8234 @kindex info pretty-printer
8235 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8236 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
8237 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
8238
8239 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
8240 whose pretty-printers to list.
8241 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
8242 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
8243 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
8244 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
8245 looks up a printer from these three objects.
8246
8247 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
8248 to list.
8249
8250 @kindex disable pretty-printer
8251 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8252 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8253 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
8254
8255 @kindex enable pretty-printer
8256 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8257 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8258 @end table
8259
8260 Example:
8261
8262 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
8263 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
8264 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
8265 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
8266
8267 @smallexample
8268 (gdb) info pretty-printer
8269 library1.so:
8270 foo
8271 library2.so:
8272 bar
8273 bar1
8274 bar2
8275 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8276 library2.so:
8277 bar
8278 bar1
8279 bar2
8280 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
8281 1 printer disabled
8282 2 of 3 printers enabled
8283 (gdb) info pretty-printer
8284 library1.so:
8285 foo [disabled]
8286 library2.so:
8287 bar
8288 bar1
8289 bar2
8290 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
8291 1 printer disabled
8292 1 of 3 printers enabled
8293 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8294 library1.so:
8295 foo [disabled]
8296 library2.so:
8297 bar
8298 bar1 [disabled]
8299 bar2
8300 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
8301 1 printer disabled
8302 0 of 3 printers enabled
8303 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8304 library1.so:
8305 foo [disabled]
8306 library2.so:
8307 bar [disabled]
8308 bar1 [disabled]
8309 bar2
8310 @end smallexample
8311
8312 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
8313 as can each individual subprinter.
8314
8315 @node Value History
8316 @section Value History
8317
8318 @cindex value history
8319 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
8320 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
8321 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
8322 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
8323 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
8324 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
8325 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
8326 symbol table.
8327
8328 @cindex @code{$}
8329 @cindex @code{$$}
8330 @cindex history number
8331 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
8332 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
8333 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
8334 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
8335 history number.
8336
8337 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
8338 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
8339 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
8340 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
8341 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
8342 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
8343 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
8344
8345 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
8346 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
8347
8348 @smallexample
8349 p *$
8350 @end smallexample
8351
8352 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
8353 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
8354
8355 @smallexample
8356 p *$.next
8357 @end smallexample
8358
8359 @noindent
8360 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
8361 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
8362
8363 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
8364 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
8365
8366 @smallexample
8367 print x
8368 set x=5
8369 @end smallexample
8370
8371 @noindent
8372 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
8373 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
8374
8375 @table @code
8376 @kindex show values
8377 @item show values
8378 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
8379 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
8380 values} does not change the history.
8381
8382 @item show values @var{n}
8383 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
8384
8385 @item show values +
8386 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
8387 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
8388 @end table
8389
8390 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
8391 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
8392
8393 @node Convenience Vars
8394 @section Convenience Variables
8395
8396 @cindex convenience variables
8397 @cindex user-defined variables
8398 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
8399 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
8400 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
8401 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
8402 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
8403
8404 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
8405 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
8406 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8407 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
8408 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
8409
8410 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
8411 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
8412 For example:
8413
8414 @smallexample
8415 set $foo = *object_ptr
8416 @end smallexample
8417
8418 @noindent
8419 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
8420 @code{object_ptr}.
8421
8422 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
8423 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
8424 value with another assignment at any time.
8425
8426 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
8427 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
8428 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
8429 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
8430
8431 @table @code
8432 @kindex show convenience
8433 @cindex show all user variables
8434 @item show convenience
8435 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
8436 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
8437
8438 @kindex init-if-undefined
8439 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
8440 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
8441 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
8442 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
8443 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
8444 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
8445 override default values used in a command script.
8446
8447 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
8448 any side-effects do not occur.
8449 @end table
8450
8451 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
8452 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
8453 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
8454
8455 @smallexample
8456 set $i = 0
8457 print bar[$i++]->contents
8458 @end smallexample
8459
8460 @noindent
8461 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
8462
8463 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
8464 values likely to be useful.
8465
8466 @table @code
8467 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
8468 @item $_
8469 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
8470 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
8471 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
8472 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
8473 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
8474 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
8475 to the type of @code{$__}.
8476
8477 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
8478 @item $__
8479 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
8480 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
8481 to match the format in which the data was printed.
8482
8483 @item $_exitcode
8484 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
8485 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
8486 the program being debugged terminates.
8487
8488 @item $_sdata
8489 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
8490 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
8491 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
8492 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
8493 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
8494
8495 @item $_siginfo
8496 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
8497 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
8498 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
8499 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
8500 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
8501
8502 @item $_tlb
8503 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
8504 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
8505 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
8506 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
8507 @xref{General Query Packets}.
8508 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
8509
8510 @end table
8511
8512 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
8513 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
8514 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
8515
8516 @cindex convenience functions
8517 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
8518 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
8519 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
8520 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
8521 @value{GDBN}.
8522
8523 @table @code
8524 @item help function
8525 @kindex help function
8526 @cindex show all convenience functions
8527 Print a list of all convenience functions.
8528 @end table
8529
8530 @node Registers
8531 @section Registers
8532
8533 @cindex registers
8534 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
8535 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
8536 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
8537 your machine.
8538
8539 @table @code
8540 @kindex info registers
8541 @item info registers
8542 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
8543 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8544
8545 @kindex info all-registers
8546 @cindex floating point registers
8547 @item info all-registers
8548 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
8549 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8550
8551 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
8552 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
8553 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
8554 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
8555 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
8556 @end table
8557
8558 @cindex stack pointer register
8559 @cindex program counter register
8560 @cindex process status register
8561 @cindex frame pointer register
8562 @cindex standard registers
8563 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
8564 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
8565 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
8566 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
8567 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
8568 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
8569 register that contains the processor status. For example,
8570 you could print the program counter in hex with
8571
8572 @smallexample
8573 p/x $pc
8574 @end smallexample
8575
8576 @noindent
8577 or print the instruction to be executed next with
8578
8579 @smallexample
8580 x/i $pc
8581 @end smallexample
8582
8583 @noindent
8584 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
8585 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
8586 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
8587 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
8588 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
8589 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
8590 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
8591
8592 @smallexample
8593 set $sp += 4
8594 @end smallexample
8595
8596 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
8597 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
8598 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
8599 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
8600 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
8601 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
8602 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
8603
8604 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
8605 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
8606 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
8607 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
8608 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
8609 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
8610 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
8611
8612 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
8613 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
8614 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
8615 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
8616 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
8617 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
8618 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
8619 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
8620 prints the data in both formats.
8621
8622 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
8623 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
8624 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
8625 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
8626 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
8627 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
8628 registers in @code{struct} notation:
8629
8630 @smallexample
8631 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
8632 $1 = @{
8633 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
8634 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
8635 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
8636 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
8637 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
8638 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
8639 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
8640 @}
8641 @end smallexample
8642
8643 @noindent
8644 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
8645 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
8646 value to a @code{struct} member:
8647
8648 @smallexample
8649 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
8650 @end smallexample
8651
8652 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
8653 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
8654 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
8655 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
8656 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
8657 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
8658
8659 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
8660 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
8661 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
8662 frame makes no difference.
8663
8664 @node Floating Point Hardware
8665 @section Floating Point Hardware
8666 @cindex floating point
8667
8668 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
8669 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
8670
8671 @table @code
8672 @kindex info float
8673 @item info float
8674 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
8675 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
8676 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
8677 the ARM and x86 machines.
8678 @end table
8679
8680 @node Vector Unit
8681 @section Vector Unit
8682 @cindex vector unit
8683
8684 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
8685 more information about the status of the vector unit.
8686
8687 @table @code
8688 @kindex info vector
8689 @item info vector
8690 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
8691 layout vary depending on the hardware.
8692 @end table
8693
8694 @node OS Information
8695 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
8696 @cindex OS information
8697
8698 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
8699 you debug your program.
8700
8701 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
8702 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
8703 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
8704 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
8705 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
8706 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
8707 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
8708 structure.
8709
8710 @table @code
8711 @item info udot
8712 @kindex info udot
8713 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
8714 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
8715 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
8716 the @code{examine} command.
8717 @end table
8718
8719 @cindex auxiliary vector
8720 @cindex vector, auxiliary
8721 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
8722 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
8723 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
8724 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
8725 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
8726 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
8727 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
8728 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
8729 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
8730 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
8731 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
8732
8733 @table @code
8734 @kindex info auxv
8735 @item info auxv
8736 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
8737 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
8738 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
8739 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
8740 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
8741 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
8742 an unrecognized tag.
8743 @end table
8744
8745 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
8746 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
8747 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
8748 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
8749
8750 @table @code
8751 @kindex info os
8752 @item info os
8753 List the types of OS information available for the target. If the
8754 target does not return a list of possible types, this command will
8755 report an error.
8756
8757 @kindex info os processes
8758 @item info os processes
8759 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
8760 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
8761 the command corresponding to the process.
8762 @end table
8763
8764 @node Memory Region Attributes
8765 @section Memory Region Attributes
8766 @cindex memory region attributes
8767
8768 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
8769 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
8770 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
8771 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
8772 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
8773 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
8774 user can override the fetched regions.
8775
8776 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
8777 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
8778 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
8779 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
8780 all memory.
8781
8782 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
8783 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
8784
8785 @table @code
8786 @kindex mem
8787 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
8788 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
8789 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
8790 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
8791 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
8792 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
8793
8794 @item mem auto
8795 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
8796 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
8797
8798 @kindex delete mem
8799 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8800 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
8801 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
8802
8803 @kindex disable mem
8804 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8805 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8806 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
8807 It may be enabled again later.
8808
8809 @kindex enable mem
8810 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8811 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8812
8813 @kindex info mem
8814 @item info mem
8815 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
8816 for each region:
8817
8818 @table @emph
8819 @item Memory Region Number
8820 @item Enabled or Disabled.
8821 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
8822 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
8823
8824 @item Lo Address
8825 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
8826
8827 @item Hi Address
8828 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
8829
8830 @item Attributes
8831 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
8832 @end table
8833 @end table
8834
8835
8836 @subsection Attributes
8837
8838 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
8839 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
8840 write accesses to a memory region.
8841
8842 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
8843 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
8844 etc.@: from accessing memory.
8845
8846 @table @code
8847 @item ro
8848 Memory is read only.
8849 @item wo
8850 Memory is write only.
8851 @item rw
8852 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8853 @end table
8854
8855 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
8856 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8857 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8858 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8859 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8860
8861 @table @code
8862 @item 8
8863 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8864 @item 16
8865 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8866 @item 32
8867 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8868 @item 64
8869 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8870 @end table
8871
8872 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8873 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8874 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8875 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8876 @c
8877 @c @table @code
8878 @c @item hwbreak
8879 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
8880 @c @item swbreak (default)
8881 @c @end table
8882
8883 @subsubsection Data Cache
8884 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8885 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8886 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8887 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8888 registers.
8889
8890 @table @code
8891 @item cache
8892 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8893 @item nocache
8894 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8895 @end table
8896
8897 @subsection Memory Access Checking
8898 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8899 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8900 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8901 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8902
8903 @table @code
8904 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8905 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8906 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8907 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8908 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8909 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8910 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8911 The default value is @code{on}.
8912 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8913 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8914 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8915 @end table
8916
8917
8918 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8919 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8920 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8921 @c
8922 @c @table @code
8923 @c @item verify
8924 @c @item noverify (default)
8925 @c @end table
8926
8927 @node Dump/Restore Files
8928 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
8929 @cindex dump/restore files
8930 @cindex append data to a file
8931 @cindex dump data to a file
8932 @cindex restore data from a file
8933
8934 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8935 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8936 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8937 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8938 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8939 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8940 files.
8941
8942 @table @code
8943
8944 @kindex dump
8945 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8946 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8947 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8948 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8949
8950 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8951 @table @code
8952 @item binary
8953 Raw binary form.
8954 @item ihex
8955 Intel hex format.
8956 @item srec
8957 Motorola S-record format.
8958 @item tekhex
8959 Tektronix Hex format.
8960 @end table
8961
8962 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
8963 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
8964 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
8965 form.
8966
8967 @kindex append
8968 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8969 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8970 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8971 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
8972 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
8973
8974 @kindex restore
8975 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
8976 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
8977 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
8978 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
8979 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
8980
8981 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
8982 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
8983 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
8984 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
8985 from that location.
8986
8987 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
8988 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
8989 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
8990 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
8991
8992 @end table
8993
8994 @node Core File Generation
8995 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
8996 @cindex dump core from inferior
8997
8998 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
8999 image of a running process and its process status (register values
9000 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
9001 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
9002 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
9003 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
9004 the post-mortem debugging mode.
9005
9006 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
9007 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
9008 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
9009
9010 @table @code
9011 @kindex gcore
9012 @kindex generate-core-file
9013 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
9014 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
9015 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
9016 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
9017 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
9018 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
9019
9020 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
9021 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
9022 @end table
9023
9024 @node Character Sets
9025 @section Character Sets
9026 @cindex character sets
9027 @cindex charset
9028 @cindex translating between character sets
9029 @cindex host character set
9030 @cindex target character set
9031
9032 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
9033 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
9034 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
9035 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
9036 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
9037 @dfn{target character set}.
9038
9039 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
9040 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
9041 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
9042 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
9043 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
9044 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
9045 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
9046 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
9047 character and string literals in expressions.
9048
9049 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
9050 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
9051 target-charset} command, described below.
9052
9053 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
9054 support:
9055
9056 @table @code
9057 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
9058 @kindex set target-charset
9059 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
9060 list of supported target character sets, type
9061 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9062
9063 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
9064 @kindex set host-charset
9065 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
9066
9067 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
9068 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
9069 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
9070 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
9071 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
9072
9073 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
9074 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9075 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
9076
9077 @item set charset @var{charset}
9078 @kindex set charset
9079 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
9080 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9081 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
9082 for both host and target.
9083
9084 @item show charset
9085 @kindex show charset
9086 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
9087
9088 @item show host-charset
9089 @kindex show host-charset
9090 Show the name of the current host character set.
9091
9092 @item show target-charset
9093 @kindex show target-charset
9094 Show the name of the current target character set.
9095
9096 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
9097 @kindex set target-wide-charset
9098 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
9099 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
9100 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
9101 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9102
9103 @item show target-wide-charset
9104 @kindex show target-wide-charset
9105 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
9106 @end table
9107
9108 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
9109 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
9110 @file{charset-test.c}:
9111
9112 @smallexample
9113 #include <stdio.h>
9114
9115 char ascii_hello[]
9116 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
9117 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
9118 char ibm1047_hello[]
9119 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
9120 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
9121
9122 main ()
9123 @{
9124 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9125 @}
9126 @end smallexample
9127
9128 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
9129 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
9130 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
9131
9132 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
9133
9134 @smallexample
9135 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
9136 $ gdb -nw charset-test
9137 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
9138 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9139 @dots{}
9140 (@value{GDBP})
9141 @end smallexample
9142
9143 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
9144 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
9145 strings:
9146
9147 @smallexample
9148 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9149 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
9150 (@value{GDBP})
9151 @end smallexample
9152
9153 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
9154 initial character set:
9155 @smallexample
9156 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
9157 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9158 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
9159 (@value{GDBP})
9160 @end smallexample
9161
9162 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
9163 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
9164 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
9165 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
9166 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
9167
9168 @smallexample
9169 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9170 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
9171 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9172 $2 = 72 'H'
9173 (@value{GDBP})
9174 @end smallexample
9175
9176 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
9177 literals you use in expressions:
9178
9179 @smallexample
9180 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9181 $3 = 43 '+'
9182 (@value{GDBP})
9183 @end smallexample
9184
9185 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
9186 character.
9187
9188 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
9189 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
9190 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
9191
9192 @smallexample
9193 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9194 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
9195 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9196 $5 = 200 '\310'
9197 (@value{GDBP})
9198 @end smallexample
9199
9200 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
9201 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
9202
9203 @smallexample
9204 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9205 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
9206 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9207 @end smallexample
9208
9209 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
9210 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
9211 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
9212 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
9213 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
9214
9215 @smallexample
9216 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
9217 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9218 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
9219 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
9220 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9221 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
9222 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9223 $7 = 72 '\110'
9224 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9225 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
9226 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9227 $9 = 200 'H'
9228 (@value{GDBP})
9229 @end smallexample
9230
9231 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
9232 string literals you use in expressions:
9233
9234 @smallexample
9235 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9236 $10 = 78 '+'
9237 (@value{GDBP})
9238 @end smallexample
9239
9240 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
9241 character.
9242
9243 @node Caching Remote Data
9244 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
9245 @cindex caching data of remote targets
9246
9247 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
9248 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
9249 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
9250 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
9251 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
9252 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
9253 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
9254 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
9255 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
9256 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
9257 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
9258 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
9259 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
9260 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
9261 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
9262
9263 @table @code
9264 @kindex set remotecache
9265 @item set remotecache on
9266 @itemx set remotecache off
9267 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
9268 with old scripts.
9269
9270 @kindex show remotecache
9271 @item show remotecache
9272 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
9273
9274 @kindex set stack-cache
9275 @item set stack-cache on
9276 @itemx set stack-cache off
9277 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
9278 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
9279
9280 @kindex show stack-cache
9281 @item show stack-cache
9282 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
9283
9284 @kindex info dcache
9285 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
9286 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
9287 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
9288 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
9289 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
9290 operation.
9291
9292 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
9293 printed in hex.
9294 @end table
9295
9296 @node Searching Memory
9297 @section Search Memory
9298 @cindex searching memory
9299
9300 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
9301 @code{find} command.
9302
9303 @table @code
9304 @kindex find
9305 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9306 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9307 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
9308 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
9309 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
9310 @end table
9311
9312 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
9313 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
9314
9315 @table @r
9316 @item @var{s}, search query size
9317 The size of each search query value.
9318
9319 @table @code
9320 @item b
9321 bytes
9322 @item h
9323 halfwords (two bytes)
9324 @item w
9325 words (four bytes)
9326 @item g
9327 giant words (eight bytes)
9328 @end table
9329
9330 All values are interpreted in the current language.
9331 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
9332 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
9333
9334 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
9335 value's type in the current language.
9336 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
9337 pattern as a mixture of types.
9338 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
9339 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
9340 which is typically four bytes.
9341
9342 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
9343 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
9344 @end table
9345
9346 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
9347 (@code{"}).
9348 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
9349 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
9350
9351 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
9352 number of matches found.
9353
9354 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
9355 @samp{$_}.
9356 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
9357
9358 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
9359
9360 @smallexample
9361 void
9362 hello ()
9363 @{
9364 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
9365 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
9366 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
9367 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
9368 printf ("%s\n", hello);
9369 @}
9370 @end smallexample
9371
9372 @noindent
9373 you get during debugging:
9374
9375 @smallexample
9376 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
9377 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9378 1 pattern found
9379 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
9380 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9381 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9382 2 patterns found
9383 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
9384 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9385 1 pattern found
9386 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
9387 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
9388 1 pattern found
9389 (gdb) print $numfound
9390 $1 = 1
9391 (gdb) print $_
9392 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
9393 @end smallexample
9394
9395 @node Optimized Code
9396 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
9397 @cindex optimized code, debugging
9398 @cindex debugging optimized code
9399
9400 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
9401 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
9402 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
9403 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
9404 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
9405 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
9406 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
9407
9408 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
9409 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
9410 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
9411 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
9412
9413 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
9414 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
9415 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
9416 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
9417 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
9418 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
9419
9420 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
9421 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
9422 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
9423 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
9424 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
9425
9426 @menu
9427 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
9428 @end menu
9429
9430 @node Inline Functions
9431 @section Inline Functions
9432 @cindex inline functions, debugging
9433
9434 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
9435 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
9436 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
9437 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
9438 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
9439 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
9440 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
9441 @code{info frame} command.
9442
9443 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
9444 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
9445 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
9446 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
9447 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
9448 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
9449 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
9450 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
9451 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
9452 local variables in the caller.
9453
9454 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
9455 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
9456 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
9457 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
9458 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
9459 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
9460 instructions are executed.
9461
9462 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
9463 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
9464 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
9465 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
9466
9467 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
9468 function calls are the same as normal calls:
9469
9470 @itemize @bullet
9471 @item
9472 You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
9473 either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
9474 breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
9475 will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
9476 set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
9477 function instead.
9478
9479 @item
9480 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
9481 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
9482 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
9483 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
9484 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
9485 or inside the inlined function instead.
9486
9487 @item
9488 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
9489 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
9490 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
9491 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
9492
9493 @end itemize
9494
9495
9496 @node Macros
9497 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
9498
9499 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
9500 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
9501 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
9502 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
9503 where it was defined.
9504
9505 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
9506 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
9507 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
9508 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
9509
9510 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
9511 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
9512 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
9513 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
9514 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
9515 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
9516 see @ref{List}.
9517
9518 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
9519 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
9520 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
9521
9522 @table @code
9523
9524 @kindex macro expand
9525 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
9526 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
9527 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
9528 @item macro expand @var{expression}
9529 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
9530 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
9531 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
9532 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
9533 it can be any string of tokens.
9534
9535 @kindex macro exp1
9536 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
9537 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
9538 @cindex expand macro once
9539 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
9540 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
9541 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
9542 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
9543 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
9544 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
9545 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
9546 can be any string of tokens.
9547
9548 @kindex info macro
9549 @cindex macro definition, showing
9550 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
9551 @item info macro @var{macro}
9552 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
9553 source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
9554
9555 @kindex macro define
9556 @cindex user-defined macros
9557 @cindex defining macros interactively
9558 @cindex macros, user-defined
9559 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
9560 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
9561 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
9562 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
9563 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
9564 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
9565 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
9566 @var{arglist}.
9567
9568 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
9569 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
9570 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
9571 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
9572 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
9573
9574 @kindex macro undef
9575 @item macro undef @var{macro}
9576 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
9577 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
9578 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
9579 in the program being debugged.
9580
9581 @kindex macro list
9582 @item macro list
9583 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
9584 @end table
9585
9586 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
9587 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
9588 show our source files:
9589
9590 @smallexample
9591 $ cat sample.c
9592 #include <stdio.h>
9593 #include "sample.h"
9594
9595 #define M 42
9596 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9597
9598 main ()
9599 @{
9600 #define N 28
9601 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9602 #undef N
9603 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9604 #define N 1729
9605 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9606 @}
9607 $ cat sample.h
9608 #define Q <
9609 $
9610 @end smallexample
9611
9612 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
9613 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
9614 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
9615 information.
9616
9617 @smallexample
9618 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
9619 $
9620 @end smallexample
9621
9622 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
9623
9624 @smallexample
9625 $ gdb -nw sample
9626 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
9627 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9628 GDB is free software, @dots{}
9629 (@value{GDBP})
9630 @end smallexample
9631
9632 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
9633 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
9634 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
9635
9636 @smallexample
9637 (@value{GDBP}) list main
9638 3
9639 4 #define M 42
9640 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9641 6
9642 7 main ()
9643 8 @{
9644 9 #define N 28
9645 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9646 11 #undef N
9647 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9648 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
9649 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
9650 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9651 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
9652 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
9653 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
9654 #define Q <
9655 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
9656 expands to: (42 + 1)
9657 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
9658 expands to: once (M + 1)
9659 (@value{GDBP})
9660 @end smallexample
9661
9662 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
9663 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
9664 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
9665 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
9666
9667 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
9668 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
9669
9670 @smallexample
9671 (@value{GDBP}) break main
9672 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
9673 (@value{GDBP}) run
9674 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
9675
9676 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
9677 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9678 (@value{GDBP})
9679 @end smallexample
9680
9681 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
9682
9683 @smallexample
9684 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9685 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
9686 #define N 28
9687 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9688 expands to: 28 < 42
9689 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9690 $1 = 1
9691 (@value{GDBP})
9692 @end smallexample
9693
9694 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
9695 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
9696 thereof) in force at each point:
9697
9698 @smallexample
9699 (@value{GDBP}) next
9700 Hello, world!
9701 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9702 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9703 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
9704 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
9705 (@value{GDBP}) next
9706 We're so creative.
9707 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9708 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9709 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
9710 #define N 1729
9711 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9712 expands to: 1729 < 42
9713 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9714 $2 = 0
9715 (@value{GDBP})
9716 @end smallexample
9717
9718 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
9719 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
9720 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
9721 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
9722
9723 @smallexample
9724 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
9725 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
9726 -D__STDC__=1
9727 (@value{GDBP})
9728 @end smallexample
9729
9730
9731 @node Tracepoints
9732 @chapter Tracepoints
9733 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
9734 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
9735
9736 @cindex tracepoints
9737 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
9738 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
9739 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
9740 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
9741 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
9742 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
9743 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
9744
9745 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
9746 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
9747 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
9748 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
9749 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
9750 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
9751 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
9752 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
9753 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
9754 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
9755 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
9756
9757 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
9758 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
9759 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
9760 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
9761 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
9762 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
9763 Packets}.
9764
9765 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
9766 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
9767 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
9768
9769 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
9770
9771 @menu
9772 * Set Tracepoints::
9773 * Analyze Collected Data::
9774 * Tracepoint Variables::
9775 * Trace Files::
9776 @end menu
9777
9778 @node Set Tracepoints
9779 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
9780
9781 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
9782 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
9783 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
9784 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
9785 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
9786 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
9787 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
9788
9789 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
9790 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
9791 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
9792 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
9793 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
9794 tracepoint was hit.
9795
9796 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
9797 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
9798 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
9799 either.
9800
9801 @cindex fast tracepoints
9802 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
9803 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
9804 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
9805
9806 @cindex static tracepoints
9807 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
9808 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
9809 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
9810 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
9811 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
9812 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
9813 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
9814 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
9815 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
9816 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
9817 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
9818 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
9819 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
9820 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namelly, support for collecting
9821 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
9822 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
9823 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
9824 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
9825 static tracepoint marker.
9826
9827 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
9828 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
9829
9830 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
9831 conditions and actions.
9832
9833 @menu
9834 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
9835 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
9836 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
9837 * Tracepoint Conditions::
9838 * Trace State Variables::
9839 * Tracepoint Actions::
9840 * Listing Tracepoints::
9841 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
9842 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
9843 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
9844 @end menu
9845
9846 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
9847 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
9848
9849 @table @code
9850 @cindex set tracepoint
9851 @kindex trace
9852 @item trace @var{location}
9853 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
9854 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
9855 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
9856 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
9857 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
9858 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
9859 changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
9860 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
9861 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
9862
9863 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
9864
9865 @smallexample
9866 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
9867
9868 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
9869
9870 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
9871
9872 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
9873
9874 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
9875 @end smallexample
9876
9877 @noindent
9878 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
9879
9880 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
9881 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
9882 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
9883 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
9884 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
9885 information on tracepoint conditions.
9886
9887 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9888 @cindex set fast tracepoint
9889 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
9890 @kindex ftrace
9891 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
9892 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
9893 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
9894 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
9895 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
9896 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
9897 message.
9898
9899 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
9900 @code{trace}.
9901
9902 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9903 @cindex set static tracepoint
9904 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
9905 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
9906 @kindex strace
9907 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
9908 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
9909 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
9910 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
9911 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
9912
9913 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
9914 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
9915 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
9916 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
9917 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
9918 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
9919 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
9920 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
9921 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
9922 tracing engine:
9923
9924 @smallexample
9925 main ()
9926 @{
9927 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
9928 @}
9929 @end smallexample
9930
9931 @noindent
9932 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
9933 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
9934
9935 @smallexample
9936 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
9937 Cnt Enb ID Address What
9938 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
9939 Data: "str %s"
9940 [etc...]
9941 @end smallexample
9942
9943 @noindent
9944 so you may probe the marker above with:
9945
9946 @smallexample
9947 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
9948 @end smallexample
9949
9950 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
9951 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
9952 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
9953 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
9954 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
9955 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
9956 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
9957 the @samp{Data:} field.
9958
9959 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
9960 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
9961 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
9962
9963 @vindex $tpnum
9964 @cindex last tracepoint number
9965 @cindex recent tracepoint number
9966 @cindex tracepoint number
9967 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
9968 of the most recently set tracepoint.
9969
9970 @kindex delete tracepoint
9971 @cindex tracepoint deletion
9972 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9973 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
9974 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
9975 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
9976
9977 Examples:
9978
9979 @smallexample
9980 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
9981
9982 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
9983 @end smallexample
9984
9985 @noindent
9986 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
9987 @end table
9988
9989 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9990 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9991
9992 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
9993
9994 @table @code
9995 @kindex disable tracepoint
9996 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9997 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
9998 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
9999 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
10000 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
10001
10002 @kindex enable tracepoint
10003 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10004 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
10005 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
10006 run.
10007 @end table
10008
10009 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
10010 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
10011
10012 @table @code
10013 @kindex passcount
10014 @cindex tracepoint pass count
10015 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
10016 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
10017 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
10018 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
10019 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
10020 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
10021 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
10022 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
10023 user.
10024
10025 Examples:
10026
10027 @smallexample
10028 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
10029 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
10030
10031 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
10032 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
10033 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10034 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
10035 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
10036 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
10037 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
10038 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
10039 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
10040 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
10041 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
10042 @end smallexample
10043 @end table
10044
10045 @node Tracepoint Conditions
10046 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
10047 @cindex conditional tracepoints
10048 @cindex tracepoint conditions
10049
10050 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
10051 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
10052 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
10053 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
10054 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
10055 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
10056 is true.
10057
10058 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
10059 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
10060 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
10061 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
10062 just as with breakpoints.
10063
10064 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
10065 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
10066 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
10067 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
10068 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
10069 accesses, and so forth.
10070
10071 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
10072 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
10073 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
10074 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
10075 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
10076 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
10077 search through.
10078
10079 @smallexample
10080 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
10081 @end smallexample
10082
10083 @node Trace State Variables
10084 @subsection Trace State Variables
10085 @cindex trace state variables
10086
10087 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
10088 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
10089 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
10090 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
10091 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
10092 integers.
10093
10094 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
10095 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
10096 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
10097 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
10098
10099 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
10100 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
10101 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
10102 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
10103 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
10104 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
10105 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
10106 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
10107 variable with the same name.
10108
10109 @table @code
10110
10111 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
10112 @kindex tvariable
10113 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
10114 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
10115 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
10116 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
10117 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
10118 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
10119 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
10120 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
10121 value. The default initial value is 0.
10122
10123 @item info tvariables
10124 @kindex info tvariables
10125 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
10126 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
10127 currently running.
10128
10129 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
10130 @kindex delete tvariable
10131 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
10132 are specified.
10133
10134 @end table
10135
10136 @node Tracepoint Actions
10137 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
10138
10139 @table @code
10140 @kindex actions
10141 @cindex tracepoint actions
10142 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10143 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
10144 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
10145 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
10146 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
10147 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
10148 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
10149 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
10150 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
10151 @code{while-stepping}.
10152
10153 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
10154 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
10155 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
10156
10157 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
10158 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
10159 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
10160
10161 @smallexample
10162 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
10163
10164 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
10165
10166 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
10167 @end smallexample
10168
10169 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
10170 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
10171 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
10172 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
10173 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
10174 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
10175 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
10176 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
10177
10178 @smallexample
10179 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10180 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10181 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
10182 > collect bar,baz
10183 > collect $regs
10184 > while-stepping 12
10185 > collect $pc, arr[i]
10186 > end
10187 end
10188 @end smallexample
10189
10190 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
10191 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10192 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
10193 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
10194 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
10195 special arguments are supported:
10196
10197 @table @code
10198 @item $regs
10199 Collect all registers.
10200
10201 @item $args
10202 Collect all function arguments.
10203
10204 @item $locals
10205 Collect all local variables.
10206
10207 @item $_sdata
10208 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
10209 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
10210 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
10211 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
10212 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
10213 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
10214 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
10215 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
10216 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
10217
10218 @smallexample
10219 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
10220 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
10221 @end smallexample
10222
10223 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
10224 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
10225 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
10226 @value{GDBN}.
10227 @end table
10228
10229 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
10230 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
10231 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
10232
10233 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
10234 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
10235
10236 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
10237 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10238 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
10239 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
10240 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
10241 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
10242 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
10243 action were used.
10244
10245 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
10246 @item while-stepping @var{n}
10247 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
10248 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
10249 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
10250 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
10251
10252 @smallexample
10253 > while-stepping 12
10254 > collect $regs, myglobal
10255 > end
10256 >
10257 @end smallexample
10258
10259 @noindent
10260 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
10261 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
10262 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
10263 @code{stepping}.
10264
10265 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10266 @kindex set default-collect
10267 @cindex default collection action
10268 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
10269 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
10270 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
10271 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
10272 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
10273 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
10274
10275 @item show default-collect
10276 @kindex show default-collect
10277 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
10278 tracepoint hit.
10279
10280 @end table
10281
10282 @node Listing Tracepoints
10283 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
10284
10285 @table @code
10286 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
10287 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
10288 @cindex information about tracepoints
10289 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
10290 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
10291 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
10292 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
10293 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
10294 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
10295
10296 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
10297 tracing:
10298
10299 @itemize @bullet
10300 @item
10301 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
10302 @end itemize
10303
10304 @smallexample
10305 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
10306 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
10307 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
10308 while-stepping 20
10309 collect globfoo, $regs
10310 end
10311 collect globfoo2
10312 end
10313 pass count 1200
10314 (@value{GDBP})
10315 @end smallexample
10316
10317 @noindent
10318 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
10319 @end table
10320
10321 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10322 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10323
10324 @table @code
10325 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
10326 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
10327 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
10328 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
10329 program.
10330
10331 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
10332
10333 @table @emph
10334 @item Count
10335 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
10336 stable identifier.
10337 @item ID
10338 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
10339 @item Enabled or Disabled
10340 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
10341 that are not enabled.
10342 @item Address
10343 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
10344 @item What
10345 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
10346 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
10347 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
10348 will be left blank.
10349 @end table
10350
10351 @noindent
10352 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
10353
10354 @table @emph
10355 @item Data
10356 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
10357 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
10358 marker call.
10359 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
10360 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
10361 @end table
10362
10363 @smallexample
10364 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
10365 Cnt ID Enb Address What
10366 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
10367 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
10368 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
10369 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
10370 Data: str %s
10371 (@value{GDBP})
10372 @end smallexample
10373 @end table
10374
10375 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10376 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10377
10378 @table @code
10379 @kindex tstart
10380 @cindex start a new trace experiment
10381 @cindex collected data discarded
10382 @item tstart
10383 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
10384 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
10385 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
10386 experiment.
10387
10388 @kindex tstop
10389 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
10390 @item tstop
10391 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
10392 stops collecting data.
10393
10394 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
10395 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
10396 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
10397
10398 @kindex tstatus
10399 @cindex status of trace data collection
10400 @cindex trace experiment, status of
10401 @item tstatus
10402 This command displays the status of the current trace data
10403 collection.
10404 @end table
10405
10406 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
10407
10408 @smallexample
10409 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
10410 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10411 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
10412 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
10413 > while-stepping 11
10414 > collect $regs
10415 > end
10416 > end
10417 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10418 [time passes @dots{}]
10419 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
10420 @end smallexample
10421
10422 @cindex disconnected tracing
10423 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
10424 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
10425 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
10426 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
10427 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
10428 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
10429 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
10430 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
10431
10432 @table @code
10433 @item set disconnected-tracing on
10434 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
10435 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
10436 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
10437 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
10438 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
10439 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
10440 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
10441
10442 @item show disconnected-tracing
10443 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
10444 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
10445
10446 @end table
10447
10448 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
10449 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
10450 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
10451 it will continue after reconnection.
10452
10453 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
10454 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
10455 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
10456 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
10457 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
10458 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
10459 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
10460 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
10461 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
10462 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
10463
10464 @cindex circular trace buffer
10465 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
10466 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
10467 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
10468 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
10469 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
10470 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
10471 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
10472 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
10473 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
10474 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
10475 the next run.
10476
10477 @table @code
10478 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
10479 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
10480 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
10481 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
10482 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
10483 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
10484 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
10485
10486 @item show circular-trace-buffer
10487 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
10488 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
10489 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
10490 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
10491 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
10492
10493 @end table
10494
10495 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
10496 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
10497
10498 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
10499 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
10500 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
10501 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
10502 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
10503 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
10504 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
10505 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
10506 mentioned here.
10507
10508 @itemize @bullet
10509
10510 @item
10511 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
10512 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
10513 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
10514 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
10515 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
10516 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
10517 cannot be collected either.
10518
10519 @item
10520 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
10521 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
10522 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
10523 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
10524 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
10525 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
10526 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
10527 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
10528 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
10529 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
10530
10531 @item
10532 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
10533 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
10534 in a misleading way.
10535
10536 @item
10537 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
10538 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
10539 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
10540 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
10541 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
10542 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
10543 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
10544 by @code{ptr}.
10545
10546 @item
10547 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
10548 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
10549 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*$esp@@300}
10550 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
10551 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
10552 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
10553 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
10554 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
10555 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
10556 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
10557 invalid address.
10558
10559 @item
10560 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
10561 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
10562 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
10563 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
10564 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
10565 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
10566 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
10567 it to zero.
10568
10569 @end itemize
10570
10571 @node Analyze Collected Data
10572 @section Using the Collected Data
10573
10574 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
10575 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
10576 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
10577 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
10578 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
10579 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
10580 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
10581 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
10582 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
10583 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
10584 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
10585 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
10586 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
10587 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
10588 the buffer will fail.
10589
10590 @menu
10591 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
10592 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
10593 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
10594 @end menu
10595
10596 @node tfind
10597 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
10598
10599 @kindex tfind
10600 @cindex select trace snapshot
10601 @cindex find trace snapshot
10602 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
10603 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
10604 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
10605 snapshot is selected.
10606
10607 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
10608
10609 @table @code
10610 @item tfind start
10611 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
10612 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
10613
10614 @item tfind none
10615 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
10616
10617 @item tfind end
10618 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
10619
10620 @item tfind
10621 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
10622
10623 @item tfind -
10624 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
10625 retracing earlier steps.
10626
10627 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
10628 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
10629 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
10630 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
10631 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
10632
10633 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
10634 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
10635 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
10636 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
10637 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
10638
10639 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10640 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
10641 addresses (exclusive).
10642
10643 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10644 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
10645 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
10646
10647 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
10648 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
10649 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
10650 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
10651 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
10652 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
10653 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
10654 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
10655 @end table
10656
10657 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
10658 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
10659 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
10660 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
10661 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
10662 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
10663 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
10664 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
10665 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
10666 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
10667 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
10668 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
10669 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
10670 tracepoint as the current one.
10671
10672 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
10673 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
10674 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
10675 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
10676 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
10677
10678 @smallexample
10679 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10680 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10681 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
10682 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
10683 > tfind
10684 > end
10685
10686 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
10687 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
10688 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
10689 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
10690 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
10691 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
10692 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
10693 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
10694 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
10695 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
10696 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
10697 @end smallexample
10698
10699 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
10700 the buffer:
10701
10702 @smallexample
10703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10704 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10705 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
10706 > tfind line
10707 > end
10708
10709 Frame 0, X = 1
10710 Frame 7, X = 2
10711 Frame 13, X = 255
10712 @end smallexample
10713
10714 @node tdump
10715 @subsection @code{tdump}
10716 @kindex tdump
10717 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
10718 @cindex tracepoint data, display
10719
10720 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
10721 the current trace snapshot.
10722
10723 @smallexample
10724 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
10725 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10726 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
10727 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
10728 > end
10729
10730 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10731
10732 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
10733 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
10734 at gdb_test.c:444
10735 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
10736
10737 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
10738 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
10739 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
10740 d1 0x18 24
10741 d2 0x80 128
10742 d3 0x33 51
10743 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
10744 d5 0x22 34
10745 d6 0xe0 224
10746 d7 0x380035 3670069
10747 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
10748 a1 0x3000668 50333288
10749 a2 0x100 256
10750 a3 0x322000 3284992
10751 a4 0x3000698 50333336
10752 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
10753 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
10754 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
10755 ps 0x0 0
10756 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
10757 fpcontrol 0x0 0
10758 fpstatus 0x0 0
10759 fpiaddr 0x0 0
10760 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
10761 p1 = (void *) 0x11
10762 p2 = (void *) 0x22
10763 p3 = (void *) 0x33
10764 p4 = (void *) 0x44
10765 p5 = (void *) 0x55
10766 p6 = (void *) 0x66
10767 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
10768
10769 (@value{GDBP})
10770 @end smallexample
10771
10772 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
10773 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
10774 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
10775 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
10776
10777 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
10778 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
10779 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
10780 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
10781 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
10782 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
10783 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
10784 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
10785 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
10786 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
10787
10788 @node save tracepoints
10789 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
10790 @kindex save tracepoints
10791 @kindex save-tracepoints
10792 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
10793
10794 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
10795 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
10796 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
10797 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
10798 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
10799 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
10800
10801 @node Tracepoint Variables
10802 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
10803 @cindex tracepoint variables
10804 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
10805
10806 @table @code
10807 @vindex $trace_frame
10808 @item (int) $trace_frame
10809 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
10810 snapshot is selected.
10811
10812 @vindex $tracepoint
10813 @item (int) $tracepoint
10814 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
10815
10816 @vindex $trace_line
10817 @item (int) $trace_line
10818 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
10819
10820 @vindex $trace_file
10821 @item (char []) $trace_file
10822 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
10823
10824 @vindex $trace_func
10825 @item (char []) $trace_func
10826 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
10827 @end table
10828
10829 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
10830 use @code{output} instead.
10831
10832 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
10833 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
10834 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
10835 which are managed by the target.
10836
10837 @smallexample
10838 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10839
10840 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
10841 > output $trace_file
10842 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
10843 > tfind
10844 > end
10845 @end smallexample
10846
10847 @node Trace Files
10848 @section Using Trace Files
10849 @cindex trace files
10850
10851 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
10852 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
10853 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
10854 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
10855 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
10856
10857 @table @code
10858
10859 @kindex tsave
10860 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
10861 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
10862 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
10863 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
10864 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
10865 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
10866 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
10867 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
10868 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
10869
10870 @kindex target tfile
10871 @kindex tfile
10872 @item target tfile @var{filename}
10873 Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
10874 that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
10875 possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
10876 the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
10877 as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
10878 on a filesystem accessible to the host.
10879
10880 @end table
10881
10882 @node Overlays
10883 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
10884 @cindex overlays
10885
10886 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
10887 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
10888 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
10889 use overlays.
10890
10891 @menu
10892 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
10893 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
10894 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
10895 mapped by asking the inferior.
10896 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
10897 @end menu
10898
10899 @node How Overlays Work
10900 @section How Overlays Work
10901 @cindex mapped overlays
10902 @cindex unmapped overlays
10903 @cindex load address, overlay's
10904 @cindex mapped address
10905 @cindex overlay area
10906
10907 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
10908 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
10909 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
10910 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
10911 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
10912
10913 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
10914 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
10915 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
10916 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
10917 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
10918 largest overlay as well.
10919
10920 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
10921 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
10922 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
10923 there.
10924
10925 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
10926 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
10927 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
10928
10929 @smallexample
10930 @group
10931 Data Instruction Larger
10932 Address Space Address Space Address Space
10933 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
10934 | | | | | |
10935 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
10936 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
10937 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
10938 | and heap | | | | | |
10939 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
10940 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
10941 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
10942 | | | | | |
10943 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
10944 address | | | | | |
10945 | overlay | <-' | | |
10946 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
10947 | | <---. | | load address
10948 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
10949 | | | |
10950 +-----------+ | |
10951 +-----------+
10952 | |
10953 +-----------+
10954
10955 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
10956 @end group
10957 @end smallexample
10958
10959 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
10960 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
10961 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
10962 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
10963 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
10964 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
10965 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
10966 program and the overlay area.
10967
10968 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
10969 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
10970 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
10971 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
10972 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
10973 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
10974 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
10975
10976 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
10977 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
10978 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
10979
10980 @itemize @bullet
10981
10982 @item
10983 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
10984 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
10985 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
10986 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
10987
10988 @item
10989 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
10990 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
10991 your program's performance.
10992
10993 @item
10994 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
10995 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
10996 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
10997 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
10998 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
10999 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
11000 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
11001
11002 @item
11003 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
11004 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
11005 instruction and data spaces.
11006
11007 @end itemize
11008
11009 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
11010 improved in many ways:
11011
11012 @itemize @bullet
11013
11014 @item
11015 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
11016 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
11017 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
11018 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
11019 area in the usual way.
11020
11021 @item
11022 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
11023 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
11024
11025 @item
11026 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
11027 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
11028 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
11029 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
11030 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
11031 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
11032 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
11033
11034 @end itemize
11035
11036
11037 @node Overlay Commands
11038 @section Overlay Commands
11039
11040 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
11041 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
11042 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
11043 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
11044 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
11045 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
11046
11047 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
11048 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
11049
11050 @table @code
11051 @item overlay off
11052 @kindex overlay
11053 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
11054 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
11055 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
11056 overlay support is disabled.
11057
11058 @item overlay manual
11059 @cindex manual overlay debugging
11060 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11061 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
11062 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
11063 commands described below.
11064
11065 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
11066 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
11067 @cindex map an overlay
11068 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
11069 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
11070 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
11071 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
11072 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
11073 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
11074
11075 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
11076 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
11077 @cindex unmap an overlay
11078 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
11079 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
11080 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
11081 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
11082
11083 @item overlay auto
11084 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11085 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
11086 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
11087 Overlay Debugging}.
11088
11089 @item overlay load-target
11090 @itemx overlay load
11091 @cindex reloading the overlay table
11092 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
11093 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
11094 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
11095 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
11096 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
11097
11098 @item overlay list-overlays
11099 @itemx overlay list
11100 @cindex listing mapped overlays
11101 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
11102 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
11103
11104 @end table
11105
11106 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
11107 of the function the address falls in:
11108
11109 @smallexample
11110 (@value{GDBP}) print main
11111 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
11112 @end smallexample
11113 @noindent
11114 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
11115 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
11116 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
11117 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
11118
11119 @smallexample
11120 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11121 No sections are mapped.
11122 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
11123 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
11124 @end smallexample
11125 @noindent
11126 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
11127 name normally:
11128
11129 @smallexample
11130 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11131 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
11132 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
11133 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
11134 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
11135 @end smallexample
11136
11137 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
11138 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
11139 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
11140 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
11141 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
11142
11143 @itemize @bullet
11144 @item
11145 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
11146 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
11147 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
11148 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
11149 @item
11150 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
11151 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
11152 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
11153 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
11154 breakpoints properly.
11155 @end itemize
11156
11157
11158 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
11159 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
11160 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
11161
11162 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
11163 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
11164 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
11165 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
11166 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
11167 current state of the overlays.
11168
11169 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
11170 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
11171
11172 @table @asis
11173
11174 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
11175 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
11176
11177 @smallexample
11178 struct
11179 @{
11180 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
11181 unsigned long vma;
11182
11183 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
11184 unsigned long size;
11185
11186 /* The overlay's load address. */
11187 unsigned long lma;
11188
11189 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
11190 zero otherwise. */
11191 unsigned long mapped;
11192 @}
11193 @end smallexample
11194
11195 @item @code{_novlys}:
11196 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
11197 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
11198
11199 @end table
11200
11201 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
11202 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
11203 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
11204 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
11205 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
11206 currently mapped.
11207
11208 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
11209 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
11210 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
11211 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
11212 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
11213 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
11214 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
11215 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
11216 are not being executed.
11217
11218 @node Overlay Sample Program
11219 @section Overlay Sample Program
11220 @cindex overlay example program
11221
11222 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
11223 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
11224 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
11225 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
11226 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
11227 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
11228 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
11229
11230 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
11231 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
11232 suite. The program consists of the following files from
11233 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
11234
11235 @table @file
11236 @item overlays.c
11237 The main program file.
11238 @item ovlymgr.c
11239 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
11240 @item foo.c
11241 @itemx bar.c
11242 @itemx baz.c
11243 @itemx grbx.c
11244 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
11245 @item d10v.ld
11246 @itemx m32r.ld
11247 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
11248 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
11249 @end table
11250
11251 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
11252 cross-compiler like this:
11253
11254 @smallexample
11255 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
11256 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
11257 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
11258 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
11259 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
11260 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
11261 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
11262 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
11263 @end smallexample
11264
11265 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
11266 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
11267 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
11268
11269
11270 @node Languages
11271 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
11272 @cindex languages
11273
11274 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
11275 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
11276 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
11277 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
11278 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
11279 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
11280
11281 @cindex working language
11282 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
11283 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
11284 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
11285 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
11286 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
11287 language}.
11288
11289 @menu
11290 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
11291 * Show:: Displaying the language
11292 * Checks:: Type and range checks
11293 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
11294 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
11295 @end menu
11296
11297 @node Setting
11298 @section Switching Between Source Languages
11299
11300 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
11301 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
11302 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
11303 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
11304 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
11305 are printed, etc.
11306
11307 In addition to the working language, every source file that
11308 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
11309 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
11310 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
11311 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
11312 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
11313 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
11314 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
11315 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
11316 Displaying the Language}.
11317
11318 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
11319 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
11320 another language. In that case, make the
11321 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
11322 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
11323 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
11324
11325 @menu
11326 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
11327 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
11328 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
11329 @end menu
11330
11331 @node Filenames
11332 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
11333
11334 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
11335 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
11336
11337 @table @file
11338 @item .ada
11339 @itemx .ads
11340 @itemx .adb
11341 @itemx .a
11342 Ada source file.
11343
11344 @item .c
11345 C source file
11346
11347 @item .C
11348 @itemx .cc
11349 @itemx .cp
11350 @itemx .cpp
11351 @itemx .cxx
11352 @itemx .c++
11353 C@t{++} source file
11354
11355 @item .d
11356 D source file
11357
11358 @item .m
11359 Objective-C source file
11360
11361 @item .f
11362 @itemx .F
11363 Fortran source file
11364
11365 @item .mod
11366 Modula-2 source file
11367
11368 @item .s
11369 @itemx .S
11370 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
11371 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
11372 @end table
11373
11374 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
11375 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
11376
11377 @node Manually
11378 @subsection Setting the Working Language
11379
11380 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
11381 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
11382 your program.
11383
11384 @kindex set language
11385 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
11386 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
11387 a language, such as
11388 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
11389 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
11390
11391 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
11392 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
11393 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
11394 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
11395 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
11396 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
11397 command such as:
11398
11399 @smallexample
11400 print a = b + c
11401 @end smallexample
11402
11403 @noindent
11404 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
11405 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
11406 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
11407 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
11408
11409 @node Automatically
11410 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
11411
11412 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
11413 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
11414 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
11415 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
11416 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
11417 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
11418 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
11419 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
11420 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
11421
11422 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
11423 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
11424 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
11425 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
11426 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
11427
11428 @node Show
11429 @section Displaying the Language
11430
11431 The following commands help you find out which language is the
11432 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
11433
11434 @table @code
11435 @item show language
11436 @kindex show language
11437 Display the current working language. This is the
11438 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
11439 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
11440
11441 @item info frame
11442 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
11443 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
11444 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
11445 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
11446 information listed here.
11447
11448 @item info source
11449 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
11450 Display the source language of this source file.
11451 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
11452 information listed here.
11453 @end table
11454
11455 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
11456 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
11457 with a language explicitly:
11458
11459 @table @code
11460 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
11461 @kindex set extension-language
11462 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
11463 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
11464
11465 @item info extensions
11466 @kindex info extensions
11467 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
11468 @end table
11469
11470 @node Checks
11471 @section Type and Range Checking
11472
11473 @quotation
11474 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
11475 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
11476 section documents the intended facilities.
11477 @end quotation
11478 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
11479
11480 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
11481 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
11482 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
11483 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
11484 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
11485 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
11486 errors when your program is running.
11487
11488 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
11489 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
11490 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
11491 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
11492 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
11493 automatically based on your program's source language.
11494 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
11495 settings of supported languages.
11496
11497 @menu
11498 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
11499 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
11500 @end menu
11501
11502 @cindex type checking
11503 @cindex checks, type
11504 @node Type Checking
11505 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
11506
11507 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
11508 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
11509 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
11510 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
11511
11512 @smallexample
11513 1 + 2 @result{} 3
11514 @exdent but
11515 @error{} 1 + 2.3
11516 @end smallexample
11517
11518 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
11519 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
11520
11521 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
11522 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
11523 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
11524 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
11525 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
11526 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
11527 also issues a warning.
11528
11529 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
11530 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
11531 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
11532 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
11533 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
11534 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
11535
11536 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
11537 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
11538 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
11539 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
11540 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
11541 details on specific languages.
11542
11543 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
11544
11545 @kindex set check type
11546 @kindex show check type
11547 @table @code
11548 @item set check type auto
11549 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
11550 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11551 each language.
11552
11553 @item set check type on
11554 @itemx set check type off
11555 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11556 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
11557 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
11558 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
11559 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
11560
11561 @item set check type warn
11562 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
11563 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
11564 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
11565 numbers and structures.
11566
11567 @item show type
11568 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
11569 is setting it automatically.
11570 @end table
11571
11572 @cindex range checking
11573 @cindex checks, range
11574 @node Range Checking
11575 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
11576
11577 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
11578 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
11579 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
11580 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
11581 not exceed the bounds of the array.
11582
11583 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
11584 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
11585 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
11586 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
11587
11588 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
11589 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
11590 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
11591 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
11592 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
11593 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
11594
11595 @smallexample
11596 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
11597 @end smallexample
11598
11599 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
11600 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
11601 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
11602
11603 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
11604
11605 @kindex set check range
11606 @kindex show check range
11607 @table @code
11608 @item set check range auto
11609 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
11610 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11611 each language.
11612
11613 @item set check range on
11614 @itemx set check range off
11615 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11616 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
11617 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
11618 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
11619
11620 @item set check range warn
11621 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
11622 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
11623 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
11624 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
11625 systems).
11626
11627 @item show range
11628 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
11629 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
11630 @end table
11631
11632 @node Supported Languages
11633 @section Supported Languages
11634
11635 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, OpenCL C, Pascal,
11636 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
11637 @c This is false ...
11638 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
11639 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
11640 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
11641 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
11642 language.
11643
11644 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
11645 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
11646 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
11647 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
11648 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
11649 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
11650 language reference or tutorial.
11651
11652 @menu
11653 * C:: C and C@t{++}
11654 * D:: D
11655 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
11656 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
11657 * Fortran:: Fortran
11658 * Pascal:: Pascal
11659 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
11660 * Ada:: Ada
11661 @end menu
11662
11663 @node C
11664 @subsection C and C@t{++}
11665
11666 @cindex C and C@t{++}
11667 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
11668
11669 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
11670 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
11671 together.
11672
11673 @cindex C@t{++}
11674 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
11675 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
11676 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
11677 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
11678 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
11679 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
11680 compiler (@code{aCC}).
11681
11682 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
11683 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
11684 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
11685 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
11686 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
11687 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
11688
11689 @menu
11690 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
11691 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
11692 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
11693 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
11694 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
11695 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
11696 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
11697 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
11698 @end menu
11699
11700 @node C Operators
11701 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
11702
11703 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
11704
11705 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11706 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11707 often defined on groups of types.
11708
11709 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
11710
11711 @itemize @bullet
11712
11713 @item
11714 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
11715 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
11716
11717 @item
11718 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
11719 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
11720
11721 @item
11722 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
11723
11724 @item
11725 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
11726
11727 @end itemize
11728
11729 @noindent
11730 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
11731 in order of increasing precedence:
11732
11733 @table @code
11734 @item ,
11735 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
11736 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
11737 expression being the last expression evaluated.
11738
11739 @item =
11740 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
11741 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
11742
11743 @item @var{op}=
11744 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
11745 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
11746 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
11747 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
11748 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
11749
11750 @item ?:
11751 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
11752 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
11753 integral type.
11754
11755 @item ||
11756 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11757
11758 @item &&
11759 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11760
11761 @item |
11762 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11763
11764 @item ^
11765 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11766
11767 @item &
11768 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11769
11770 @item ==@r{, }!=
11771 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
11772 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
11773
11774 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
11775 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
11776 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
11777 and non-zero for true.
11778
11779 @item <<@r{, }>>
11780 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
11781
11782 @item @@
11783 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11784
11785 @item +@r{, }-
11786 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
11787 pointer types.
11788
11789 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
11790 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
11791 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
11792 integral types.
11793
11794 @item ++@r{, }--
11795 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
11796 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
11797 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
11798 operation takes place.
11799
11800 @item *
11801 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
11802 @code{++}.
11803
11804 @item &
11805 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
11806
11807 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
11808 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
11809 to examine the address
11810 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
11811 stored.
11812
11813 @item -
11814 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
11815 precedence as @code{++}.
11816
11817 @item !
11818 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11819 @code{++}.
11820
11821 @item ~
11822 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11823 @code{++}.
11824
11825
11826 @item .@r{, }->
11827 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
11828 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
11829 pointer based on the stored type information.
11830 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
11831
11832 @item .*@r{, }->*
11833 Dereferences of pointers to members.
11834
11835 @item []
11836 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
11837 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11838
11839 @item ()
11840 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11841
11842 @item ::
11843 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
11844 and @code{class} types.
11845
11846 @item ::
11847 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
11848 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
11849 above.
11850 @end table
11851
11852 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
11853 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
11854 predefined meaning.
11855
11856 @node C Constants
11857 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
11858
11859 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
11860
11861 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
11862 following ways:
11863
11864 @itemize @bullet
11865 @item
11866 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
11867 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
11868 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
11869 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
11870 @code{long} value.
11871
11872 @item
11873 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
11874 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
11875 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
11876 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
11877 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
11878 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
11879 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
11880 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
11881 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
11882 constant.
11883
11884 @item
11885 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
11886 integral equivalents.
11887
11888 @item
11889 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
11890 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
11891 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
11892 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
11893 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
11894 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
11895 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
11896 @samp{\n} for newline.
11897
11898 @item
11899 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
11900 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
11901 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
11902 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
11903 characters.
11904
11905 @item
11906 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
11907 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
11908
11909 @item
11910 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
11911 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
11912 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
11913 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
11914 @end itemize
11915
11916 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
11917 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
11918
11919 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
11920 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
11921
11922 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
11923 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
11924 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
11925 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
11926 @quotation
11927 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
11928 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
11929 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
11930 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
11931 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
11932 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
11933 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
11934 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
11935 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
11936 C@t{++} code.
11937 @end quotation
11938
11939 @enumerate
11940
11941 @cindex member functions
11942 @item
11943 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
11944
11945 @smallexample
11946 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
11947 @end smallexample
11948
11949 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
11950 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
11951 @item
11952 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
11953 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
11954 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
11955 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
11956
11957 @cindex call overloaded functions
11958 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
11959 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
11960 @item
11961 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
11962 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
11963 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
11964 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
11965 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
11966 default arguments.
11967
11968 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
11969 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
11970 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
11971 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
11972 number of function arguments.
11973
11974 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
11975 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
11976 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
11977
11978 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
11979 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
11980 @smallexample
11981 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
11982 @end smallexample
11983
11984 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
11985 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
11986
11987 @cindex reference declarations
11988 @item
11989 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
11990 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
11991 dereferenced.
11992
11993 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
11994 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
11995 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
11996 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
11997 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
11998
11999 @item
12000 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
12001 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
12002 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
12003 necessary, for example in an expression like
12004 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
12005 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
12006 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
12007 @end enumerate
12008
12009 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
12010 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
12011 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
12012 invoking user-defined operators.
12013
12014 @node C Defaults
12015 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
12016
12017 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
12018
12019 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
12020 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
12021 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12022 selects the working language.
12023
12024 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
12025 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
12026 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
12027 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
12028 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
12029 for further details.
12030
12031 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
12032 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
12033 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
12034
12035 @node C Checks
12036 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
12037
12038 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
12039
12040 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
12041 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
12042 considers two variables type equivalent if:
12043
12044 @itemize @bullet
12045 @item
12046 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
12047 enumerated tag.
12048
12049 @item
12050 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
12051 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
12052
12053 @ignore
12054 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
12055 @c FIXME--beers?
12056 @item
12057 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
12058 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
12059 compilers.)
12060 @end ignore
12061 @end itemize
12062
12063 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
12064 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
12065 that is not itself an array.
12066
12067 @node Debugging C
12068 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
12069
12070 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
12071 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
12072 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
12073 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
12074
12075 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
12076 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
12077 ,Expressions}.
12078
12079 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
12080 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
12081
12082 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
12083
12084 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
12085 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
12086
12087 @table @code
12088 @cindex break in overloaded functions
12089 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
12090 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
12091 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
12092 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
12093 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
12094
12095 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
12096 @item rbreak @var{regex}
12097 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
12098 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
12099 classes.
12100 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12101
12102 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
12103 @item catch throw
12104 @itemx catch catch
12105 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
12106 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
12107
12108 @cindex inheritance
12109 @item ptype @var{typename}
12110 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
12111 @var{typename}.
12112 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
12113
12114 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
12115 @item set print demangle
12116 @itemx show print demangle
12117 @itemx set print asm-demangle
12118 @itemx show print asm-demangle
12119 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
12120 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
12121 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12122
12123 @item set print object
12124 @itemx show print object
12125 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
12126 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12127
12128 @item set print vtbl
12129 @itemx show print vtbl
12130 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
12131 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12132 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
12133 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
12134
12135 @kindex set overload-resolution
12136 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
12137 @item set overload-resolution on
12138 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
12139 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
12140 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
12141 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
12142 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
12143 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
12144
12145 @item set overload-resolution off
12146 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
12147 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12148 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
12149 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
12150 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12151 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
12152 argument types.
12153
12154 @kindex show overload-resolution
12155 @item show overload-resolution
12156 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
12157
12158 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
12159 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
12160 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
12161 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
12162 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
12163 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
12164 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
12165 @end table
12166
12167 @node Decimal Floating Point
12168 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
12169 @cindex decimal floating point format
12170
12171 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
12172 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
12173 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
12174 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
12175
12176 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
12177 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
12178 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
12179 target.
12180
12181 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
12182 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
12183 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
12184
12185 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
12186 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
12187 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
12188
12189 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
12190 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
12191 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
12192
12193 @node D
12194 @subsection D
12195
12196 @cindex D
12197 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
12198 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
12199 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
12200
12201 @node Objective-C
12202 @subsection Objective-C
12203
12204 @cindex Objective-C
12205 This section provides information about some commands and command
12206 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
12207 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
12208 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
12209
12210 @menu
12211 * Method Names in Commands::
12212 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
12213 @end menu
12214
12215 @node Method Names in Commands
12216 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
12217
12218 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
12219 names as line specifications:
12220
12221 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
12222 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
12223 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
12224 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
12225 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
12226 @itemize
12227 @item @code{clear}
12228 @item @code{break}
12229 @item @code{info line}
12230 @item @code{jump}
12231 @item @code{list}
12232 @end itemize
12233
12234 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
12235
12236 @smallexample
12237 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
12238 @end smallexample
12239
12240 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
12241 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
12242 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
12243 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
12244 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
12245 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
12246 debugged, enter:
12247
12248 @smallexample
12249 break -[Fruit create]
12250 @end smallexample
12251
12252 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
12253 enter:
12254
12255 @smallexample
12256 list +[NSText initialize]
12257 @end smallexample
12258
12259 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
12260 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
12261 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
12262 is also possible to specify just a method name:
12263
12264 @smallexample
12265 break create
12266 @end smallexample
12267
12268 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
12269 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
12270 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
12271 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
12272 none apply.
12273
12274 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
12275 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
12276
12277 @smallexample
12278 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
12279 @end smallexample
12280
12281 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
12282 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
12283 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
12284 @kindex print-object
12285 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
12286
12287 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
12288
12289 @smallexample
12290 print -[@var{object} hash]
12291 @end smallexample
12292
12293 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
12294 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
12295 @noindent
12296 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
12297 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
12298 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
12299 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
12300 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
12301 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
12302
12303 @node OpenCL C
12304 @subsection OpenCL C
12305
12306 @cindex OpenCL C
12307 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
12308
12309 @menu
12310 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
12311 * OpenCL C Expressions::
12312 * OpenCL C Operators::
12313 @end menu
12314
12315 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
12316 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
12317
12318 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
12319 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
12320 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
12321 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
12322 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
12323
12324 @node OpenCL C Expressions
12325 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
12326
12327 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
12328 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
12329 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
12330 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
12331
12332 @node OpenCL C Operators
12333 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
12334
12335 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
12336 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
12337 vector data types.
12338
12339 @node Fortran
12340 @subsection Fortran
12341 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
12342
12343 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
12344 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
12345
12346 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
12347 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
12348 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
12349 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
12350 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
12351 underscore.
12352
12353 @menu
12354 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
12355 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
12356 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
12357 @end menu
12358
12359 @node Fortran Operators
12360 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
12361
12362 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
12363
12364 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12365 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
12366 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
12367
12368 @table @code
12369 @item **
12370 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
12371 of the second one.
12372
12373 @item :
12374 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
12375 represent a section of array.
12376
12377 @item %
12378 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
12379 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
12380 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
12381 union type.
12382 @end table
12383
12384 @node Fortran Defaults
12385 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
12386
12387 @cindex Fortran Defaults
12388
12389 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
12390 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
12391 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
12392 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
12393
12394 @node Special Fortran Commands
12395 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
12396
12397 @cindex Special Fortran commands
12398
12399 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
12400 such as displaying common blocks.
12401
12402 @table @code
12403 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
12404 @kindex info common
12405 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
12406 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
12407 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
12408 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
12409 printed.
12410 @end table
12411
12412 @node Pascal
12413 @subsection Pascal
12414
12415 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
12416 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
12417 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
12418 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
12419 syntax.
12420
12421 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
12422 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
12423 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
12424
12425 @node Modula-2
12426 @subsection Modula-2
12427
12428 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
12429
12430 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
12431 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
12432 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
12433 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
12434 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
12435 table.
12436
12437 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
12438 @menu
12439 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
12440 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
12441 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
12442 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
12443 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
12444 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
12445 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
12446 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12447 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
12448 @end menu
12449
12450 @node M2 Operators
12451 @subsubsection Operators
12452 @cindex Modula-2 operators
12453
12454 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12455 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
12456 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
12457 following definitions hold:
12458
12459 @itemize @bullet
12460
12461 @item
12462 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
12463 their subranges.
12464
12465 @item
12466 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
12467
12468 @item
12469 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
12470
12471 @item
12472 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
12473 @var{type}}.
12474
12475 @item
12476 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
12477
12478 @item
12479 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
12480
12481 @item
12482 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
12483 @end itemize
12484
12485 @noindent
12486 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
12487 increasing precedence:
12488
12489 @table @code
12490 @item ,
12491 Function argument or array index separator.
12492
12493 @item :=
12494 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
12495 @var{value}.
12496
12497 @item <@r{, }>
12498 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
12499 types.
12500
12501 @item <=@r{, }>=
12502 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
12503 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
12504 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
12505
12506 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
12507 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
12508 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
12509 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
12510 comment character.
12511
12512 @item IN
12513 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
12514 Same precedence as @code{<}.
12515
12516 @item OR
12517 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12518
12519 @item AND@r{, }&
12520 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12521
12522 @item @@
12523 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
12524
12525 @item +@r{, }-
12526 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
12527 and difference on set types.
12528
12529 @item *
12530 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
12531 on set types.
12532
12533 @item /
12534 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
12535 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
12536
12537 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
12538 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
12539 precedence as @code{*}.
12540
12541 @item -
12542 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
12543
12544 @item ^
12545 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
12546
12547 @item NOT
12548 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
12549 @code{^}.
12550
12551 @item .
12552 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
12553 precedence as @code{^}.
12554
12555 @item []
12556 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
12557
12558 @item ()
12559 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
12560 as @code{^}.
12561
12562 @item ::@r{, }.
12563 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
12564 @end table
12565
12566 @quotation
12567 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
12568 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
12569 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
12570 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
12571 @end quotation
12572
12573
12574 @node Built-In Func/Proc
12575 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
12576 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
12577
12578 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
12579 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
12580
12581 @table @var
12582
12583 @item a
12584 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
12585
12586 @item c
12587 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
12588
12589 @item i
12590 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
12591
12592 @item m
12593 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
12594 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
12595 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
12596
12597 @item n
12598 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
12599
12600 @item r
12601 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
12602
12603 @item t
12604 represents a type.
12605
12606 @item v
12607 represents a variable.
12608
12609 @item x
12610 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
12611 explanation of the function for details.
12612 @end table
12613
12614 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
12615
12616 @table @code
12617 @item ABS(@var{n})
12618 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
12619
12620 @item CAP(@var{c})
12621 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
12622 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
12623
12624 @item CHR(@var{i})
12625 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12626
12627 @item DEC(@var{v})
12628 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12629
12630 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
12631 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12632 new value.
12633
12634 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12635 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
12636 set.
12637
12638 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
12639 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
12640
12641 @item HIGH(@var{a})
12642 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
12643
12644 @item INC(@var{v})
12645 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12646
12647 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
12648 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12649 new value.
12650
12651 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12652 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
12653 there. Returns the new set.
12654
12655 @item MAX(@var{t})
12656 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
12657
12658 @item MIN(@var{t})
12659 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
12660
12661 @item ODD(@var{i})
12662 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
12663
12664 @item ORD(@var{x})
12665 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
12666 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
12667 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
12668 integral, character and enumerated types.
12669
12670 @item SIZE(@var{x})
12671 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12672
12673 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
12674 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
12675
12676 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
12677 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12678
12679 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
12680 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12681 @end table
12682
12683 @quotation
12684 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
12685 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
12686 an error.
12687 @end quotation
12688
12689 @cindex Modula-2 constants
12690 @node M2 Constants
12691 @subsubsection Constants
12692
12693 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
12694 ways:
12695
12696 @itemize @bullet
12697
12698 @item
12699 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
12700 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
12701 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
12702 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
12703
12704 @item
12705 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
12706 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
12707 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
12708 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
12709 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
12710 digits.
12711
12712 @item
12713 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
12714 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
12715 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
12716 followed by a @samp{C}.
12717
12718 @item
12719 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
12720 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
12721 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
12722 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
12723 sequences.
12724
12725 @item
12726 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
12727
12728 @item
12729 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
12730 @code{FALSE}.
12731
12732 @item
12733 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
12734
12735 @item
12736 Set constants are not yet supported.
12737 @end itemize
12738
12739 @node M2 Types
12740 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
12741 @cindex Modula-2 types
12742
12743 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
12744 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
12745 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
12746 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
12747 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
12748 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
12749
12750 The first example contains the following section of code:
12751
12752 @smallexample
12753 VAR
12754 s: SET OF CHAR ;
12755 r: [20..40] ;
12756 @end smallexample
12757
12758 @noindent
12759 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
12760 @code{r} and @code{s}.
12761
12762 @smallexample
12763 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12764 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
12765 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12766 SET OF CHAR
12767 (@value{GDBP}) print r
12768 21
12769 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
12770 [20..40]
12771 @end smallexample
12772
12773 @noindent
12774 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
12775
12776 @smallexample
12777 VAR
12778 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
12779 @end smallexample
12780
12781 @noindent
12782 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
12783
12784 @smallexample
12785 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12786 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
12787 @end smallexample
12788
12789 @noindent
12790 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
12791 expressions using the debugger.
12792
12793 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
12794 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
12795
12796 @smallexample
12797 VAR
12798 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
12799 @end smallexample
12800
12801 @smallexample
12802 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12803 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
12804 @end smallexample
12805
12806 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
12807 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
12808 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
12809 above.
12810
12811 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
12812
12813 @smallexample
12814 TYPE
12815 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
12816 t = [blue..yellow] ;
12817 VAR
12818 s: t ;
12819 BEGIN
12820 s := blue ;
12821 @end smallexample
12822
12823 @noindent
12824 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
12825 and value of a variable.
12826
12827 @smallexample
12828 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12829 $1 = blue
12830 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
12831 type = [blue..yellow]
12832 @end smallexample
12833
12834 @noindent
12835 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
12836 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
12837 their @code{C} counterparts.
12838
12839 @smallexample
12840 VAR
12841 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12842 BEGIN
12843 s[1] := 1 ;
12844 @end smallexample
12845
12846 @smallexample
12847 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12848 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
12849 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12850 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12851 @end smallexample
12852
12853 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
12854 pointer types as shown in this example:
12855
12856 @smallexample
12857 VAR
12858 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12859 BEGIN
12860 NEW(s) ;
12861 s^[1] := 1 ;
12862 @end smallexample
12863
12864 @noindent
12865 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
12866
12867 @smallexample
12868 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12869 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12870 @end smallexample
12871
12872 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
12873 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
12874 types:
12875
12876 @smallexample
12877 TYPE
12878 foo = RECORD
12879 f1: CARDINAL ;
12880 f2: CHAR ;
12881 f3: myarray ;
12882 END ;
12883
12884 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
12885 myrange = [-2..2] ;
12886 VAR
12887 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
12888 @end smallexample
12889
12890 @noindent
12891 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
12892 below.
12893
12894 @smallexample
12895 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12896 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
12897 f1 : CARDINAL;
12898 f2 : CHAR;
12899 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
12900 END
12901 @end smallexample
12902
12903 @node M2 Defaults
12904 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
12905 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
12906
12907 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
12908 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
12909 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12910 selected the working language.
12911
12912 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
12913 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
12914 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
12915 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
12916
12917 @node Deviations
12918 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
12919 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
12920
12921 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
12922 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
12923
12924 @itemize @bullet
12925 @item
12926 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
12927 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
12928 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
12929 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
12930 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
12931 returned a pointer.)
12932
12933 @item
12934 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
12935 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
12936 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
12937 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
12938
12939 @item
12940 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
12941 argument.
12942
12943 @item
12944 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
12945 @end itemize
12946
12947 @node M2 Checks
12948 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
12949 @cindex Modula-2 checks
12950
12951 @quotation
12952 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
12953 range checking.
12954 @end quotation
12955 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
12956
12957 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
12958
12959 @itemize @bullet
12960 @item
12961 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
12962 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
12963
12964 @item
12965 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
12966 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
12967 @end itemize
12968
12969 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
12970 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
12971
12972 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
12973 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
12974
12975 @node M2 Scope
12976 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12977 @cindex scope
12978 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
12979 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
12980 @ifinfo
12981 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
12982 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
12983 @end ifinfo
12984 @ifnotinfo
12985 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
12986 @end ifnotinfo
12987
12988 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
12989 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
12990 similar syntax:
12991
12992 @smallexample
12993
12994 @var{module} . @var{id}
12995 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
12996 @end smallexample
12997
12998 @noindent
12999 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
13000 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
13001 identifier within your program, except another module.
13002
13003 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
13004 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
13005 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
13006 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
13007
13008 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
13009 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
13010 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
13011 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
13012 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
13013 @var{module}.
13014
13015 @node GDB/M2
13016 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13017
13018 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
13019 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
13020 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
13021 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
13022 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
13023 analogue in Modula-2.
13024
13025 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
13026 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
13027 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
13028 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
13029 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
13030 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
13031
13032 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
13033 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
13034 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
13035
13036 @node Ada
13037 @subsection Ada
13038 @cindex Ada
13039
13040 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
13041 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
13042 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
13043 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13044 to be difficult.
13045
13046
13047 @cindex expressions in Ada
13048 @menu
13049 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
13050 and semantics supported by Ada mode
13051 in @value{GDBN}.
13052 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
13053 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
13054 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
13055 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
13056 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13057 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
13058 Profile
13059 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
13060 @end menu
13061
13062 @node Ada Mode Intro
13063 @subsubsection Introduction
13064 @cindex Ada mode, general
13065
13066 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
13067 syntax, with some extensions.
13068 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
13069
13070 @itemize @bullet
13071 @item
13072 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
13073 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
13074 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
13075 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
13076
13077 @item
13078 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
13079 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13080
13081 @item
13082 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13083 @end itemize
13084
13085 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
13086 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
13087 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
13088 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
13089 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
13090
13091 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
13092 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
13093 was translated from an Ada source file.
13094
13095 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
13096 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
13097 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
13098 middle (to allow based literals).
13099
13100 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
13101 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
13102 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
13103 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
13104 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
13105 functions to procedures elsewhere.
13106
13107 @node Omissions from Ada
13108 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
13109 @cindex Ada, omissions from
13110
13111 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
13112
13113 @itemize @bullet
13114 @item
13115 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
13116
13117 @itemize @minus
13118 @item
13119 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
13120 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
13121
13122 @item
13123 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
13124
13125 @item
13126 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
13127
13128 @item
13129 @t{'Tag}.
13130
13131 @item
13132 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
13133 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
13134
13135 @item
13136 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
13137 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
13138
13139 @item
13140 @t{'Address}.
13141 @end itemize
13142
13143 @item
13144 The names in
13145 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
13146 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
13147 not currently available.
13148
13149 @item
13150 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
13151 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
13152 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
13153 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
13154 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
13155 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
13156 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
13157 indeterminate values.
13158
13159 @item
13160 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
13161 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
13162 are not implemented.
13163
13164 @item
13165 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
13166 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
13167 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
13168 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
13169 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
13170
13171 @smallexample
13172 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
13173 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
13174 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
13175 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
13176 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
13177 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
13178 @end smallexample
13179
13180 Changing a
13181 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
13182 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
13183 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
13184 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
13185 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
13186 declared to have a type such as:
13187
13188 @smallexample
13189 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
13190 Id : Integer;
13191 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
13192 end record;
13193 @end smallexample
13194
13195 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
13196 assignments:
13197
13198 @smallexample
13199 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
13200 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
13201 @end smallexample
13202
13203 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
13204 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
13205 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
13206 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
13207 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
13208 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
13209 redundant component associations, although which component values are
13210 assigned in such cases is not defined.
13211
13212 @item
13213 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
13214
13215 @item
13216 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
13217 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
13218 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
13219 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
13220 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
13221 the proper resolution.
13222
13223 @item
13224 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
13225
13226 @item
13227 Entry calls are not implemented.
13228
13229 @item
13230 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
13231 formats are not supported.
13232
13233 @item
13234 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
13235
13236 @item
13237 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
13238 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
13239 context.
13240 Should your program
13241 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
13242 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
13243 @end itemize
13244
13245 @node Additions to Ada
13246 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
13247 @cindex Ada, deviations from
13248
13249 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
13250 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
13251
13252 @itemize @bullet
13253 @item
13254 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
13255 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
13256 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
13257 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
13258 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
13259 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
13260 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
13261 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
13262
13263 @item
13264 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
13265 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
13266 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
13267
13268 @item
13269 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
13270 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
13271
13272 @item
13273 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
13274 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
13275 @end itemize
13276
13277 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
13278 additions specific to Ada:
13279
13280 @itemize @bullet
13281 @item
13282 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
13283 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
13284
13285 @smallexample
13286 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
13287 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
13288 @end smallexample
13289
13290 @item
13291 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
13292 the value of its right-hand operand.
13293 This allows, for example,
13294 complex conditional breaks:
13295
13296 @smallexample
13297 (@value{GDBP}) break f
13298 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
13299 @end smallexample
13300
13301 @item
13302 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
13303 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
13304 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
13305 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
13306 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
13307 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
13308 in strings. For example,
13309 @smallexample
13310 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
13311 @end smallexample
13312 @noindent
13313 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
13314 after each period.
13315
13316 @item
13317 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
13318 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
13319 to write
13320
13321 @smallexample
13322 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
13323 @end smallexample
13324
13325 @item
13326 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
13327 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
13328 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
13329 of 3 might print as
13330
13331 @smallexample
13332 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
13333 @end smallexample
13334
13335 @noindent
13336 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
13337 clause.
13338
13339 @item
13340 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
13341 multi-character subsequence of
13342 their names (an exact match gets preference).
13343 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
13344 in place of @t{a'length}.
13345
13346 @item
13347 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
13348 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
13349 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
13350 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
13351 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
13352 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
13353 For example,
13354 @smallexample
13355 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
13356 @end smallexample
13357
13358 @item
13359 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
13360 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
13361 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
13362 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
13363 object.
13364
13365 @end itemize
13366
13367 @node Stopping Before Main Program
13368 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
13369
13370 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
13371 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
13372 before reaching the main procedure.
13373 As defined in the Ada Reference
13374 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
13375 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
13376 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
13377 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
13378
13379 @node Ada Tasks
13380 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
13381 @cindex Ada, tasking
13382
13383 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
13384 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
13385
13386 @table @code
13387 @kindex info tasks
13388 @item info tasks
13389 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
13390
13391
13392 @smallexample
13393 @iftex
13394 @leftskip=0.5cm
13395 @end iftex
13396 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13397 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13398 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13399 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
13400 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
13401 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
13402
13403 @end smallexample
13404
13405 @noindent
13406 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
13407 task currently being inspected.
13408
13409 @table @asis
13410 @item ID
13411 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
13412
13413 @item TID
13414 The Ada task ID.
13415
13416 @item P-ID
13417 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
13418
13419 @item Pri
13420 The base priority of the task.
13421
13422 @item State
13423 Current state of the task.
13424
13425 @table @code
13426 @item Unactivated
13427 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
13428 executing.
13429
13430 @item Runnable
13431 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
13432 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
13433
13434 @item Terminated
13435 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
13436 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
13437 terminated themselves.
13438
13439 @item Child Activation Wait
13440 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
13441
13442 @item Accept Statement
13443 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
13444
13445 @item Waiting on entry call
13446 The task is waiting on an entry call.
13447
13448 @item Async Select Wait
13449 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
13450 select statement.
13451
13452 @item Delay Sleep
13453 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
13454 alternative open.
13455
13456 @item Child Termination Wait
13457 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
13458 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
13459 waiting on a terminate Phase.
13460
13461 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
13462 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
13463 finish terminating.
13464
13465 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
13466 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
13467 @end table
13468
13469 @item Name
13470 Name of the task in the program.
13471
13472 @end table
13473
13474 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
13475 @item info task @var{taskno}
13476 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
13477 the following example:
13478 @smallexample
13479 @iftex
13480 @leftskip=0.5cm
13481 @end iftex
13482 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13483 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13484 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13485 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
13486 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
13487 Ada Task: 0x807c468
13488 Name: task_1
13489 Thread: 0x807f378
13490 Parent: 1 (main_task)
13491 Base Priority: 15
13492 State: Runnable
13493 @end smallexample
13494
13495 @item task
13496 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
13497 @cindex current Ada task ID
13498 This command prints the ID of the current task.
13499
13500 @smallexample
13501 @iftex
13502 @leftskip=0.5cm
13503 @end iftex
13504 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13505 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13506 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13507 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13508 (@value{GDBP}) task
13509 [Current task is 2]
13510 @end smallexample
13511
13512 @item task @var{taskno}
13513 @cindex Ada task switching
13514 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
13515 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
13516 from the current task to the given task.
13517
13518 @smallexample
13519 @iftex
13520 @leftskip=0.5cm
13521 @end iftex
13522 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13523 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13524 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13525 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13526 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
13527 [Switching to task 1]
13528 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13529 (@value{GDBP}) bt
13530 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13531 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
13532 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
13533 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
13534 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
13535 @end smallexample
13536
13537 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
13538 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
13539 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
13540 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
13541 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
13542 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
13543 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
13544 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
13545 in @ref{Specify Location}.
13546
13547 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
13548 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
13549 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
13550 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
13551 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
13552
13553 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
13554 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
13555 program.
13556
13557 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
13558 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
13559 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
13560
13561 For example,
13562
13563 @smallexample
13564 @iftex
13565 @leftskip=0.5cm
13566 @end iftex
13567 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13568 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13569 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13570 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
13571 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13572 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
13573 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
13574 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
13575 (@value{GDBP}) cont
13576 Continuing.
13577 task # 1 running
13578 task # 2 running
13579
13580 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
13581 15 flush;
13582 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13583 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13584 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13585 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
13586 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13587 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
13588 @end smallexample
13589 @end table
13590
13591 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
13592 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13593 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
13594
13595 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
13596 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
13597 the platform being used.
13598 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
13599 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
13600 as usual.
13601
13602 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
13603 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
13604 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
13605 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
13606 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
13607 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
13608
13609 @node Ravenscar Profile
13610 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
13611 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
13612
13613 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
13614 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
13615 requirements.
13616
13617 @table @code
13618 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
13619 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
13620 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
13621 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13622 Profile. This is the default.
13623
13624 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
13625 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
13626 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13627 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
13628 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
13629 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
13630 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
13631
13632 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
13633 @item show ravenscar task-switching
13634 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
13635 using the Ravenscar Profile.
13636
13637 @end table
13638
13639 @node Ada Glitches
13640 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
13641 @cindex Ada, problems
13642
13643 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
13644 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
13645 @value{GDBN},
13646 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
13647 and the GNU Ada compiler.
13648
13649 @itemize @bullet
13650 @item
13651 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
13652 storage are invisible to the debugger.
13653
13654 @item
13655 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
13656 argument lists are treated as positional).
13657
13658 @item
13659 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
13660
13661 @item
13662 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
13663 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
13664 the host machine.
13665
13666 @item
13667 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
13668 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
13669 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
13670 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
13671 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
13672 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
13673 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
13674 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
13675 you can usually resolve the confusion
13676 by qualifying the problematic names with package
13677 @code{Standard} explicitly.
13678 @end itemize
13679
13680 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
13681 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
13682 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
13683 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
13684 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
13685 enabled.
13686
13687 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13688 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13689 @table @code
13690
13691 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
13692 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
13693 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
13694 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
13695 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
13696 This is the default.
13697
13698 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
13699 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
13700 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
13701 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
13702 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
13703 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
13704 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
13705
13706 @end table
13707
13708 @node Unsupported Languages
13709 @section Unsupported Languages
13710
13711 @cindex unsupported languages
13712 @cindex minimal language
13713 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
13714 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
13715 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
13716 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
13717 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
13718 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
13719
13720 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
13721 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
13722 language.
13723
13724 @node Symbols
13725 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
13726
13727 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
13728 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
13729 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
13730 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
13731 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
13732 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
13733 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13734
13735 @cindex symbol names
13736 @cindex names of symbols
13737 @cindex quoting names
13738 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
13739 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
13740 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
13741 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
13742 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
13743 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
13744 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
13745 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
13746
13747 @smallexample
13748 p 'foo.c'::x
13749 @end smallexample
13750
13751 @noindent
13752 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
13753
13754 @table @code
13755 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
13756 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
13757 @kindex set case-sensitive
13758 @item set case-sensitive on
13759 @itemx set case-sensitive off
13760 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
13761 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
13762 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
13763 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
13764 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
13765 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
13766 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
13767 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
13768 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
13769 case-insensitive matches.
13770
13771 @kindex show case-sensitive
13772 @item show case-sensitive
13773 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
13774 lookups.
13775
13776 @kindex info address
13777 @cindex address of a symbol
13778 @item info address @var{symbol}
13779 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
13780 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
13781 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
13782 is always stored.
13783
13784 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
13785 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
13786 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
13787
13788 @kindex info symbol
13789 @cindex symbol from address
13790 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
13791 @item info symbol @var{addr}
13792 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
13793 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
13794 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
13795
13796 @smallexample
13797 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
13798 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
13799 @end smallexample
13800
13801 @noindent
13802 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
13803 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
13804
13805 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
13806 library containing the symbol is also printed:
13807
13808 @smallexample
13809 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
13810 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
13811 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
13812 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
13813 @end smallexample
13814
13815 @kindex whatis
13816 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
13817 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
13818 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
13819 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
13820 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
13821 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
13822 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
13823 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
13824 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
13825 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
13826 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13827
13828 @kindex ptype
13829 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
13830 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
13831 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
13832 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13833
13834 For example, for this variable declaration:
13835
13836 @smallexample
13837 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
13838 @end smallexample
13839
13840 @noindent
13841 the two commands give this output:
13842
13843 @smallexample
13844 @group
13845 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
13846 type = struct complex
13847 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
13848 type = struct complex @{
13849 double real;
13850 double imag;
13851 @}
13852 @end group
13853 @end smallexample
13854
13855 @noindent
13856 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
13857 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
13858
13859 @cindex incomplete type
13860 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
13861 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
13862 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
13863 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
13864 given these declarations:
13865
13866 @smallexample
13867 struct foo;
13868 struct foo *fooptr;
13869 @end smallexample
13870
13871 @noindent
13872 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
13873
13874 @smallexample
13875 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
13876 $1 = <incomplete type>
13877 @end smallexample
13878
13879 @noindent
13880 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
13881 completely specified.
13882
13883 @kindex info types
13884 @item info types @var{regexp}
13885 @itemx info types
13886 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
13887 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
13888 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
13889 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
13890 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
13891 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
13892 name is @code{value}.
13893
13894 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
13895 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
13896 lists all source files where a type is defined.
13897
13898 @kindex info scope
13899 @cindex local variables
13900 @item info scope @var{location}
13901 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
13902 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
13903 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
13904 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
13905 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
13906
13907 @smallexample
13908 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
13909 Scope for command_line_handler:
13910 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
13911 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
13912 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
13913 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
13914 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
13915 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
13916 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
13917 @end smallexample
13918
13919 @noindent
13920 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
13921 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
13922 collect}.
13923
13924 @kindex info source
13925 @item info source
13926 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
13927 the function containing the current point of execution:
13928 @itemize @bullet
13929 @item
13930 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
13931 @item
13932 the directory it was compiled in,
13933 @item
13934 its length, in lines,
13935 @item
13936 which programming language it is written in,
13937 @item
13938 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
13939 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
13940 @item
13941 whether the debugging information includes information about
13942 preprocessor macros.
13943 @end itemize
13944
13945
13946 @kindex info sources
13947 @item info sources
13948 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
13949 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
13950 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
13951
13952 @kindex info functions
13953 @item info functions
13954 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
13955
13956 @item info functions @var{regexp}
13957 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
13958 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
13959 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
13960 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
13961 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
13962 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
13963 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
13964
13965 @kindex info variables
13966 @item info variables
13967 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
13968 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
13969
13970 @item info variables @var{regexp}
13971 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
13972 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
13973 @var{regexp}.
13974
13975 @kindex info classes
13976 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
13977 @item info classes
13978 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
13979 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
13980 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13981 expression.
13982
13983 @kindex info selectors
13984 @item info selectors
13985 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
13986 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
13987 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13988 expression.
13989
13990 @ignore
13991 This was never implemented.
13992 @kindex info methods
13993 @item info methods
13994 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
13995 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
13996 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
13997 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
13998 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
13999 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
14000 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
14001 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
14002 @end ignore
14003
14004 @cindex reloading symbols
14005 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
14006 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
14007 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
14008 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
14009 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
14010
14011 @table @code
14012 @kindex set symbol-reloading
14013 @item set symbol-reloading on
14014 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
14015 object file with a particular name is seen again.
14016
14017 @item set symbol-reloading off
14018 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
14019 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
14020 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
14021 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
14022 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
14023 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
14024 name.
14025
14026 @kindex show symbol-reloading
14027 @item show symbol-reloading
14028 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
14029 @end table
14030
14031 @cindex opaque data types
14032 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
14033 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
14034 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
14035 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
14036 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
14037 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
14038 another source file. The default is on.
14039
14040 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
14041 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
14042
14043 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
14044 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
14045 is printed as follows:
14046 @smallexample
14047 @{<no data fields>@}
14048 @end smallexample
14049
14050 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
14051 @item show opaque-type-resolution
14052 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
14053
14054 @kindex maint print symbols
14055 @cindex symbol dump
14056 @kindex maint print psymbols
14057 @cindex partial symbol dump
14058 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
14059 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
14060 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
14061 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
14062 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
14063 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
14064 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
14065 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
14066 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
14067 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
14068 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
14069 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
14070 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
14071 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
14072 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
14073 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
14074 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
14075
14076 @kindex maint info symtabs
14077 @kindex maint info psymtabs
14078 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
14079 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14080 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14081 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14082 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14083 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14084
14085 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
14086 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
14087 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
14088 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
14089 structure in more detail. For example:
14090
14091 @smallexample
14092 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
14093 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14094 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14095 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14096 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
14097 readin no
14098 fullname (null)
14099 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
14100 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
14101 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
14102 dependencies (none)
14103 @}
14104 @}
14105 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14106 (@value{GDBP})
14107 @end smallexample
14108 @noindent
14109 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
14110 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
14111 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
14112 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
14113 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
14114
14115 @smallexample
14116 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
14117 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
14118 line 1574.
14119 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14120 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14121 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14122 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14123 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
14124 dirname (null)
14125 fullname (null)
14126 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
14127 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
14128 debugformat DWARF 2
14129 @}
14130 @}
14131 (@value{GDBP})
14132 @end smallexample
14133 @end table
14134
14135
14136 @node Altering
14137 @chapter Altering Execution
14138
14139 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
14140 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
14141 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
14142 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
14143 program.
14144
14145 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
14146 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
14147 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
14148
14149 @menu
14150 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
14151 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
14152 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
14153 * Returning:: Returning from a function
14154 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
14155 * Patching:: Patching your program
14156 @end menu
14157
14158 @node Assignment
14159 @section Assignment to Variables
14160
14161 @cindex assignment
14162 @cindex setting variables
14163 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
14164 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
14165
14166 @smallexample
14167 print x=4
14168 @end smallexample
14169
14170 @noindent
14171 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
14172 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
14173 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
14174 information on operators in supported languages.
14175
14176 @kindex set variable
14177 @cindex variables, setting
14178 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
14179 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
14180 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
14181 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
14182 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
14183
14184 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
14185 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
14186 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
14187 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
14188 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
14189 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
14190 command @code{set width}:
14191
14192 @smallexample
14193 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
14194 type = double
14195 (@value{GDBP}) p width
14196 $4 = 13
14197 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
14198 Invalid syntax in expression.
14199 @end smallexample
14200
14201 @noindent
14202 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
14203 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
14204
14205 @smallexample
14206 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
14207 @end smallexample
14208
14209 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
14210 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
14211 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
14212 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
14213 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
14214 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
14215
14216 @smallexample
14217 @group
14218 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
14219 type = double
14220 (@value{GDBP}) p g
14221 $1 = 1
14222 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
14223 (@value{GDBP}) p g
14224 $2 = 1
14225 (@value{GDBP}) r
14226 The program being debugged has been started already.
14227 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
14228 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
14229 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
14230 Invalid bfd target.
14231 (@value{GDBP}) show g
14232 The current BFD target is "=4".
14233 @end group
14234 @end smallexample
14235
14236 @noindent
14237 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
14238 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
14239 @code{g}, use
14240
14241 @smallexample
14242 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
14243 @end smallexample
14244
14245 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
14246 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
14247 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
14248 same length or shorter.
14249 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
14250 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
14251
14252 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
14253 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
14254 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
14255 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
14256 and representation in memory), and
14257
14258 @smallexample
14259 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
14260 @end smallexample
14261
14262 @noindent
14263 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
14264
14265 @node Jumping
14266 @section Continuing at a Different Address
14267
14268 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
14269 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
14270 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
14271
14272 @table @code
14273 @kindex jump
14274 @item jump @var{linespec}
14275 @itemx jump @var{location}
14276 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
14277 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
14278 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
14279 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
14280 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
14281 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14282
14283 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
14284 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
14285 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
14286 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
14287 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
14288 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
14289 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
14290 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
14291 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
14292 @end table
14293
14294 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
14295 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
14296 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
14297 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
14298 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
14299 example,
14300
14301 @smallexample
14302 set $pc = 0x485
14303 @end smallexample
14304
14305 @noindent
14306 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
14307 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
14308 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
14309
14310 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
14311 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
14312 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
14313 detail.
14314
14315 @c @group
14316 @node Signaling
14317 @section Giving your Program a Signal
14318 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
14319
14320 @table @code
14321 @kindex signal
14322 @item signal @var{signal}
14323 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
14324 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
14325 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
14326 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
14327
14328 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
14329 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
14330 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
14331 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
14332 signal.
14333
14334 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
14335 after executing the command.
14336 @end table
14337 @c @end group
14338
14339 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
14340 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
14341 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
14342 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
14343 passes the signal directly to your program.
14344
14345
14346 @node Returning
14347 @section Returning from a Function
14348
14349 @table @code
14350 @cindex returning from a function
14351 @kindex return
14352 @item return
14353 @itemx return @var{expression}
14354 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
14355 command. If you give an
14356 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
14357 value.
14358 @end table
14359
14360 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
14361 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
14362 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
14363 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
14364
14365 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
14366 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
14367 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
14368 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
14369 of functions.
14370
14371 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
14372 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
14373 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
14374 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
14375 selected stack frame returns naturally.
14376
14377 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
14378 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
14379 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
14380 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
14381 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
14382 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
14383 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
14384 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
14385 assignment into the right register(s).
14386
14387 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
14388 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
14389 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
14390 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
14391 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
14392 into a @code{long long int}:
14393
14394 @smallexample
14395 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
14396 29 return 31;
14397 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
14398 Make func return now? (y or n) y
14399 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
14400 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
14401 (@value{GDBP})
14402 @end smallexample
14403
14404 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
14405 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
14406 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
14407 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
14408 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
14409 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
14410 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
14411 an appropriate cast explicitly:
14412
14413 @smallexample
14414 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
14415 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
14416 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
14417 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
14418 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
14419 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
14420 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
14421 (@value{GDBP})
14422 @end smallexample
14423
14424 @node Calling
14425 @section Calling Program Functions
14426
14427 @table @code
14428 @cindex calling functions
14429 @cindex inferior functions, calling
14430 @item print @var{expr}
14431 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
14432 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
14433 debugged.
14434
14435 @kindex call
14436 @item call @var{expr}
14437 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
14438 returned values.
14439
14440 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
14441 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
14442 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
14443 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
14444 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
14445 value history.
14446 @end table
14447
14448 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
14449 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
14450 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
14451 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
14452
14453 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
14454 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
14455 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
14456 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
14457 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
14458 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
14459 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
14460 in that case is controlled by the
14461 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
14462
14463 @table @code
14464 @item set unwindonsignal
14465 @kindex set unwindonsignal
14466 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
14467 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
14468 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
14469 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
14470 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
14471 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
14472 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
14473 received.
14474
14475 @item show unwindonsignal
14476 @kindex show unwindonsignal
14477 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14478 @value{GDBN}.
14479
14480 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14481 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14482 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
14483 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
14484 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
14485 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
14486 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
14487 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
14488 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
14489 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
14490
14491 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14492 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14493 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14494 @value{GDBN}.
14495
14496 @end table
14497
14498 @cindex weak alias functions
14499 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
14500 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
14501 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
14502 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
14503 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
14504 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
14505 function instead.
14506
14507 @node Patching
14508 @section Patching Programs
14509
14510 @cindex patching binaries
14511 @cindex writing into executables
14512 @cindex writing into corefiles
14513
14514 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
14515 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
14516 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
14517 patching your program's binary.
14518
14519 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
14520 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
14521 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
14522 repairs.
14523
14524 @table @code
14525 @kindex set write
14526 @item set write on
14527 @itemx set write off
14528 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
14529 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
14530 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
14531
14532 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
14533 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
14534 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
14535
14536 @item show write
14537 @kindex show write
14538 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
14539 as well as reading.
14540 @end table
14541
14542 @node GDB Files
14543 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
14544
14545 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
14546 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
14547 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
14548 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
14549
14550 @menu
14551 * Files:: Commands to specify files
14552 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
14553 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
14554 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
14555 * Data Files:: GDB data files
14556 @end menu
14557
14558 @node Files
14559 @section Commands to Specify Files
14560
14561 @cindex symbol table
14562 @cindex core dump file
14563
14564 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
14565 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
14566 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
14567 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
14568
14569 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
14570 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
14571 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
14572 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
14573 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
14574 new files are useful.
14575
14576 @table @code
14577 @cindex executable file
14578 @kindex file
14579 @item file @var{filename}
14580 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
14581 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
14582 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
14583 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
14584 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
14585 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
14586 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
14587 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
14588
14589 @cindex unlinked object files
14590 @cindex patching object files
14591 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
14592 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
14593 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
14594 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
14595 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
14596 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
14597 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
14598 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
14599
14600 @item file
14601 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
14602 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
14603
14604 @kindex exec-file
14605 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14606 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
14607 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
14608 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
14609 discard information on the executable file.
14610
14611 @kindex symbol-file
14612 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14613 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
14614 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
14615 table and program to run from the same file.
14616
14617 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
14618 program's symbol table.
14619
14620 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
14621 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
14622 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
14623 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
14624 @value{GDBN}.
14625
14626 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
14627 executing it once.
14628
14629 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
14630 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
14631 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
14632 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
14633 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
14634 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
14635 optimized code.
14636
14637 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
14638 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
14639 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
14640 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
14641 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
14642
14643 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
14644 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
14645 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
14646 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
14647 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
14648 Warnings and Messages}.)
14649
14650 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
14651 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
14652 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
14653 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
14654 in stabs format.
14655
14656 @kindex readnow
14657 @cindex reading symbols immediately
14658 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
14659 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14660 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14661 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
14662 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
14663 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
14664 entire symbol table available.
14665
14666 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
14667 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
14668 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
14669 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
14670 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
14671 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
14672 @c files.
14673
14674 @kindex core-file
14675 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
14676 @itemx core
14677 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
14678 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
14679 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
14680 executable file itself for other parts.
14681
14682 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
14683 to be used.
14684
14685 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
14686 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
14687 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
14688 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
14689 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
14690
14691 @kindex add-symbol-file
14692 @cindex dynamic linking
14693 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
14694 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
14695 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
14696 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
14697 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
14698 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
14699 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
14700 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
14701 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
14702 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
14703 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
14704 @var{address} as an expression.
14705
14706 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
14707 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
14708 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
14709 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
14710 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
14711
14712 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
14713 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
14714 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
14715 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
14716 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
14717 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
14718 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
14719 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
14720 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
14721
14722 @itemize @bullet
14723 @item
14724 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
14725 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
14726 @item
14727 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
14728 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
14729 @item
14730 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
14731 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14732 @end itemize
14733
14734 @noindent
14735 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
14736 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
14737 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
14738 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
14739 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
14740 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
14741 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
14742 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
14743 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
14744 way.
14745
14746 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
14747
14748 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
14749 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
14750 @cindex load symbols from memory
14751 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
14752 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
14753 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
14754 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
14755 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
14756 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
14757 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
14758 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
14759 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
14760
14761 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
14762 @kindex assf
14763 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
14764 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
14765 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
14766 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
14767 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
14768 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
14769 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
14770 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
14771 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
14772 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
14773
14774 @kindex section
14775 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
14776 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
14777 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
14778 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
14779 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
14780 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
14781 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
14782 their addresses.
14783
14784 @kindex info files
14785 @kindex info target
14786 @item info files
14787 @itemx info target
14788 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
14789 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
14790 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
14791 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
14792 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
14793 current ones.
14794
14795 @kindex maint info sections
14796 @item maint info sections
14797 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
14798 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
14799 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
14800 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
14801 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
14802 may be arbitrarily combined):
14803
14804 @table @code
14805 @item ALLOBJ
14806 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
14807 @item @var{sections}
14808 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
14809 @item @var{section-flags}
14810 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
14811 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
14812 @table @code
14813 @item ALLOC
14814 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
14815 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
14816 @item LOAD
14817 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
14818 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
14819 @item RELOC
14820 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
14821 @item READONLY
14822 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
14823 @item CODE
14824 Section contains executable code only.
14825 @item DATA
14826 Section contains data only (no executable code).
14827 @item ROM
14828 Section will reside in ROM.
14829 @item CONSTRUCTOR
14830 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
14831 @item HAS_CONTENTS
14832 Section is not empty.
14833 @item NEVER_LOAD
14834 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
14835 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
14836 A notification to the linker that the section contains
14837 COFF shared library information.
14838 @item IS_COMMON
14839 Section contains common symbols.
14840 @end table
14841 @end table
14842 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
14843 @cindex read-only sections
14844 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
14845 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
14846 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
14847 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
14848 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
14849 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
14850 enhancement to debugging performance.
14851
14852 The default is off.
14853
14854 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
14855 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
14856 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
14857 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
14858
14859 @item show trust-readonly-sections
14860 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
14861 @end table
14862
14863 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
14864 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
14865 name and remembers it that way.
14866
14867 @cindex shared libraries
14868 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
14869 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
14870 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
14871
14872 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
14873 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
14874
14875 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
14876 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
14877 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
14878 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
14879 debugging a core file).
14880
14881 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
14882 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
14883
14884 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
14885 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
14886 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
14887
14888 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
14889 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
14890 particularly large or there are many of them.
14891
14892 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
14893 commands:
14894
14895 @table @code
14896 @kindex set auto-solib-add
14897 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
14898 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
14899 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
14900 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
14901 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
14902 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
14903 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
14904
14905 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
14906 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
14907 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
14908 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
14909 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
14910 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
14911 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
14912 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
14913 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
14914
14915 @kindex show auto-solib-add
14916 @item show auto-solib-add
14917 Display the current autoloading mode.
14918 @end table
14919
14920 @cindex load shared library
14921 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
14922 command:
14923
14924 @table @code
14925 @kindex info sharedlibrary
14926 @kindex info share
14927 @item info share @var{regex}
14928 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14929 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
14930 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
14931 all shared libraries that are loaded.
14932
14933 @kindex sharedlibrary
14934 @kindex share
14935 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14936 @itemx share @var{regex}
14937 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
14938 Unix regular expression.
14939 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
14940 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
14941 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
14942 loaded.
14943
14944 @item nosharedlibrary
14945 @kindex nosharedlibrary
14946 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
14947 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
14948 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
14949 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
14950 discarded.
14951 @end table
14952
14953 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
14954 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
14955 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
14956
14957 @table @code
14958 @item set stop-on-solib-events
14959 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
14960 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
14961 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
14962 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
14963 shared library.
14964
14965 @item show stop-on-solib-events
14966 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
14967 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
14968 library events happen.
14969 @end table
14970
14971 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
14972 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
14973 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
14974 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
14975 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
14976 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
14977 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
14978 not.
14979
14980 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
14981 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
14982 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
14983 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
14984 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
14985
14986 @table @code
14987 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
14988 @cindex system root, alternate
14989 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
14990 @kindex set sysroot
14991 @item set sysroot @var{path}
14992 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
14993 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
14994 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
14995 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
14996 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
14997 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
14998 under @var{path}.
14999
15000 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
15001 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
15002 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
15003 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
15004 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
15005 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
15006 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
15007 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
15008 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
15009
15010 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
15011 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
15012 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
15013 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
15014 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
15015
15016 @smallexample
15017 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
15018 @end smallexample
15019
15020 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
15021 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
15022 system:
15023
15024 @smallexample
15025 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
15026 @end smallexample
15027
15028 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
15029 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
15030 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
15031 colons:
15032
15033 @smallexample
15034 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
15035 @end smallexample
15036
15037 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
15038 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
15039 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
15040 @samp{z}):
15041
15042 @smallexample
15043 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
15044 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15045 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15046 @end smallexample
15047
15048 @noindent
15049 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
15050 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
15051 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
15052
15053 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
15054 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
15055
15056 @smallexample
15057 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
15058 @end smallexample
15059
15060 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
15061 if you don't want or need to.
15062
15063 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
15064 sysroot}.
15065
15066 @cindex default system root
15067 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
15068 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
15069 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
15070 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15071 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
15072 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15073 location.
15074
15075 @kindex show sysroot
15076 @item show sysroot
15077 Display the current shared library prefix.
15078
15079 @kindex set solib-search-path
15080 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
15081 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
15082 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
15083 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
15084 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
15085 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
15086 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
15087 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
15088 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
15089 of shared library symbols.
15090
15091 @kindex show solib-search-path
15092 @item show solib-search-path
15093 Display the current shared library search path.
15094
15095 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
15096 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
15097 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
15098 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
15099 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
15100
15101 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
15102 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
15103 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
15104 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
15105 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
15106 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
15107 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
15108 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
15109 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
15110 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
15111 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
15112 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
15113 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
15114 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
15115 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
15116 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
15117 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
15118 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
15119 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
15120 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
15121 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
15122 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
15123
15124 @table @code
15125 @item unix
15126 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
15127 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
15128 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
15129 the forward slash.
15130
15131 @item dos-based
15132 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
15133 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
15134 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
15135 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
15136 considered directory separators.
15137
15138 @item auto
15139 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
15140 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
15141 This is the default.
15142 @end table
15143 @end table
15144
15145
15146 @node Separate Debug Files
15147 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
15148 @cindex separate debugging information files
15149 @cindex debugging information in separate files
15150 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
15151 @cindex debugging information directory, global
15152 @cindex global debugging information directory
15153 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
15154 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
15155
15156 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
15157 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
15158 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
15159 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
15160 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
15161 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
15162 install only when they need to debug a problem.
15163
15164 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
15165 file:
15166
15167 @itemize @bullet
15168 @item
15169 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
15170 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
15171 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
15172 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
15173 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
15174 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
15175 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
15176 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
15177
15178 @item
15179 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
15180 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
15181 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
15182 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
15183 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
15184 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
15185 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
15186 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
15187 below.
15188 @end itemize
15189
15190 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
15191 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
15192
15193 @itemize @bullet
15194 @item
15195 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
15196 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
15197 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
15198 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
15199 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
15200
15201 @item
15202 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
15203 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
15204 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
15205 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
15206 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
15207 hex characters, not 10.)
15208 @end itemize
15209
15210 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
15211 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
15212 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
15213 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
15214 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
15215 debug information files, in the indicated order:
15216
15217 @itemize @minus
15218 @item
15219 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
15220 @item
15221 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
15222 @item
15223 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
15224 @item
15225 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
15226 @end itemize
15227
15228 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
15229 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
15230
15231 @table @code
15232
15233 @kindex set debug-file-directory
15234 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
15235 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15236 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple directory components can be set
15237 concatenating them by a directory separator.
15238
15239 @kindex show debug-file-directory
15240 @item show debug-file-directory
15241 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15242 information files.
15243
15244 @end table
15245
15246 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
15247 @cindex debug link sections
15248 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
15249 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
15250
15251 @itemize
15252 @item
15253 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
15254 a zero byte,
15255 @item
15256 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
15257 boundary within the section, and
15258 @item
15259 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
15260 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
15261 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
15262 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
15263 @end itemize
15264
15265 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
15266 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
15267 described above.
15268
15269 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
15270 @cindex build ID sections
15271 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
15272 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
15273 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
15274 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
15275 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
15276 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
15277 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
15278 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
15279 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
15280
15281 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
15282 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
15283 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
15284 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
15285 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
15286 in an ordinary executable.
15287
15288 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
15289 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
15290 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
15291 following commands:
15292
15293 @smallexample
15294 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
15295 @kbd{strip -g foo}
15296 @end smallexample
15297
15298 @noindent
15299 These commands remove the debugging
15300 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
15301 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
15302 two files:
15303
15304 @itemize @bullet
15305 @item
15306 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
15307 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
15308
15309 @smallexample
15310 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
15311 @end smallexample
15312
15313 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
15314 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
15315 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
15316 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
15317
15318 @item
15319 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
15320 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
15321 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
15322 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
15323 @end itemize
15324
15325 @noindent
15326
15327 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
15328 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
15329 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
15330
15331 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
15332 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
15333 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
15334 @c different ways!
15335 @ifhtml
15336 @display
15337 @html
15338 <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>
15339 + <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
15340 @end html
15341 @end display
15342 @end ifhtml
15343 @ifnothtml
15344 @display
15345 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
15346 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
15347 @end display
15348 @end ifnothtml
15349
15350 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
15351 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
15352 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
15353 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
15354 CRC.
15355
15356 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
15357 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
15358 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
15359 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
15360 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
15361 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
15362
15363 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
15364 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
15365 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
15366 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
15367 @code{0xffffffff}.
15368
15369 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
15370 @smallexample
15371 unsigned long
15372 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
15373 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
15374 @{
15375 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
15376 @{
15377 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
15378 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
15379 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
15380 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
15381 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
15382 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
15383 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
15384 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
15385 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
15386 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
15387 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
15388 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
15389 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
15390 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
15391 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
15392 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
15393 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
15394 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
15395 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
15396 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
15397 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
15398 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
15399 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
15400 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
15401 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
15402 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
15403 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
15404 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
15405 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
15406 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
15407 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
15408 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
15409 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
15410 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
15411 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
15412 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
15413 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
15414 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
15415 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
15416 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
15417 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
15418 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
15419 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
15420 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
15421 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
15422 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
15423 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
15424 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
15425 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
15426 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
15427 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
15428 0x2d02ef8d
15429 @};
15430 unsigned char *end;
15431
15432 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15433 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
15434 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
15435 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15436 @}
15437 @end smallexample
15438
15439 @noindent
15440 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
15441
15442
15443 @node Index Files
15444 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
15445 @cindex index files
15446 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
15447
15448 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
15449 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
15450 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
15451 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
15452 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
15453 startup.
15454
15455 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
15456 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
15457 using @command{objcopy}.
15458
15459 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
15460
15461 @table @code
15462 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
15463 @kindex save gdb-index
15464 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
15465 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
15466 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
15467 @var{directory}.
15468 @end table
15469
15470 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
15471 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
15472
15473 @smallexample
15474 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
15475 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
15476 @end smallexample
15477
15478 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
15479 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
15480 currently work for programs using Ada.
15481
15482 @node Symbol Errors
15483 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
15484
15485 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
15486 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
15487 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
15488 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
15489 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
15490 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
15491 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
15492 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
15493 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
15494 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15495 Messages}).
15496
15497 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
15498
15499 @table @code
15500 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
15501
15502 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
15503 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
15504 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
15505 in its outer scope blocks.
15506
15507 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
15508 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
15509 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
15510 function.
15511
15512 @item block at @var{address} out of order
15513
15514 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
15515 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
15516 do so.
15517
15518 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
15519 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
15520 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
15521 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15522 Messages}.)
15523
15524 @item bad block start address patched
15525
15526 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
15527 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
15528 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
15529
15530 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
15531 starting on the previous source line.
15532
15533 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
15534
15535 @cindex foo
15536 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
15537 larger than the size of the string table.
15538
15539 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
15540 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
15541 with this name.
15542
15543 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
15544
15545 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
15546 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
15547 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
15548
15549 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
15550 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
15551 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
15552 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
15553 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
15554 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
15555
15556 @item stub type has NULL name
15557
15558 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
15559
15560 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
15561 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
15562 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
15563 it.
15564
15565 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
15566
15567 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
15568
15569 @end table
15570
15571 @node Data Files
15572 @section GDB Data Files
15573
15574 @cindex prefix for data files
15575 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
15576 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
15577
15578 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
15579 is currently using.
15580
15581 @table @code
15582 @kindex set data-directory
15583 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
15584 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
15585 to @var{directory}.
15586
15587 @kindex show data-directory
15588 @item show data-directory
15589 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
15590 @end table
15591
15592 @cindex default data directory
15593 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
15594 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
15595 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
15596 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15597 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
15598 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15599 location.
15600
15601 The data directory may also be specified with the
15602 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
15603 @xref{Mode Options}.
15604
15605 @node Targets
15606 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
15607
15608 @cindex debugging target
15609 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
15610
15611 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
15612 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
15613 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
15614 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
15615 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
15616 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
15617 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
15618 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
15619
15620 @cindex target architecture
15621 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
15622 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
15623 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
15624 command.
15625
15626 @table @code
15627 @kindex set architecture
15628 @kindex show architecture
15629 @item set architecture @var{arch}
15630 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
15631 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
15632 supported architectures.
15633
15634 @item show architecture
15635 Show the current target architecture.
15636
15637 @item set processor
15638 @itemx processor
15639 @kindex set processor
15640 @kindex show processor
15641 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
15642 and @code{show architecture}.
15643 @end table
15644
15645 @menu
15646 * Active Targets:: Active targets
15647 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
15648 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
15649 @end menu
15650
15651 @node Active Targets
15652 @section Active Targets
15653
15654 @cindex stacking targets
15655 @cindex active targets
15656 @cindex multiple targets
15657
15658 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
15659 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
15660 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
15661 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
15662 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
15663 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
15664 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
15665 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
15666 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
15667
15668 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
15669 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
15670 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
15671 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
15672
15673 @node Target Commands
15674 @section Commands for Managing Targets
15675
15676 @table @code
15677 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
15678 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
15679 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
15680 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
15681 protocol of the target machine.
15682
15683 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
15684 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
15685 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
15686
15687 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
15688 after executing the command.
15689
15690 @kindex help target
15691 @item help target
15692 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
15693 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
15694 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15695
15696 @item help target @var{name}
15697 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
15698 select it.
15699
15700 @kindex set gnutarget
15701 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
15702 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
15703 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
15704 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
15705 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
15706 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
15707
15708 @quotation
15709 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
15710 you must know the actual BFD name.
15711 @end quotation
15712
15713 @noindent
15714 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
15715
15716 @kindex show gnutarget
15717 @item show gnutarget
15718 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
15719 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
15720 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
15721 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
15722 @end table
15723
15724 @cindex common targets
15725 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
15726 configuration):
15727
15728 @table @code
15729 @kindex target
15730 @item target exec @var{program}
15731 @cindex executable file target
15732 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
15733 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
15734
15735 @item target core @var{filename}
15736 @cindex core dump file target
15737 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
15738 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
15739
15740 @item target remote @var{medium}
15741 @cindex remote target
15742 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
15743 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
15744 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
15745
15746 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
15747 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
15748
15749 @smallexample
15750 target remote /dev/ttya
15751 @end smallexample
15752
15753 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
15754 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
15755 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
15756 clobbered by the download.
15757
15758 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
15759 @cindex built-in simulator target
15760 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
15761 In general,
15762 @smallexample
15763 target sim
15764 load
15765 run
15766 @end smallexample
15767 @noindent
15768 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
15769 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
15770 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
15771 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
15772 Processors}.
15773
15774 @end table
15775
15776 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
15777
15778 @table @code
15779
15780 @item target nrom @var{dev}
15781 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
15782 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
15783
15784 @end table
15785
15786 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
15787 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
15788
15789 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
15790 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
15791 various aspects of this process.
15792
15793 @table @code
15794
15795 @item set hash
15796 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15797 @cindex hash mark while downloading
15798 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
15799 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
15800 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
15801 monitor.
15802
15803 @item show hash
15804 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15805 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
15806
15807 @item set debug monitor
15808 @kindex set debug monitor
15809 @cindex display remote monitor communications
15810 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
15811 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15812
15813 @item show debug monitor
15814 @kindex show debug monitor
15815 Show the current status of displaying communications between
15816 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15817 @end table
15818
15819 @table @code
15820
15821 @kindex load @var{filename}
15822 @item load @var{filename}
15823 @anchor{load}
15824 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
15825 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
15826 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
15827 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
15828 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
15829 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
15830
15831 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
15832 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
15833 target is @dots{}}''
15834
15835 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
15836 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
15837 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
15838 specifies a fixed address.
15839 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
15840
15841 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
15842 load programs into flash memory.
15843
15844 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
15845 @end table
15846
15847 @node Byte Order
15848 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
15849
15850 @cindex choosing target byte order
15851 @cindex target byte order
15852
15853 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
15854 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
15855 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
15856 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
15857 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
15858 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
15859
15860 @table @code
15861 @kindex set endian
15862 @item set endian big
15863 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
15864
15865 @item set endian little
15866 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
15867
15868 @item set endian auto
15869 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
15870 executable.
15871
15872 @item show endian
15873 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
15874
15875 @end table
15876
15877 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
15878 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
15879 target system.
15880
15881
15882 @node Remote Debugging
15883 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
15884 @cindex remote debugging
15885
15886 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
15887 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
15888 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
15889 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
15890 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
15891
15892 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
15893 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
15894 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
15895 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
15896 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
15897 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
15898
15899 Other remote targets may be available in your
15900 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
15901
15902 @menu
15903 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
15904 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
15905 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
15906 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
15907 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
15908 @end menu
15909
15910 @node Connecting
15911 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
15912
15913 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
15914 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
15915 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
15916 program as the first argument.
15917
15918 @cindex @code{target remote}
15919 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
15920 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
15921 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
15922 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
15923 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
15924 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
15925
15926 @table @code
15927
15928 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
15929 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
15930 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
15931 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
15932
15933 @smallexample
15934 target remote /dev/ttyb
15935 @end smallexample
15936
15937 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
15938 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
15939 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
15940 @code{target} command.
15941
15942 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
15943 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15944 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
15945 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
15946 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
15947 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
15948 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
15949 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
15950 target.
15951
15952 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
15953 @code{manyfarms}:
15954
15955 @smallexample
15956 target remote manyfarms:2828
15957 @end smallexample
15958
15959 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
15960 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
15961 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
15962 port 1234 on your local machine:
15963
15964 @smallexample
15965 target remote :1234
15966 @end smallexample
15967 @noindent
15968
15969 Note that the colon is still required here.
15970
15971 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15972 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
15973 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
15974 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
15975
15976 @smallexample
15977 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
15978 @end smallexample
15979
15980 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
15981 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
15982 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
15983 cause havoc with your debugging session.
15984
15985 @item target remote | @var{command}
15986 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
15987 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
15988 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
15989 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
15990 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
15991 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
15992 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
15993 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
15994
15995 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
15996 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
15997 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
15998
15999 @end table
16000
16001 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
16002 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
16003 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
16004 need to use @kbd{run}.
16005
16006 @cindex interrupting remote programs
16007 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
16008 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
16009 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
16010 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
16011 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
16012 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
16013
16014 @smallexample
16015 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
16016 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
16017 @end smallexample
16018
16019 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
16020 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
16021 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
16022 goes back to waiting.
16023
16024 @table @code
16025 @kindex detach (remote)
16026 @item detach
16027 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
16028 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
16029 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
16030 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
16031 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
16032
16033 @kindex disconnect
16034 @item disconnect
16035 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
16036 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
16037 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
16038 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
16039 another target.
16040
16041 @cindex send command to remote monitor
16042 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
16043 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
16044 @kindex monitor
16045 @item monitor @var{cmd}
16046 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
16047 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
16048 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
16049 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
16050 and implement.
16051 @end table
16052
16053 @node File Transfer
16054 @section Sending files to a remote system
16055 @cindex remote target, file transfer
16056 @cindex file transfer
16057 @cindex sending files to remote systems
16058
16059 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
16060 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
16061 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
16062 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
16063 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
16064 the only way to upload or download files.
16065
16066 Not all remote targets support these commands.
16067
16068 @table @code
16069 @kindex remote put
16070 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
16071 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
16072 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
16073
16074 @kindex remote get
16075 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
16076 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
16077 on the host system.
16078
16079 @kindex remote delete
16080 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
16081 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
16082
16083 @end table
16084
16085 @node Server
16086 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
16087
16088 @kindex gdbserver
16089 @cindex remote connection without stubs
16090 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
16091 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
16092 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
16093
16094 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
16095 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
16096 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
16097 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
16098 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
16099 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
16100 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
16101 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
16102 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
16103 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
16104 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
16105 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
16106 choice for debugging.
16107
16108 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
16109 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
16110 protocol.
16111
16112 @quotation
16113 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
16114 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
16115 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
16116 target system with the same privileges as the user running
16117 @code{gdbserver}.
16118 @end quotation
16119
16120 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
16121 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
16122
16123 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
16124 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
16125 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
16126 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
16127 system does all the symbol handling.
16128
16129 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
16130 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
16131 syntax is:
16132
16133 @smallexample
16134 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
16135 @end smallexample
16136
16137 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
16138 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
16139 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
16140 @file{/dev/com1}:
16141
16142 @smallexample
16143 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
16144 @end smallexample
16145
16146 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
16147 with it.
16148
16149 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
16150
16151 @smallexample
16152 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
16153 @end smallexample
16154
16155 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
16156 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
16157 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
16158 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
16159 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
16160 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
16161 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
16162 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
16163 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
16164 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
16165 @code{target remote} command.
16166
16167 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
16168
16169 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
16170 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
16171
16172 @smallexample
16173 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
16174 @end smallexample
16175
16176 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
16177 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
16178
16179 @pindex pidof
16180 @cindex attach to a program by name
16181 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
16182 @code{pidof} utility:
16183
16184 @smallexample
16185 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
16186 @end smallexample
16187
16188 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
16189 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
16190 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
16191
16192 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
16193 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
16194 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
16195
16196 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
16197 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
16198 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
16199 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
16200
16201 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
16202 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
16203 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
16204 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
16205 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
16206 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
16207 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
16208 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
16209 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
16210
16211 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
16212 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
16213 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
16214 the program you want to debug.
16215
16216 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
16217 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
16218 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
16219
16220 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
16221
16222 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
16223 status information about the debugging process. The
16224 @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
16225 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
16226 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
16227
16228 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
16229 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
16230 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
16231 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
16232
16233 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
16234 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
16235 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
16236 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
16237
16238 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
16239 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
16240 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
16241 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
16242
16243 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
16244 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
16245 environment:
16246
16247 @smallexample
16248 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
16249 @end smallexample
16250
16251 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
16252
16253 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
16254
16255 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
16256 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
16257 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
16258 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
16259
16260 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
16261 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
16262 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
16263 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
16264 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
16265 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
16266 programs.
16267
16268 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
16269 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
16270 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
16271 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
16272 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
16273 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
16274 already on the target.
16275
16276 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
16277 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
16278 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
16279
16280 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
16281 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
16282 Here are the available commands.
16283
16284 @table @code
16285 @item monitor help
16286 List the available monitor commands.
16287
16288 @item monitor set debug 0
16289 @itemx monitor set debug 1
16290 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
16291
16292 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
16293 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
16294 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
16295 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
16296
16297 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
16298 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
16299 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16300 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
16301 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
16302 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to an empty list.
16303
16304 @item monitor exit
16305 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
16306 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
16307 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
16308 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
16309 of a multi-process mode debug session.
16310
16311 @end table
16312
16313 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16314 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16315
16316 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
16317 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
16318
16319 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
16320 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
16321 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
16322 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
16323 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
16324 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
16325 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
16326 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
16327 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
16328 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
16329 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
16330 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
16331
16332 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
16333
16334 @table @code
16335 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
16336
16337 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
16338 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
16339 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
16340
16341 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
16342
16343 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
16344 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
16345 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
16346 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
16347 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
16348 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
16349
16350 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
16351
16352 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
16353 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
16354 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
16355 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
16356 command for that. For example:
16357
16358 @smallexample
16359 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
16360 @end smallexample
16361
16362 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
16363 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
16364 @end table
16365
16366 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
16367 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
16368 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
16369 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
16370 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
16371 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
16372 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
16373 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
16374 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
16375 @code{gdbserver} like so:
16376
16377 @smallexample
16378 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
16379 @end smallexample
16380
16381 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
16382
16383 @smallexample
16384 $ gdb myprogram
16385 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
16386 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
16387 (@value{GDBP}) b main
16388 (@value{GDBP}) continue
16389 @end smallexample
16390
16391 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
16392 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
16393 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
16394 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
16395 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
16396 tracing.
16397
16398 @node Remote Configuration
16399 @section Remote Configuration
16400
16401 @kindex set remote
16402 @kindex show remote
16403 This section documents the configuration options available when
16404 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
16405 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
16406 system-call-allowed}.
16407
16408 @table @code
16409 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
16410 @cindex address size for remote targets
16411 @cindex bits in remote address
16412 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
16413 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
16414 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
16415 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
16416
16417 @item show remoteaddresssize
16418 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
16419
16420 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
16421 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
16422 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
16423 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
16424 remote targets.
16425
16426 @item show remotebaud
16427 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
16428
16429 @item set remotebreak
16430 @cindex interrupt remote programs
16431 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
16432 @anchor{set remotebreak}
16433 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
16434 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
16435 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
16436 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
16437 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
16438
16439 @item show remotebreak
16440 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
16441 interrupt the remote program.
16442
16443 @item set remoteflow on
16444 @itemx set remoteflow off
16445 @kindex set remoteflow
16446 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
16447 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
16448
16449 @item show remoteflow
16450 @kindex show remoteflow
16451 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
16452
16453 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
16454 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
16455 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
16456 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
16457 @code{ascii}.
16458
16459 @item show remotelogbase
16460 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
16461 protocol.
16462
16463 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
16464 @cindex record serial communications on file
16465 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
16466 default is not to record at all.
16467
16468 @item show remotelogfile.
16469 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
16470 serial communications.
16471
16472 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
16473 @cindex timeout for serial communications
16474 @cindex remote timeout
16475 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
16476 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
16477
16478 @item show remotetimeout
16479 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
16480 responses.
16481
16482 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
16483 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
16484 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
16485 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
16486 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
16487 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
16488 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
16489 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
16490
16491 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
16492 @itemx show remote exec-file
16493 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
16494 @cindex executable file, for remote target
16495 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
16496 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
16497 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
16498 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
16499
16500 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
16501 @cindex interrupt remote programs
16502 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
16503 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
16504 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
16505 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
16506 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
16507 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
16508 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
16509 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
16510
16511 @item show interrupt-sequence
16512 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
16513 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
16514 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
16515 also known as Magic SysRq g.
16516
16517 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
16518 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
16519 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
16520 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
16521 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
16522 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
16523
16524 @item show interrupt-on-connect
16525 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
16526 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
16527
16528 @kindex set tcp
16529 @kindex show tcp
16530 @item set tcp auto-retry on
16531 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
16532 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
16533 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
16534 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
16535 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
16536 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
16537 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
16538 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
16539
16540 @item set tcp auto-retry off
16541 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
16542
16543 @item show tcp auto-retry
16544 Show the current auto-retry setting.
16545
16546 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
16547 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
16548 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
16549 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
16550 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
16551 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
16552 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
16553 value.
16554
16555 @item show tcp connect-timeout
16556 Show the current connection timeout setting.
16557 @end table
16558
16559 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
16560 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
16561 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
16562 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
16563 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
16564 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
16565 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
16566 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
16567 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
16568
16569 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
16570 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
16571 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
16572 @value{GDBN} developers.
16573
16574 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
16575 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
16576 are:
16577
16578 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
16579 @item Command Name
16580 @tab Remote Packet
16581 @tab Related Features
16582
16583 @item @code{fetch-register}
16584 @tab @code{p}
16585 @tab @code{info registers}
16586
16587 @item @code{set-register}
16588 @tab @code{P}
16589 @tab @code{set}
16590
16591 @item @code{binary-download}
16592 @tab @code{X}
16593 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
16594
16595 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
16596 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
16597 @tab @code{info auxv}
16598
16599 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
16600 @tab @code{qSymbol}
16601 @tab Detecting multiple threads
16602
16603 @item @code{attach}
16604 @tab @code{vAttach}
16605 @tab @code{attach}
16606
16607 @item @code{verbose-resume}
16608 @tab @code{vCont}
16609 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
16610
16611 @item @code{run}
16612 @tab @code{vRun}
16613 @tab @code{run}
16614
16615 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
16616 @tab @code{Z0}
16617 @tab @code{break}
16618
16619 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
16620 @tab @code{Z1}
16621 @tab @code{hbreak}
16622
16623 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
16624 @tab @code{Z2}
16625 @tab @code{watch}
16626
16627 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
16628 @tab @code{Z3}
16629 @tab @code{rwatch}
16630
16631 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
16632 @tab @code{Z4}
16633 @tab @code{awatch}
16634
16635 @item @code{target-features}
16636 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
16637 @tab @code{set architecture}
16638
16639 @item @code{library-info}
16640 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
16641 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
16642
16643 @item @code{memory-map}
16644 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
16645 @tab @code{info mem}
16646
16647 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
16648 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
16649 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
16650
16651 @item @code{read-spu-object}
16652 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
16653 @tab @code{info spu}
16654
16655 @item @code{write-spu-object}
16656 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
16657 @tab @code{info spu}
16658
16659 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
16660 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
16661 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
16662
16663 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
16664 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
16665 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
16666
16667 @item @code{threads}
16668 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
16669 @tab @code{info threads}
16670
16671 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
16672 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
16673 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
16674
16675 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
16676 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
16677 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
16678
16679 @item @code{search-memory}
16680 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
16681 @tab @code{find}
16682
16683 @item @code{supported-packets}
16684 @tab @code{qSupported}
16685 @tab Remote communications parameters
16686
16687 @item @code{pass-signals}
16688 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
16689 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
16690
16691 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
16692 @tab @code{vFile:close}
16693 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16694
16695 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
16696 @tab @code{vFile:open}
16697 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16698
16699 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
16700 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
16701 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16702
16703 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
16704 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
16705 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16706
16707 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
16708 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
16709 @tab @code{remote delete}
16710
16711 @item @code{noack-packet}
16712 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
16713 @tab Packet acknowledgment
16714
16715 @item @code{osdata}
16716 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
16717 @tab @code{info os}
16718
16719 @item @code{query-attached}
16720 @tab @code{qAttached}
16721 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
16722
16723 @item @code{traceframe-info}
16724 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
16725 @tab Traceframe info
16726 @end multitable
16727
16728 @node Remote Stub
16729 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
16730
16731 @cindex debugging stub, example
16732 @cindex remote stub, example
16733 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
16734 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
16735 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
16736 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
16737 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
16738 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
16739 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
16740 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
16741
16742 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
16743 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
16744 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
16745 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
16746 program, you need:
16747
16748 @enumerate
16749 @item
16750 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
16751 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
16752 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
16753
16754 @item
16755 A C subroutine library to support your program's
16756 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
16757
16758 @item
16759 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
16760 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
16761 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
16762 documentation.
16763 @end enumerate
16764
16765 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
16766 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
16767 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
16768
16769 @table @emph
16770 @item On the host,
16771 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
16772 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
16773 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
16774
16775 @item On the target,
16776 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
16777 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
16778 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
16779
16780 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
16781 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
16782 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
16783 @end table
16784
16785 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
16786 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
16787 @sc{sparc} boards.
16788
16789 @cindex remote serial stub list
16790 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
16791
16792 @table @code
16793
16794 @item i386-stub.c
16795 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
16796 @cindex Intel
16797 @cindex i386
16798 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
16799
16800 @item m68k-stub.c
16801 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
16802 @cindex Motorola 680x0
16803 @cindex m680x0
16804 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
16805
16806 @item sh-stub.c
16807 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
16808 @cindex Renesas
16809 @cindex SH
16810 For Renesas SH architectures.
16811
16812 @item sparc-stub.c
16813 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
16814 @cindex Sparc
16815 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
16816
16817 @item sparcl-stub.c
16818 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
16819 @cindex Fujitsu
16820 @cindex SparcLite
16821 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
16822
16823 @end table
16824
16825 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
16826 recently added stubs.
16827
16828 @menu
16829 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
16830 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
16831 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
16832 @end menu
16833
16834 @node Stub Contents
16835 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
16836
16837 @cindex remote serial stub
16838 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
16839 subroutines:
16840
16841 @table @code
16842 @item set_debug_traps
16843 @findex set_debug_traps
16844 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
16845 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
16846 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
16847 beginning of your program.
16848
16849 @item handle_exception
16850 @findex handle_exception
16851 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
16852 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
16853 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
16854 run when a trap is triggered.
16855
16856 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
16857 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
16858 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
16859 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
16860 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
16861 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
16862 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
16863 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
16864 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
16865 machine.
16866
16867 @item breakpoint
16868 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
16869 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
16870 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
16871 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
16872 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
16873 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
16874 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
16875 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
16876 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
16877 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
16878 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
16879
16880 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
16881 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
16882 start of your debugging session.
16883 @end table
16884
16885 @node Bootstrapping
16886 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
16887
16888 @cindex remote stub, support routines
16889 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
16890 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
16891 debugging target machine.
16892
16893 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
16894 serial port.
16895
16896 @table @code
16897 @item int getDebugChar()
16898 @findex getDebugChar
16899 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
16900 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
16901 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16902
16903 @item void putDebugChar(int)
16904 @findex putDebugChar
16905 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
16906 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
16907 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16908 @end table
16909
16910 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
16911 @cindex interrupting remote targets
16912 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
16913 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
16914 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
16915 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
16916 remote system to stop.
16917
16918 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
16919 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
16920 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
16921 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
16922
16923 Other routines you need to supply are:
16924
16925 @table @code
16926 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
16927 @findex exceptionHandler
16928 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
16929 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
16930 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
16931 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
16932 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
16933 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
16934 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
16935 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
16936 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
16937 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
16938 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
16939 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
16940 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
16941
16942 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
16943 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
16944 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
16945 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
16946 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
16947
16948 @item void flush_i_cache()
16949 @findex flush_i_cache
16950 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
16951 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
16952 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
16953
16954 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
16955 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
16956 @end table
16957
16958 @noindent
16959 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
16960
16961 @table @code
16962 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
16963 @findex memset
16964 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
16965 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
16966 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
16967 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
16968 @end table
16969
16970 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
16971 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
16972 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
16973 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
16974
16975
16976 @node Debug Session
16977 @subsection Putting it All Together
16978
16979 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
16980 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
16981 steps.
16982
16983 @enumerate
16984 @item
16985 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
16986 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
16987 @display
16988 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
16989 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
16990 @end display
16991
16992 @item
16993 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
16994
16995 @smallexample
16996 set_debug_traps();
16997 breakpoint();
16998 @end smallexample
16999
17000 @item
17001 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
17002 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
17003
17004 @smallexample
17005 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
17006 @end smallexample
17007
17008 @noindent
17009 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
17010 function in your program, that function is called when
17011 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
17012 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
17013 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
17014
17015 @item
17016 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
17017 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
17018
17019 @item
17020 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
17021 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
17022
17023 @item
17024 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
17025 @c document that. FIXME.
17026 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
17027 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
17028
17029 @item
17030 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
17031 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
17032
17033 @end enumerate
17034
17035 @node Configurations
17036 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
17037
17038 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
17039 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
17040 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
17041
17042 There are three major categories of configurations: native
17043 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
17044 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
17045 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
17046 are quite different from each other.
17047
17048 @menu
17049 * Native::
17050 * Embedded OS::
17051 * Embedded Processors::
17052 * Architectures::
17053 @end menu
17054
17055 @node Native
17056 @section Native
17057
17058 This section describes details specific to particular native
17059 configurations.
17060
17061 @menu
17062 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
17063 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
17064 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
17065 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
17066 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
17067 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
17068 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
17069 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
17070 @end menu
17071
17072 @node HP-UX
17073 @subsection HP-UX
17074
17075 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
17076 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
17077 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
17078
17079
17080 @node BSD libkvm Interface
17081 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
17082
17083 @cindex libkvm
17084 @cindex kernel memory image
17085 @cindex kernel crash dump
17086
17087 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
17088 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
17089 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
17090 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
17091 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
17092 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
17093 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
17094 @code{kvm} target:
17095
17096 @smallexample
17097 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
17098 @end smallexample
17099
17100 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
17101 argument:
17102
17103 @smallexample
17104 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
17105 @end smallexample
17106
17107 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
17108 available:
17109
17110 @table @code
17111 @kindex kvm
17112 @item kvm pcb
17113 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
17114
17115 @item kvm proc
17116 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
17117 modern FreeBSD systems.
17118 @end table
17119
17120 @node SVR4 Process Information
17121 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
17122 @cindex /proc
17123 @cindex examine process image
17124 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
17125
17126 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
17127 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
17128 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
17129 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
17130 proc} is available to report information about the process running
17131 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
17132 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
17133 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
17134 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
17135
17136 @table @code
17137 @kindex info proc
17138 @cindex process ID
17139 @item info proc
17140 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
17141 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
17142 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
17143 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
17144 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
17145 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
17146 executable file's absolute file name.
17147
17148 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
17149 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
17150 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
17151 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
17152 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
17153 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
17154
17155 @item info proc mappings
17156 @cindex memory address space mappings
17157 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
17158 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
17159 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
17160 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
17161 memory access rights to that range.
17162
17163 @item info proc stat
17164 @itemx info proc status
17165 @cindex process detailed status information
17166 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
17167 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
17168 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
17169 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
17170 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
17171 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
17172 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
17173
17174 @item info proc all
17175 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
17176 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
17177
17178 @ignore
17179 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
17180 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
17181 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
17182 @kindex info proc times
17183 @item info proc times
17184 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
17185 its children.
17186
17187 @kindex info proc id
17188 @item info proc id
17189 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
17190 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
17191 @end ignore
17192
17193 @item set procfs-trace
17194 @kindex set procfs-trace
17195 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
17196 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
17197
17198 @item show procfs-trace
17199 @kindex show procfs-trace
17200 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
17201
17202 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
17203 @kindex set procfs-file
17204 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
17205 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
17206 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
17207 standard output.
17208
17209 @item show procfs-file
17210 @kindex show procfs-file
17211 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
17212
17213 @item proc-trace-entry
17214 @itemx proc-trace-exit
17215 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
17216 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
17217 @kindex proc-trace-entry
17218 @kindex proc-trace-exit
17219 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
17220 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
17221 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
17222 from the @code{syscall} interface.
17223
17224 @item info pidlist
17225 @kindex info pidlist
17226 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
17227 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
17228 processes and all the threads within each process.
17229
17230 @item info meminfo
17231 @kindex info meminfo
17232 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
17233 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
17234 @end table
17235
17236 @node DJGPP Native
17237 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
17238 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
17239 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
17240 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
17241
17242 @cindex DPMI
17243 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
17244 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
17245 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
17246 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
17247
17248 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
17249 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
17250 subsection describes those commands.
17251
17252 @table @code
17253 @kindex info dos
17254 @item info dos
17255 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
17256 information about the target system and important OS structures.
17257
17258 @kindex sysinfo
17259 @cindex MS-DOS system info
17260 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
17261 @item info dos sysinfo
17262 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
17263 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
17264 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
17265
17266 @cindex GDT
17267 @cindex LDT
17268 @cindex IDT
17269 @cindex segment descriptor tables
17270 @cindex descriptor tables display
17271 @item info dos gdt
17272 @itemx info dos ldt
17273 @itemx info dos idt
17274 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
17275 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
17276 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
17277 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
17278 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
17279 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
17280 rights.
17281
17282 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
17283 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
17284 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
17285 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
17286 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
17287
17288 @cindex garbled pointers
17289 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
17290 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
17291 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
17292 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
17293 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
17294 debugged program's data segment:
17295
17296 @smallexample
17297 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
17298 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
17299 @end smallexample
17300
17301 @noindent
17302 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
17303 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
17304
17305 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
17306 @item info dos pde
17307 @itemx info dos pte
17308 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
17309 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
17310 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
17311 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
17312 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
17313 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
17314 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
17315 that is currently in use.
17316
17317 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
17318 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
17319 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
17320 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
17321 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
17322 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
17323 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
17324
17325 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
17326 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
17327 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
17328 controller.
17329
17330 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
17331
17332 @cindex physical address from linear address
17333 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
17334 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
17335 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
17336 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
17337 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
17338 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
17339 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
17340
17341 @smallexample
17342 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
17343 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
17344 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
17345 @end smallexample
17346
17347 @noindent
17348 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
17349 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
17350 attributes of that page.
17351
17352 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
17353 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
17354 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
17355 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
17356 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
17357 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
17358
17359 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
17360 transfer buffer:
17361
17362 @smallexample
17363 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
17364 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
17365 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
17366 @end smallexample
17367
17368 @noindent
17369 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
17370 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
17371 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
17372 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
17373 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
17374
17375 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
17376 @end table
17377
17378 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
17379 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
17380 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
17381 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
17382
17383 @table @code
17384 @kindex set com1base
17385 @kindex set com1irq
17386 @kindex set com2base
17387 @kindex set com2irq
17388 @kindex set com3base
17389 @kindex set com3irq
17390 @kindex set com4base
17391 @kindex set com4irq
17392 @item set com1base @var{addr}
17393 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
17394 port.
17395
17396 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
17397 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
17398 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
17399
17400 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
17401 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
17402 other 3 COM ports.
17403
17404 @kindex show com1base
17405 @kindex show com1irq
17406 @kindex show com2base
17407 @kindex show com2irq
17408 @kindex show com3base
17409 @kindex show com3irq
17410 @kindex show com4base
17411 @kindex show com4irq
17412 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
17413 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
17414 lines used by the COM ports.
17415
17416 @item info serial
17417 @kindex info serial
17418 @cindex DOS serial port status
17419 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
17420 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
17421 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
17422 counts of various errors encountered so far.
17423 @end table
17424
17425
17426 @node Cygwin Native
17427 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
17428 @cindex MS Windows debugging
17429 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
17430 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
17431
17432 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
17433 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
17434
17435 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
17436 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
17437 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
17438 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
17439 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
17440 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
17441 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
17442 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
17443
17444 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
17445 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
17446 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
17447
17448 @table @code
17449 @kindex info w32
17450 @item info w32
17451 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
17452 information about the target system and important OS structures.
17453
17454 @item info w32 selector
17455 This command displays information returned by
17456 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
17457 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
17458 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
17459 Without argument, this command displays information
17460 about the six segment registers.
17461
17462 @item info w32 thread-information-block
17463 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
17464 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
17465 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
17466
17467 @kindex info dll
17468 @item info dll
17469 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
17470
17471 @kindex dll-symbols
17472 @item dll-symbols
17473 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
17474 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
17475
17476 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
17477 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
17478 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
17479 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
17480 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
17481 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
17482 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
17483 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
17484 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
17485 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
17486 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
17487
17488 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
17489 @item show cygwin-exceptions
17490 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
17491 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
17492
17493 @kindex set new-console
17494 @item set new-console @var{mode}
17495 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
17496 be started in a new console on next start.
17497 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
17498 be started in the same console as the debugger.
17499
17500 @kindex show new-console
17501 @item show new-console
17502 Displays whether a new console is used
17503 when the debuggee is started.
17504
17505 @kindex set new-group
17506 @item set new-group @var{mode}
17507 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
17508 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
17509 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
17510 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
17511
17512 @kindex show new-group
17513 @item show new-group
17514 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
17515
17516 @kindex set debugevents
17517 @item set debugevents
17518 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
17519 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
17520 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
17521 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
17522 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
17523
17524 @kindex set debugexec
17525 @item set debugexec
17526 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
17527 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
17528
17529 @kindex set debugexceptions
17530 @item set debugexceptions
17531 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
17532 debuggee seen by the debugger.
17533
17534 @kindex set debugmemory
17535 @item set debugmemory
17536 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
17537 and writes by the debugger.
17538
17539 @kindex set shell
17540 @item set shell
17541 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
17542 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
17543
17544 @kindex show shell
17545 @item show shell
17546 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
17547
17548 @end table
17549
17550 @menu
17551 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
17552 @end menu
17553
17554 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
17555 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
17556 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
17557 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
17558
17559 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
17560 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
17561 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
17562 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
17563 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
17564 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
17565 ``minimal symbols''.
17566
17567 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
17568 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
17569 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
17570 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
17571 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
17572 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
17573 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
17574 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
17575 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
17576 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
17577
17578 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
17579
17580 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
17581 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
17582 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
17583 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
17584 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
17585 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
17586 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
17587 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
17588 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
17589
17590 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
17591 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
17592 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
17593 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
17594 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
17595 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
17596
17597 @smallexample
17598 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
17599 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
17600
17601 Non-debugging symbols:
17602 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
17603 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
17604 @end smallexample
17605
17606 @smallexample
17607 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
17608 All functions matching regular expression "!":
17609
17610 Non-debugging symbols:
17611 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
17612 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
17613 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
17614 [etc...]
17615 @end smallexample
17616
17617 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
17618
17619 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
17620 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
17621 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
17622 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
17623 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
17624 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
17625 a function within a DLL without a running program.
17626
17627 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
17628 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
17629 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
17630 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
17631 problem:
17632
17633 @smallexample
17634 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
17635 $1 = 268572168
17636 @end smallexample
17637
17638 @smallexample
17639 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
17640 0x10021610: "\230y\""
17641 @end smallexample
17642
17643 And two possible solutions:
17644
17645 @smallexample
17646 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
17647 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17648 @end smallexample
17649
17650 @smallexample
17651 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
17652 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
17653 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
17654 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
17655 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
17656 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17657 @end smallexample
17658
17659 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
17660 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
17661 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
17662 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
17663 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
17664
17665 @smallexample
17666 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
17667 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
17668 @end smallexample
17669
17670 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
17671 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
17672 safe.
17673
17674 @node Hurd Native
17675 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
17676 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
17677
17678 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
17679 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
17680
17681 @table @code
17682 @item set signals
17683 @itemx set sigs
17684 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
17685 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17686 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
17687 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
17688 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
17689 @code{signals}.
17690
17691 @item show signals
17692 @itemx show sigs
17693 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
17694 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17695 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
17696
17697 @item set signal-thread
17698 @itemx set sigthread
17699 @kindex set signal-thread
17700 @kindex set sigthread
17701 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
17702 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
17703 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
17704 signal-thread}.
17705
17706 @item show signal-thread
17707 @itemx show sigthread
17708 @kindex show signal-thread
17709 @kindex show sigthread
17710 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
17711 delivered a signal.
17712
17713 @item set stopped
17714 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17715 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
17716 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
17717 continued by delivering a signal to it.
17718
17719 @item show stopped
17720 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17721 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
17722 stopped.
17723
17724 @item set exceptions
17725 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17726 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
17727 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
17728 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
17729 trapping on.
17730
17731 @item show exceptions
17732 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17733 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
17734
17735 @item set task pause
17736 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
17737 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17738 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17739 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
17740 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
17741 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
17742 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
17743 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
17744 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
17745
17746 @item show task pause
17747 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
17748 Show the current state of task suspension.
17749
17750 @item set task detach-suspend-count
17751 @cindex task suspend count
17752 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17753 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
17754 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
17755
17756 @item show task detach-suspend-count
17757 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
17758
17759 @item set task exception-port
17760 @itemx set task excp
17761 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17762 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
17763 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
17764 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
17765
17766 @item set noninvasive
17767 @cindex noninvasive task options
17768 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
17769 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
17770 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
17771 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
17772
17773 @item info send-rights
17774 @itemx info receive-rights
17775 @itemx info port-rights
17776 @itemx info port-sets
17777 @itemx info dead-names
17778 @itemx info ports
17779 @itemx info psets
17780 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17781 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17782 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17783 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17784 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17785 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
17786 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
17787 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
17788 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
17789
17790 @item set thread pause
17791 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
17792 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17793 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17794 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
17795 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
17796 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
17797 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
17798 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
17799 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
17800 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
17801 only the current thread.
17802
17803 @item show thread pause
17804 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
17805 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
17806
17807 @item set thread run
17808 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17809
17810 @item show thread run
17811 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17812
17813 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
17814 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17815 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17816 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
17817 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
17818 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
17819 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
17820
17821 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
17822 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
17823 detaching.
17824
17825 @item set thread exception-port
17826 @itemx set thread excp
17827 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
17828 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
17829 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
17830
17831 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
17832 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
17833 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
17834 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
17835
17836 @item set thread default
17837 @itemx show thread default
17838 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17839 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
17840 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
17841 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
17842 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
17843 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
17844 the non-default commands.
17845 @end table
17846
17847
17848 @node Neutrino
17849 @subsection QNX Neutrino
17850 @cindex QNX Neutrino
17851
17852 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
17853 Neutrino target:
17854
17855 @table @code
17856 @item set debug nto-debug
17857 @kindex set debug nto-debug
17858 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
17859 Neutrino support.
17860
17861 @item show debug nto-debug
17862 @kindex show debug nto-debug
17863 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
17864 @end table
17865
17866 @node Darwin
17867 @subsection Darwin
17868 @cindex Darwin
17869
17870 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
17871
17872 @table @code
17873 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
17874 @kindex set debug darwin
17875 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
17876 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
17877
17878 @item show debug darwin
17879 @kindex show debug darwin
17880 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
17881
17882 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
17883 @kindex set debug mach-o
17884 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
17885 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
17886 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
17887 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
17888 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
17889 usage.
17890
17891 @item show debug mach-o
17892 @kindex show debug mach-o
17893 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
17894
17895 @item set mach-exceptions on
17896 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
17897 @kindex set mach-exceptions
17898 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
17899 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
17900 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
17901 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
17902
17903 @item show mach-exceptions
17904 @kindex show mach-exceptions
17905 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
17906 @end table
17907
17908
17909 @node Embedded OS
17910 @section Embedded Operating Systems
17911
17912 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
17913 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
17914 architectures.
17915
17916 @menu
17917 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
17918 @end menu
17919
17920 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
17921 various real-time operating systems.
17922
17923 @node VxWorks
17924 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
17925
17926 @cindex VxWorks
17927
17928 @table @code
17929
17930 @kindex target vxworks
17931 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
17932 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
17933 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
17934
17935 @end table
17936
17937 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
17938 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
17939
17940 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
17941 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
17942 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
17943 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
17944 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
17945 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
17946 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
17947
17948 @table @code
17949 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
17950 @kindex vxworks-timeout
17951 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
17952 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
17953 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
17954 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
17955 of a thin network line.
17956 @end table
17957
17958 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
17959 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
17960 procedures.
17961
17962 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
17963 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
17964 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
17965 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
17966 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
17967 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
17968 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
17969 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
17970 manual.
17971 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
17972
17973 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
17974 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
17975 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
17976 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
17977
17978 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
17979
17980 @smallexample
17981 (vxgdb)
17982 @end smallexample
17983
17984 @menu
17985 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
17986 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
17987 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
17988 @end menu
17989
17990 @node VxWorks Connection
17991 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
17992
17993 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
17994 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
17995
17996 @smallexample
17997 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
17998 @end smallexample
17999
18000 @need 750
18001 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
18002
18003 @smallexample
18004 Attaching remote machine across net...
18005 Connected to tt.
18006 @end smallexample
18007
18008 @need 1000
18009 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
18010 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
18011 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
18012 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
18013 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
18014
18015 @smallexample
18016 prog.o: No such file or directory.
18017 @end smallexample
18018
18019 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
18020 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
18021 command again.
18022
18023 @node VxWorks Download
18024 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
18025
18026 @cindex download to VxWorks
18027 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
18028 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
18029 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
18030 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
18031 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
18032 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
18033 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
18034 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
18035 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
18036 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
18037 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
18038 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
18039 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
18040 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
18041 program, type this on VxWorks:
18042
18043 @smallexample
18044 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
18045 @end smallexample
18046
18047 @noindent
18048 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
18049
18050 @smallexample
18051 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
18052 (vxgdb) load prog.o
18053 @end smallexample
18054
18055 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
18056
18057 @smallexample
18058 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
18059 @end smallexample
18060
18061 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
18062 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
18063 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
18064 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
18065 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
18066 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
18067 table.)
18068
18069 @node VxWorks Attach
18070 @subsubsection Running Tasks
18071
18072 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
18073 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
18074 follows:
18075
18076 @smallexample
18077 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
18078 @end smallexample
18079
18080 @noindent
18081 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
18082 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
18083 the time of attachment.
18084
18085 @node Embedded Processors
18086 @section Embedded Processors
18087
18088 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
18089 configurations.
18090
18091 @cindex send command to simulator
18092 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
18093 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
18094
18095 @table @code
18096 @item sim @var{command}
18097 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
18098 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
18099 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
18100 acceptable commands.
18101 @end table
18102
18103
18104 @menu
18105 * ARM:: ARM RDI
18106 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
18107 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
18108 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
18109 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
18110 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
18111 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
18112 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
18113 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
18114 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
18115 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
18116 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
18117 * CRIS:: CRIS
18118 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
18119 @end menu
18120
18121 @node ARM
18122 @subsection ARM
18123 @cindex ARM RDI
18124
18125 @table @code
18126 @kindex target rdi
18127 @item target rdi @var{dev}
18128 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
18129 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
18130 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
18131
18132 @kindex target rdp
18133 @item target rdp @var{dev}
18134 ARM Demon monitor.
18135
18136 @end table
18137
18138 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
18139
18140 @table @code
18141 @item set arm disassembler
18142 @kindex set arm
18143 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
18144 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
18145
18146 @item show arm disassembler
18147 @kindex show arm
18148 Show the current disassembly style.
18149
18150 @item set arm apcs32
18151 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
18152 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
18153
18154 @item show arm apcs32
18155 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
18156
18157 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
18158 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
18159 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
18160
18161 @table @code
18162 @item auto
18163 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
18164 @item softfpa
18165 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
18166 processors.
18167 @item fpa
18168 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
18169 @item softvfp
18170 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
18171 @item vfp
18172 VFP co-processor.
18173 @end table
18174
18175 @item show arm fpu
18176 Show the current type of the FPU.
18177
18178 @item set arm abi
18179 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
18180
18181 @item show arm abi
18182 Show the currently used ABI.
18183
18184 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18185 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
18186 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
18187 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
18188 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
18189 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
18190 register).
18191
18192 @item show arm fallback-mode
18193 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
18194
18195 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18196 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
18197 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
18198 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
18199 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
18200
18201 @item show arm force-mode
18202 Show the current forced instruction mode.
18203
18204 @item set debug arm
18205 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
18206 target support subsystem.
18207
18208 @item show debug arm
18209 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
18210 @end table
18211
18212 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
18213 using the RDI interface:
18214
18215 @table @code
18216 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18217 @kindex rdilogfile
18218 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
18219 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
18220 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
18221 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
18222 @file{rdi.log}.
18223
18224 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
18225 @kindex rdilogenable
18226 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
18227 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
18228 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
18229 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
18230 are logged to a file.
18231
18232 @item set rdiromatzero
18233 @kindex set rdiromatzero
18234 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
18235 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
18236 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
18237 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
18238 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
18239
18240 @item show rdiromatzero
18241 @kindex show rdiromatzero
18242 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
18243
18244 @item set rdiheartbeat
18245 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
18246 @cindex RDI heartbeat
18247 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
18248 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
18249 well as the Angel monitor.
18250
18251 @item show rdiheartbeat
18252 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
18253 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
18254 @end table
18255
18256 @table @code
18257 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
18258 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
18259
18260 @table @code
18261 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
18262 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
18263 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
18264 The default value is @code{all}.
18265
18266 @table @code
18267 @item none
18268 @item demon
18269 @item angel
18270 @item redboot
18271 @item all
18272 @end table
18273 @end table
18274 @end table
18275
18276 @node M32R/D
18277 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
18278
18279 @table @code
18280 @kindex target m32r
18281 @item target m32r @var{dev}
18282 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
18283
18284 @kindex target m32rsdi
18285 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
18286 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
18287 @end table
18288
18289 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
18290
18291 @table @code
18292 @item set download-path @var{path}
18293 @kindex set download-path
18294 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
18295 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18296
18297 @item show download-path
18298 @kindex show download-path
18299 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18300
18301 @item set board-address @var{addr}
18302 @kindex set board-address
18303 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
18304 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
18305
18306 @item show board-address
18307 @kindex show board-address
18308 Show the current IP address of the target board.
18309
18310 @item set server-address @var{addr}
18311 @kindex set server-address
18312 @cindex download server address (M32R)
18313 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
18314 host machine.
18315
18316 @item show server-address
18317 @kindex show server-address
18318 Display the IP address of the download server.
18319
18320 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18321 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
18322 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
18323 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
18324 executable file is uploaded.
18325
18326 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18327 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
18328 Test the @code{upload} command.
18329 @end table
18330
18331 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
18332
18333 @table @code
18334 @item sdireset
18335 @kindex sdireset
18336 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
18337 This command resets the SDI connection.
18338
18339 @item sdistatus
18340 @kindex sdistatus
18341 This command shows the SDI connection status.
18342
18343 @item debug_chaos
18344 @kindex debug_chaos
18345 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
18346 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
18347
18348 @item use_debug_dma
18349 @kindex use_debug_dma
18350 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
18351
18352 @item use_mon_code
18353 @kindex use_mon_code
18354 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
18355
18356 @item use_ib_break
18357 @kindex use_ib_break
18358 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
18359
18360 @item use_dbt_break
18361 @kindex use_dbt_break
18362 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
18363 @end table
18364
18365 @node M68K
18366 @subsection M68k
18367
18368 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
18369 target command for the following ROM monitor.
18370
18371 @table @code
18372
18373 @kindex target dbug
18374 @item target dbug @var{dev}
18375 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
18376
18377 @end table
18378
18379 @node MicroBlaze
18380 @subsection MicroBlaze
18381 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
18382 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
18383
18384 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
18385 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
18386 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
18387 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
18388 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
18389 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
18390 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
18391 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
18392 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
18393 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
18394 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
18395
18396 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
18397
18398 @table @code
18399 @item target remote :1234
18400 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
18401 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
18402
18403 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
18404 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
18405 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
18406
18407 @item load
18408 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
18409
18410 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
18411 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
18412
18413 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
18414 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
18415 @end table
18416
18417 @node MIPS Embedded
18418 @subsection MIPS Embedded
18419
18420 @cindex MIPS boards
18421 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
18422 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
18423 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
18424
18425 @need 1000
18426 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
18427
18428 @table @code
18429 @item target mips @var{port}
18430 @kindex target mips @var{port}
18431 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
18432 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
18433 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
18434 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
18435 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
18436 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
18437
18438 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
18439 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
18440 debugger:
18441
18442 @smallexample
18443 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
18444 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
18445 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
18446 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
18447 (@value{GDBP}) run
18448 @end smallexample
18449
18450 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
18451 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
18452 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
18453 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
18454 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
18455
18456 @item target pmon @var{port}
18457 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
18458 PMON ROM monitor.
18459
18460 @item target ddb @var{port}
18461 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
18462 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
18463
18464 @item target lsi @var{port}
18465 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
18466 LSI variant of PMON.
18467
18468 @kindex target r3900
18469 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
18470 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
18471
18472 @kindex target array
18473 @item target array @var{dev}
18474 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
18475
18476 @end table
18477
18478
18479 @noindent
18480 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
18481
18482 @table @code
18483 @item set mipsfpu double
18484 @itemx set mipsfpu single
18485 @itemx set mipsfpu none
18486 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
18487 @itemx show mipsfpu
18488 @kindex set mipsfpu
18489 @kindex show mipsfpu
18490 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
18491 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
18492 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
18493 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
18494 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
18495 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
18496 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
18497 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
18498 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
18499 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
18500 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
18501 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
18502 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
18503
18504 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
18505 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
18506 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
18507
18508 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
18509 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
18510
18511 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
18512 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
18513 @itemx show timeout
18514 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
18515 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
18516 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
18517 @kindex set timeout
18518 @kindex show timeout
18519 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
18520 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
18521 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
18522 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
18523 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
18524 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
18525 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
18526 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
18527 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
18528 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
18529
18530 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
18531 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
18532 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
18533 to run before stopping.
18534
18535 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
18536 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18537 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
18538 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
18539 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
18540 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
18541
18542 @item show syn-garbage-limit
18543 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18544 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
18545 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
18546
18547 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
18548 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18549 @cindex remote monitor prompt
18550 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
18551 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
18552 @table @asis
18553 @item pmon target
18554 @samp{PMON}
18555 @item ddb target
18556 @samp{NEC010}
18557 @item lsi target
18558 @samp{PMON>}
18559 @end table
18560
18561 @item show monitor-prompt
18562 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18563 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
18564 remote monitor.
18565
18566 @item set monitor-warnings
18567 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18568 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
18569 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
18570 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
18571 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
18572
18573 @item show monitor-warnings
18574 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18575 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
18576
18577 @item pmon @var{command}
18578 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
18579 @cindex send PMON command
18580 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
18581 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
18582 @end table
18583
18584 @node OpenRISC 1000
18585 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
18586 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
18587
18588 @cindex or1k boards
18589 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
18590 about platform and commands.
18591
18592 @table @code
18593
18594 @kindex target jtag
18595 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
18596
18597 Connects to remote JTAG server.
18598 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
18599 connected via parallel port to the board.
18600
18601 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
18602
18603 @kindex or1ksim
18604 @item or1ksim @var{command}
18605 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
18606 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
18607
18608 @kindex info or1k spr
18609 @item info or1k spr
18610 Displays spr groups.
18611
18612 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
18613 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
18614 Displays register names in selected group.
18615
18616 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
18617 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
18618 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
18619 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
18620 Shows information about specified spr register.
18621
18622 @kindex spr
18623 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
18624 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
18625 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
18626 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
18627 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
18628 @end table
18629
18630 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
18631 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
18632 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
18633 triggers can be set using:
18634 @table @code
18635 @item $LEA/$LDATA
18636 Load effective address/data
18637 @item $SEA/$SDATA
18638 Store effective address/data
18639 @item $AEA/$ADATA
18640 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
18641 @item $FETCH
18642 Fetch data
18643 @end table
18644
18645 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
18646 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
18647
18648 @code{htrace} commands:
18649 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
18650 @table @code
18651 @kindex hwatch
18652 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
18653 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
18654 or Data. For example:
18655
18656 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18657
18658 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18659
18660 @kindex htrace
18661 @item htrace info
18662 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
18663
18664 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
18665 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
18666
18667 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
18668 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
18669
18670 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
18671 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
18672
18673 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
18674 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
18675 triggered.
18676
18677 @item htrace enable
18678 @itemx htrace disable
18679 Enables/disables the HW trace.
18680
18681 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
18682 Clears currently recorded trace data.
18683
18684 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
18685 will be written there.
18686
18687 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
18688 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
18689
18690 @item htrace mode continuous
18691 Set continuous trace mode.
18692
18693 @item htrace mode suspend
18694 Set suspend trace mode.
18695
18696 @end table
18697
18698 @node PowerPC Embedded
18699 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
18700
18701 @cindex DVC register
18702 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
18703 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
18704
18705 @smallexample
18706 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
18707 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
18708 @end smallexample
18709
18710 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
18711 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
18712 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
18713 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
18714 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
18715 or newer.
18716
18717 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
18718 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
18719 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
18720 watching variables of scalar types.
18721
18722 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
18723 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
18724
18725 @smallexample
18726 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
18727 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
18728 @end smallexample
18729
18730 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
18731
18732 @table @code
18733 @kindex set powerpc
18734 @item set powerpc soft-float
18735 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
18736 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
18737 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
18738 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18739
18740 @item set powerpc vector-abi
18741 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
18742 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
18743 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
18744 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
18745 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
18746 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
18747 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18748
18749 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
18750 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
18751 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
18752 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
18753 address of its first byte.
18754
18755 @kindex target dink32
18756 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
18757 DINK32 ROM monitor.
18758
18759 @kindex target ppcbug
18760 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
18761 @kindex target ppcbug1
18762 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
18763 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
18764
18765 @kindex target sds
18766 @item target sds @var{dev}
18767 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
18768 @end table
18769
18770 @cindex SDS protocol
18771 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
18772 by @value{GDBN}:
18773
18774 @table @code
18775 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
18776 @kindex set sdstimeout
18777 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
18778 default is 2 seconds.
18779
18780 @item show sdstimeout
18781 @kindex show sdstimeout
18782 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
18783
18784 @item sds @var{command}
18785 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
18786 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
18787 @end table
18788
18789
18790 @node PA
18791 @subsection HP PA Embedded
18792
18793 @table @code
18794
18795 @kindex target op50n
18796 @item target op50n @var{dev}
18797 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
18798
18799 @kindex target w89k
18800 @item target w89k @var{dev}
18801 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
18802
18803 @end table
18804
18805 @node Sparclet
18806 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
18807
18808 @cindex Sparclet
18809
18810 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
18811 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
18812 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
18813 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
18814 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
18815
18816 @table @code
18817 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
18818 @kindex remotetimeout
18819 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
18820 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
18821 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
18822 @end table
18823
18824 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
18825 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
18826 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
18827 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
18828 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
18829
18830 @smallexample
18831 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
18832 @end smallexample
18833
18834 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
18835
18836 @smallexample
18837 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
18838 @end smallexample
18839
18840 @cindex running, on Sparclet
18841 Once you have set
18842 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
18843 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
18844 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
18845
18846 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
18847
18848 @smallexample
18849 (gdbslet)
18850 @end smallexample
18851
18852 @menu
18853 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
18854 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
18855 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
18856 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
18857 @end menu
18858
18859 @node Sparclet File
18860 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
18861
18862 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
18863
18864 @smallexample
18865 (gdbslet) file prog
18866 @end smallexample
18867
18868 @need 1000
18869 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
18870 @value{GDBN} locates
18871 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
18872 path.
18873 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
18874 files will be searched as well.
18875 @value{GDBN} locates
18876 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
18877 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
18878 If it fails
18879 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
18880
18881 @smallexample
18882 prog: No such file or directory.
18883 @end smallexample
18884
18885 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
18886 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
18887 @code{target} command again.
18888
18889 @node Sparclet Connection
18890 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
18891
18892 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
18893 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
18894
18895 @smallexample
18896 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
18897 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
18898 main () at ../prog.c:3
18899 @end smallexample
18900
18901 @need 750
18902 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
18903
18904 @smallexample
18905 Connected to ttya.
18906 @end smallexample
18907
18908 @node Sparclet Download
18909 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
18910
18911 @cindex download to Sparclet
18912 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
18913 you can use the @value{GDBN}
18914 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
18915 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
18916 command.
18917 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
18918 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
18919 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
18920 of each of the file's sections.
18921 For instance, if the program
18922 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
18923 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
18924
18925 @smallexample
18926 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
18927 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
18928 @end smallexample
18929
18930 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
18931 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
18932 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
18933
18934 @node Sparclet Execution
18935 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
18936
18937 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
18938 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
18939 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
18940 manual for the list of commands.
18941
18942 @smallexample
18943 (gdbslet) b main
18944 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
18945 (gdbslet) run
18946 Starting program: prog
18947 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
18948 3 char *symarg = 0;
18949 (gdbslet) step
18950 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
18951 (gdbslet)
18952 @end smallexample
18953
18954 @node Sparclite
18955 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
18956
18957 @table @code
18958
18959 @kindex target sparclite
18960 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
18961 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
18962 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
18963 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
18964 remote protocol.
18965
18966 @end table
18967
18968 @node Z8000
18969 @subsection Zilog Z8000
18970
18971 @cindex Z8000
18972 @cindex simulator, Z8000
18973 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
18974
18975 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
18976 a Z8000 simulator.
18977
18978 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
18979 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
18980 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
18981 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
18982
18983 @table @code
18984 @item target sim @var{args}
18985 @kindex sim
18986 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
18987 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
18988 options, specify them via @var{args}.
18989 @end table
18990
18991 @noindent
18992 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
18993 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
18994 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
18995 to run your program, and so on.
18996
18997 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
18998 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
18999 additional items of information as specially named registers:
19000
19001 @table @code
19002
19003 @item cycles
19004 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
19005
19006 @item insts
19007 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
19008
19009 @item time
19010 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
19011
19012 @end table
19013
19014 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
19015 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
19016 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
19017 simulated clock ticks.
19018
19019 @node AVR
19020 @subsection Atmel AVR
19021 @cindex AVR
19022
19023 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
19024 following AVR-specific commands:
19025
19026 @table @code
19027 @item info io_registers
19028 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
19029 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
19030 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
19031 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
19032 @end table
19033
19034 @node CRIS
19035 @subsection CRIS
19036 @cindex CRIS
19037
19038 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
19039 following CRIS-specific commands:
19040
19041 @table @code
19042 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
19043 @cindex CRIS version
19044 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
19045 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
19046 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
19047
19048 @item show cris-version
19049 Show the current CRIS version.
19050
19051 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
19052 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
19053 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
19054 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
19055 @code{R59}.
19056
19057 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
19058 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
19059
19060 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
19061 @cindex CRIS mode
19062 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
19063 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
19064 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
19065
19066 @item show cris-mode
19067 Show the current CRIS mode.
19068 @end table
19069
19070 @node Super-H
19071 @subsection Renesas Super-H
19072 @cindex Super-H
19073
19074 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
19075 commands:
19076
19077 @table @code
19078 @item regs
19079 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
19080 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
19081
19082 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
19083 @kindex set sh calling-convention
19084 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
19085 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
19086 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
19087 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
19088 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
19089 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
19090 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
19091 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
19092 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
19093 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
19094
19095 @item show sh calling-convention
19096 @kindex show sh calling-convention
19097 Show the current calling convention setting.
19098
19099 @end table
19100
19101
19102 @node Architectures
19103 @section Architectures
19104
19105 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
19106 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
19107
19108 @menu
19109 * i386::
19110 * A29K::
19111 * Alpha::
19112 * MIPS::
19113 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
19114 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19115 * PowerPC::
19116 @end menu
19117
19118 @node i386
19119 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
19120
19121 @table @code
19122 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
19123 @kindex set struct-convention
19124 @cindex struct return convention
19125 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
19126 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
19127 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
19128 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
19129 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
19130 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
19131 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
19132 be returned in a register.
19133
19134 @item show struct-convention
19135 @kindex show struct-convention
19136 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
19137 from functions.
19138 @end table
19139
19140 @node A29K
19141 @subsection A29K
19142
19143 @table @code
19144
19145 @kindex set rstack_high_address
19146 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
19147 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
19148 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
19149 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
19150 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
19151 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
19152 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
19153 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
19154 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
19155 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
19156 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
19157 hexadecimal.
19158
19159 @kindex show rstack_high_address
19160 @item show rstack_high_address
19161 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
19162 processors.
19163
19164 @end table
19165
19166 @node Alpha
19167 @subsection Alpha
19168
19169 See the following section.
19170
19171 @node MIPS
19172 @subsection MIPS
19173
19174 @cindex stack on Alpha
19175 @cindex stack on MIPS
19176 @cindex Alpha stack
19177 @cindex MIPS stack
19178 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
19179 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
19180 find the beginning of a function.
19181
19182 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
19183 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
19184 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
19185 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
19186 commands:
19187
19188 @table @code
19189 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
19190 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
19191 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
19192 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
19193 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
19194 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
19195 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
19196 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
19197
19198 @item show heuristic-fence-post
19199 Display the current limit.
19200 @end table
19201
19202 @noindent
19203 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
19204 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
19205
19206 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
19207 programs:
19208
19209 @table @code
19210 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
19211 @kindex set mips abi
19212 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
19213 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
19214 values of @var{arg} are:
19215
19216 @table @samp
19217 @item auto
19218 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
19219 default).
19220 @item o32
19221 @item o64
19222 @item n32
19223 @item n64
19224 @item eabi32
19225 @item eabi64
19226 @item auto
19227 @end table
19228
19229 @item show mips abi
19230 @kindex show mips abi
19231 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
19232
19233 @item set mipsfpu
19234 @itemx show mipsfpu
19235 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
19236
19237 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
19238 @kindex set mips mask-address
19239 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
19240 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
19241 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
19242 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
19243 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
19244
19245 @item show mips mask-address
19246 @kindex show mips mask-address
19247 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
19248 not.
19249
19250 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19251 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19252 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
19253 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
19254 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
19255 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
19256
19257 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19258 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19259 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
19260
19261 @item set debug mips
19262 @kindex set debug mips
19263 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
19264 target code in @value{GDBN}.
19265
19266 @item show debug mips
19267 @kindex show debug mips
19268 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
19269 @end table
19270
19271
19272 @node HPPA
19273 @subsection HPPA
19274 @cindex HPPA support
19275
19276 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
19277 following special commands:
19278
19279 @table @code
19280 @item set debug hppa
19281 @kindex set debug hppa
19282 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
19283 messages are to be displayed.
19284
19285 @item show debug hppa
19286 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
19287
19288 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
19289 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
19290 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
19291 given @var{address}.
19292
19293 @end table
19294
19295
19296 @node SPU
19297 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19298 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
19299 @cindex SPU
19300
19301 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
19302 it provides the following special commands:
19303
19304 @table @code
19305 @item info spu event
19306 @kindex info spu
19307 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
19308 and pending event status.
19309
19310 @item info spu signal
19311 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
19312 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
19313 notification channels.
19314
19315 @item info spu mailbox
19316 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
19317 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
19318 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
19319
19320 @item info spu dma
19321 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19322 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19323 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19324
19325 @item info spu proxydma
19326 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19327 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19328 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19329
19330 @end table
19331
19332 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
19333 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
19334 special commands:
19335
19336 @table @code
19337 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
19338 @kindex set spu
19339 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
19340 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
19341 function. The default is @code{off}.
19342
19343 @item show spu stop-on-load
19344 @kindex show spu
19345 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
19346
19347 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
19348 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
19349 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
19350 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
19351 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
19352 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
19353
19354 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
19355 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
19356
19357 @end table
19358
19359 @node PowerPC
19360 @subsection PowerPC
19361 @cindex PowerPC architecture
19362
19363 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
19364 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
19365 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
19366 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
19367 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
19368
19369 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
19370 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
19371 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
19372
19373 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
19374 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
19375
19376
19377 @node Controlling GDB
19378 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
19379
19380 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
19381 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
19382 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
19383 described here.
19384
19385 @menu
19386 * Prompt:: Prompt
19387 * Editing:: Command editing
19388 * Command History:: Command history
19389 * Screen Size:: Screen size
19390 * Numbers:: Numbers
19391 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
19392 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
19393 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
19394 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
19395 @end menu
19396
19397 @node Prompt
19398 @section Prompt
19399
19400 @cindex prompt
19401
19402 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
19403 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
19404 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
19405 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
19406 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
19407 which one you are talking to.
19408
19409 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
19410 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
19411 or a prompt that does not.
19412
19413 @table @code
19414 @kindex set prompt
19415 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
19416 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
19417
19418 @kindex show prompt
19419 @item show prompt
19420 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
19421 @end table
19422
19423 @node Editing
19424 @section Command Editing
19425 @cindex readline
19426 @cindex command line editing
19427
19428 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
19429 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
19430 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
19431 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
19432 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
19433 debugging sessions.
19434
19435 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
19436 command @code{set}.
19437
19438 @table @code
19439 @kindex set editing
19440 @cindex editing
19441 @item set editing
19442 @itemx set editing on
19443 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
19444
19445 @item set editing off
19446 Disable command line editing.
19447
19448 @kindex show editing
19449 @item show editing
19450 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
19451 @end table
19452
19453 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19454 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
19455 @end ifset
19456 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19457 @xref{Command Line Editing},
19458 @end ifclear
19459 for more details about the Readline
19460 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
19461 encouraged to read that chapter.
19462
19463 @node Command History
19464 @section Command History
19465 @cindex command history
19466
19467 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
19468 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
19469 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
19470 history facility.
19471
19472 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
19473 package, to provide the history facility.
19474 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19475 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
19476 @end ifset
19477 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19478 @xref{Using History Interactively},
19479 @end ifclear
19480 for the detailed description of the History library.
19481
19482 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
19483 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
19484 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
19485 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
19486 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
19487 pressed on a line by itself.
19488
19489 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
19490 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
19491 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
19492 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
19493
19494 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
19495 history.
19496
19497 @table @code
19498 @cindex history substitution
19499 @cindex history file
19500 @kindex set history filename
19501 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
19502 @item set history filename @var{fname}
19503 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
19504 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
19505 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
19506 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
19507 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
19508 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
19509 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
19510 is not set.
19511
19512 @cindex save command history
19513 @kindex set history save
19514 @item set history save
19515 @itemx set history save on
19516 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
19517 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
19518
19519 @item set history save off
19520 Stop recording command history in a file.
19521
19522 @cindex history size
19523 @kindex set history size
19524 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
19525 @item set history size @var{size}
19526 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
19527 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
19528 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
19529 @end table
19530
19531 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
19532 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19533 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
19534 @end ifset
19535 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19536 @xref{Event Designators},
19537 @end ifclear
19538 for more details.
19539
19540 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
19541 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
19542 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
19543 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
19544 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
19545 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
19546 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
19547 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
19548
19549 The commands to control history expansion are:
19550
19551 @table @code
19552 @item set history expansion on
19553 @itemx set history expansion
19554 @kindex set history expansion
19555 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
19556
19557 @item set history expansion off
19558 Disable history expansion.
19559
19560 @c @group
19561 @kindex show history
19562 @item show history
19563 @itemx show history filename
19564 @itemx show history save
19565 @itemx show history size
19566 @itemx show history expansion
19567 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
19568 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
19569 @c @end group
19570 @end table
19571
19572 @table @code
19573 @kindex show commands
19574 @cindex show last commands
19575 @cindex display command history
19576 @item show commands
19577 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
19578
19579 @item show commands @var{n}
19580 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
19581
19582 @item show commands +
19583 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
19584 @end table
19585
19586 @node Screen Size
19587 @section Screen Size
19588 @cindex size of screen
19589 @cindex pauses in output
19590
19591 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
19592 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
19593 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
19594 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
19595 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
19596 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
19597 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
19598 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
19599
19600 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
19601 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
19602 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
19603 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
19604 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
19605 width} commands:
19606
19607 @table @code
19608 @kindex set height
19609 @kindex set width
19610 @kindex show width
19611 @kindex show height
19612 @item set height @var{lpp}
19613 @itemx show height
19614 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
19615 @itemx show width
19616 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
19617 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
19618 commands display the current settings.
19619
19620 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
19621 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
19622 file or to an editor buffer.
19623
19624 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
19625 from wrapping its output.
19626
19627 @item set pagination on
19628 @itemx set pagination off
19629 @kindex set pagination
19630 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
19631 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
19632 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
19633 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
19634
19635 @item show pagination
19636 @kindex show pagination
19637 Show the current pagination mode.
19638 @end table
19639
19640 @node Numbers
19641 @section Numbers
19642 @cindex number representation
19643 @cindex entering numbers
19644
19645 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
19646 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
19647 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
19648 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
19649 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
19650 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
19651 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
19652 both input and output with the commands described below.
19653
19654 @table @code
19655 @kindex set input-radix
19656 @item set input-radix @var{base}
19657 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
19658 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19659 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
19660 example, any of
19661
19662 @smallexample
19663 set input-radix 012
19664 set input-radix 10.
19665 set input-radix 0xa
19666 @end smallexample
19667
19668 @noindent
19669 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
19670 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
19671 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
19672 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
19673 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
19674 change the radix.
19675
19676 @kindex set output-radix
19677 @item set output-radix @var{base}
19678 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
19679 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19680 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
19681
19682 @kindex show input-radix
19683 @item show input-radix
19684 Display the current default base for numeric input.
19685
19686 @kindex show output-radix
19687 @item show output-radix
19688 Display the current default base for numeric display.
19689
19690 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
19691 @itemx show radix
19692 @kindex set radix
19693 @kindex show radix
19694 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
19695 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
19696 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
19697 default value of 10.
19698
19699 @end table
19700
19701 @node ABI
19702 @section Configuring the Current ABI
19703
19704 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
19705 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
19706 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
19707 current ABI.
19708
19709 @cindex OS ABI
19710 @kindex set osabi
19711 @kindex show osabi
19712
19713 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
19714 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
19715 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
19716 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
19717 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
19718 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
19719 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
19720 platform provides.
19721
19722 @table @code
19723 @item show osabi
19724 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
19725
19726 @item set osabi
19727 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
19728
19729 @item set osabi @var{abi}
19730 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
19731 @end table
19732
19733 @cindex float promotion
19734
19735 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
19736 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
19737 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
19738 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
19739 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
19740 @code{double} and then passed.
19741
19742 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
19743 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
19744 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
19745
19746 @table @code
19747 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
19748 @item set coerce-float-to-double
19749 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
19750 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
19751 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
19752
19753 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
19754 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
19755 functions.
19756
19757 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
19758 @item show coerce-float-to-double
19759 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
19760 @end table
19761
19762 @kindex set cp-abi
19763 @kindex show cp-abi
19764 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
19765 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
19766 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
19767 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
19768 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
19769 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
19770 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
19771 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
19772 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
19773 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
19774 ``auto''.
19775
19776 @table @code
19777 @item show cp-abi
19778 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
19779
19780 @item set cp-abi
19781 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
19782
19783 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
19784 @itemx set cp-abi auto
19785 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
19786 @end table
19787
19788 @node Messages/Warnings
19789 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
19790
19791 @cindex verbose operation
19792 @cindex optional warnings
19793 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
19794 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
19795 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
19796 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
19797
19798 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
19799 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
19800 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
19801
19802 @table @code
19803 @kindex set verbose
19804 @item set verbose on
19805 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19806
19807 @item set verbose off
19808 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19809
19810 @kindex show verbose
19811 @item show verbose
19812 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
19813 @end table
19814
19815 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
19816 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
19817 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
19818 Symbol Files}).
19819
19820 @table @code
19821
19822 @kindex set complaints
19823 @item set complaints @var{limit}
19824 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
19825 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
19826 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
19827 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
19828
19829 @kindex show complaints
19830 @item show complaints
19831 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
19832
19833 @end table
19834
19835 @anchor{confirmation requests}
19836 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
19837 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
19838 you try to run a program which is already running:
19839
19840 @smallexample
19841 (@value{GDBP}) run
19842 The program being debugged has been started already.
19843 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
19844 @end smallexample
19845
19846 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
19847 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
19848
19849 @table @code
19850
19851 @kindex set confirm
19852 @cindex flinching
19853 @cindex confirmation
19854 @cindex stupid questions
19855 @item set confirm off
19856 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
19857 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
19858 automatically disables confirmation requests.
19859
19860 @item set confirm on
19861 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
19862
19863 @kindex show confirm
19864 @item show confirm
19865 Displays state of confirmation requests.
19866
19867 @end table
19868
19869 @cindex command tracing
19870 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
19871 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
19872 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
19873 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
19874
19875 @table @code
19876 @kindex set trace-commands
19877 @cindex command scripts, debugging
19878 @item set trace-commands on
19879 Enable command tracing.
19880 @item set trace-commands off
19881 Disable command tracing.
19882 @item show trace-commands
19883 Display the current state of command tracing.
19884 @end table
19885
19886 @node Debugging Output
19887 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
19888 @cindex optional debugging messages
19889
19890 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
19891 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
19892 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
19893 section documents those commands.
19894
19895 @table @code
19896 @kindex set exec-done-display
19897 @item set exec-done-display
19898 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
19899 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
19900 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
19901 @kindex show exec-done-display
19902 @item show exec-done-display
19903 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
19904 notification.
19905 @kindex set debug
19906 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
19907 @cindex architecture debugging info
19908 @item set debug arch
19909 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
19910 @kindex show debug
19911 @item show debug arch
19912 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
19913 @item set debug aix-thread
19914 @cindex AIX threads
19915 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
19916 module.
19917 @item show debug aix-thread
19918 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
19919 @item set debug dwarf2-die
19920 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
19921 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
19922 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
19923 A value of zero turns off the display.
19924 @item show debug dwarf2-die
19925 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
19926 @item set debug displaced
19927 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
19928 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
19929 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
19930 @item show debug displaced
19931 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
19932 related to displaced stepping.
19933 @item set debug event
19934 @cindex event debugging info
19935 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
19936 default is off.
19937 @item show debug event
19938 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
19939 info.
19940 @item set debug expression
19941 @cindex expression debugging info
19942 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
19943 expression parsing. The default is off.
19944 @item show debug expression
19945 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
19946 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
19947 @item set debug frame
19948 @cindex frame debugging info
19949 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
19950 default is off.
19951 @item show debug frame
19952 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
19953 info.
19954 @item set debug gnu-nat
19955 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
19956 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
19957 @item show debug gnu-nat
19958 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
19959 @item set debug infrun
19960 @cindex inferior debugging info
19961 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
19962 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
19963 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
19964 @item show debug infrun
19965 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
19966 @item set debug jit
19967 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
19968 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
19969 @item show debug jit
19970 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
19971 @item set debug lin-lwp
19972 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
19973 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
19974 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
19975 @item show debug lin-lwp
19976 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
19977 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
19978 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
19979 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
19980 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
19981 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
19982 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
19983 @item set debug observer
19984 @cindex observer debugging info
19985 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
19986 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
19987 @item show debug observer
19988 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
19989 @item set debug overload
19990 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
19991 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
19992 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
19993 is off.
19994 @item show debug overload
19995 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
19996 debugging info.
19997 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
19998 @cindex debug expression parser
19999 @item set debug parser
20000 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
20001 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
20002 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
20003 details. The default is off.
20004 @item show debug parser
20005 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
20006 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
20007 @cindex serial connections, debugging
20008 @cindex debug remote protocol
20009 @cindex remote protocol debugging
20010 @cindex display remote packets
20011 @item set debug remote
20012 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
20013 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
20014 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
20015 @item show debug remote
20016 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
20017 @item set debug serial
20018 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
20019 default is off.
20020 @item show debug serial
20021 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
20022 info.
20023 @item set debug solib-frv
20024 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
20025 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
20026 @item show debug solib-frv
20027 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
20028 messages.
20029 @item set debug target
20030 @cindex target debugging info
20031 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
20032 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
20033 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
20034 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
20035 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
20036 @item show debug target
20037 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
20038 info.
20039 @item set debug timestamp
20040 @cindex timestampping debugging info
20041 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
20042 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
20043 message.
20044 @item show debug timestamp
20045 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
20046 debugging info.
20047 @item set debugvarobj
20048 @cindex variable object debugging info
20049 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
20050 info. The default is off.
20051 @item show debugvarobj
20052 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
20053 debugging info.
20054 @item set debug xml
20055 @cindex XML parser debugging
20056 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
20057 @item show debug xml
20058 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
20059 @end table
20060
20061 @node Other Misc Settings
20062 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
20063 @cindex miscellaneous settings
20064
20065 @table @code
20066 @kindex set interactive-mode
20067 @item set interactive-mode
20068 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
20069 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
20070 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
20071 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
20072 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
20073 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
20074 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
20075 is, non-interactively otherwise.
20076
20077 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
20078 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
20079 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
20080 inside a cygwin window.
20081
20082 @kindex show interactive-mode
20083 @item show interactive-mode
20084 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
20085 @end table
20086
20087 @node Extending GDB
20088 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
20089 @cindex extending GDB
20090
20091 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
20092 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
20093 Python scripting language.
20094
20095 To facilitate the use of these extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
20096 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
20097 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
20098 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
20099 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20100 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
20101
20102 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
20103 setting:
20104
20105 @table @code
20106 @kindex set script-extension
20107 @kindex show script-extension
20108 @item set script-extension off
20109 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20110
20111 @item set script-extension soft
20112 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20113 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
20114 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
20115 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
20116
20117 @item set script-extension strict
20118 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20119 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
20120 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
20121
20122 @item show script-extension
20123 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
20124
20125 @end table
20126
20127 @menu
20128 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
20129 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20130 @end menu
20131
20132 @node Sequences
20133 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
20134
20135 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
20136 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
20137 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
20138 files.
20139
20140 @menu
20141 * Define:: How to define your own commands
20142 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
20143 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
20144 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
20145 @end menu
20146
20147 @node Define
20148 @subsection User-defined Commands
20149
20150 @cindex user-defined command
20151 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
20152 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
20153 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
20154 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
20155 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
20156 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
20157
20158 @smallexample
20159 define adder
20160 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20161 end
20162 @end smallexample
20163
20164 @noindent
20165 To execute the command use:
20166
20167 @smallexample
20168 adder 1 2 3
20169 @end smallexample
20170
20171 @noindent
20172 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
20173 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
20174 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
20175 functions calls.
20176
20177 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
20178 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
20179 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
20180 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
20181
20182 @smallexample
20183 define adder
20184 if $argc == 2
20185 print $arg0 + $arg1
20186 end
20187 if $argc == 3
20188 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20189 end
20190 end
20191 @end smallexample
20192
20193 @table @code
20194
20195 @kindex define
20196 @item define @var{commandname}
20197 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
20198 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
20199 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
20200 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
20201 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
20202 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
20203
20204 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
20205 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
20206 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20207
20208 @kindex document
20209 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
20210 @item document @var{commandname}
20211 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
20212 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
20213 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
20214 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
20215 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
20216 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
20217
20218 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
20219 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
20220 does not change the documentation.
20221
20222 @kindex dont-repeat
20223 @cindex don't repeat command
20224 @item dont-repeat
20225 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
20226 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
20227 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
20228
20229 @kindex help user-defined
20230 @item help user-defined
20231 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
20232 (if any) for each.
20233
20234 @kindex show user
20235 @item show user
20236 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
20237 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
20238 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
20239 definitions for all user-defined commands.
20240
20241 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
20242 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
20243 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
20244 @item show max-user-call-depth
20245 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
20246 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
20247 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
20248 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
20249 @end table
20250
20251 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
20252 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
20253
20254 When user-defined commands are executed, the
20255 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
20256 stops execution of the user-defined command.
20257
20258 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
20259 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
20260 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
20261 messages when used in a user-defined command.
20262
20263 @node Hooks
20264 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
20265 @cindex command hooks
20266 @cindex hooks, for commands
20267 @cindex hooks, pre-command
20268
20269 @kindex hook
20270 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
20271 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
20272 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
20273 before that command.
20274
20275 @cindex hooks, post-command
20276 @kindex hookpost
20277 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
20278 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
20279 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
20280 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
20281 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
20282
20283 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
20284 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
20285
20286 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
20287 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
20288
20289 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
20290 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
20291 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
20292 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
20293 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
20294
20295 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
20296 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
20297 you could define:
20298
20299 @smallexample
20300 define hook-stop
20301 handle SIGALRM nopass
20302 end
20303
20304 define hook-run
20305 handle SIGALRM pass
20306 end
20307
20308 define hook-continue
20309 handle SIGALRM pass
20310 end
20311 @end smallexample
20312
20313 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
20314 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
20315 you could define:
20316
20317 @smallexample
20318 define hook-echo
20319 echo <<<---
20320 end
20321
20322 define hookpost-echo
20323 echo --->>>\n
20324 end
20325
20326 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
20327 <<<---Hello World--->>>
20328 (@value{GDBP})
20329
20330 @end smallexample
20331
20332 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
20333 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
20334 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
20335 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
20336 @c or not?
20337 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
20338 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
20339 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
20340
20341 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
20342 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
20343 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
20344
20345 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
20346 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
20347
20348 @node Command Files
20349 @subsection Command Files
20350
20351 @cindex command files
20352 @cindex scripting commands
20353 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
20354 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
20355 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
20356 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
20357 terminal.
20358
20359 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
20360 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
20361 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
20362 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
20363 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
20364
20365 @table @code
20366 @kindex source
20367 @cindex execute commands from a file
20368 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
20369 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
20370 @end table
20371
20372 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
20373 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
20374 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
20375 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
20376 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
20377
20378 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
20379 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
20380 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
20381 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
20382 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
20383 is not relevant to scripts.
20384
20385 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
20386 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
20387 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
20388 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
20389 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20390 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
20391 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
20392 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
20393 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20394 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
20395 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
20396 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
20397 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
20398 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
20399
20400 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
20401 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
20402 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
20403
20404 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
20405 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
20406 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
20407 when called from command files.
20408
20409 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
20410 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
20411 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
20412 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
20413 the next command.
20414
20415 @smallexample
20416 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
20417 @end smallexample
20418
20419 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
20420 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
20421 would be directed to @file{log}.
20422
20423 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
20424 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
20425 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
20426 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
20427 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
20428 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
20429 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
20430 conditionally, etc.
20431
20432 @table @code
20433 @kindex if
20434 @kindex else
20435 @item if
20436 @itemx else
20437 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
20438 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
20439 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
20440 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
20441 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
20442 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
20443 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20444
20445 @kindex while
20446 @item while
20447 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
20448 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
20449 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
20450 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
20451 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
20452 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
20453
20454 @kindex loop_break
20455 @item loop_break
20456 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
20457 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
20458 line.
20459
20460 @kindex loop_continue
20461 @item loop_continue
20462 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
20463 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
20464 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
20465 the controlling expression.
20466
20467 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
20468 @item end
20469 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
20470 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
20471 @end table
20472
20473
20474 @node Output
20475 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
20476
20477 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
20478 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
20479 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
20480 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
20481 want.
20482
20483 @table @code
20484 @kindex echo
20485 @item echo @var{text}
20486 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
20487 @c because it is not in ANSI.
20488 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
20489 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
20490 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
20491 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
20492 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
20493 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
20494 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
20495 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
20496 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
20497
20498 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
20499 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
20500
20501 @smallexample
20502 echo This is some text\n\
20503 which is continued\n\
20504 onto several lines.\n
20505 @end smallexample
20506
20507 produces the same output as
20508
20509 @smallexample
20510 echo This is some text\n
20511 echo which is continued\n
20512 echo onto several lines.\n
20513 @end smallexample
20514
20515 @kindex output
20516 @item output @var{expression}
20517 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
20518 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
20519 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
20520 on expressions.
20521
20522 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
20523 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
20524 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
20525 Formats}, for more information.
20526
20527 @kindex printf
20528 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20529 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20530 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
20531 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
20532 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
20533 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
20534 executing the code below:
20535
20536 @smallexample
20537 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
20538 @end smallexample
20539
20540 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
20541 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
20542 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
20543 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
20544 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
20545 printed.
20546
20547 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
20548
20549 @smallexample
20550 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
20551 @end smallexample
20552
20553 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
20554 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
20555 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
20556
20557 @itemize @bullet
20558 @item
20559 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
20560
20561 @item
20562 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
20563 width.
20564
20565 @item
20566 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
20567 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
20568
20569 @item
20570 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
20571 supported.
20572
20573 @item
20574 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
20575
20576 @item
20577 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
20578 @end itemize
20579
20580 @noindent
20581 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
20582 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
20583 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
20584 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
20585
20586 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
20587 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
20588 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
20589 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
20590 supported.
20591
20592 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
20593 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
20594 together with a floating point specifier.
20595 letters:
20596
20597 @itemize @bullet
20598 @item
20599 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
20600
20601 @item
20602 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
20603
20604 @item
20605 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
20606 @end itemize
20607
20608 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
20609 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
20610 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
20611
20612 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
20613 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
20614
20615 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
20616 @smallexample
20617 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
20618 @end smallexample
20619
20620 @kindex eval
20621 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20622 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20623 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
20624
20625 @end table
20626
20627 @node Python
20628 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20629 @cindex python scripting
20630 @cindex scripting with python
20631
20632 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
20633 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
20634 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
20635
20636 @cindex python directory
20637 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
20638 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
20639 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
20640 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
20641 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
20642 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
20643
20644 @menu
20645 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
20646 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
20647 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
20648 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
20649 @end menu
20650
20651 @node Python Commands
20652 @subsection Python Commands
20653 @cindex python commands
20654 @cindex commands to access python
20655
20656 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
20657 and one related setting:
20658
20659 @table @code
20660 @kindex python
20661 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
20662 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
20663
20664 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
20665 argument as a Python command. For example:
20666
20667 @smallexample
20668 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
20669 23
20670 @end smallexample
20671
20672 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
20673 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
20674 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
20675 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
20676 containing @code{end}. For example:
20677
20678 @smallexample
20679 (@value{GDBP}) python
20680 Type python script
20681 End with a line saying just "end".
20682 >print 23
20683 >end
20684 23
20685 @end smallexample
20686
20687 @kindex maint set python print-stack
20688 @item maint set python print-stack
20689 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
20690 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
20691 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
20692 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
20693 disabled.
20694 @end table
20695
20696 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
20697 interpreter:
20698
20699 @table @code
20700 @item source @file{script-name}
20701 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
20702 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
20703 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
20704
20705 @item python execfile ("script-name")
20706 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
20707 and thus is always available.
20708 @end table
20709
20710 @node Python API
20711 @subsection Python API
20712 @cindex python api
20713 @cindex programming in python
20714
20715 @cindex python stdout
20716 @cindex python pagination
20717 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
20718 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
20719 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
20720 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
20721 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
20722
20723 @menu
20724 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
20725 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
20726 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
20727 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
20728 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
20729 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
20730 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
20731 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
20732 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
20733 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
20734 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
20735 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
20736 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
20737 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
20738 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
20739 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
20740 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
20741 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
20742 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
20743 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
20744 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
20745 @end menu
20746
20747 @node Basic Python
20748 @subsubsection Basic Python
20749
20750 @cindex python functions
20751 @cindex python module
20752 @cindex gdb module
20753 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
20754 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
20755 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
20756 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
20757
20758 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
20759 @defvar PYTHONDIR
20760 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
20761 @end defvar
20762
20763 @findex gdb.execute
20764 @defun execute command [from_tty] [to_string]
20765 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
20766 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
20767 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
20768
20769 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
20770 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
20771 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
20772
20773 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
20774 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
20775 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
20776 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
20777 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
20778 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
20779 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
20780 @end defun
20781
20782 @findex gdb.breakpoints
20783 @defun breakpoints
20784 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
20785 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
20786 @end defun
20787
20788 @findex gdb.parameter
20789 @defun parameter parameter
20790 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
20791 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
20792 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
20793 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
20794
20795 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
20796 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
20797 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
20798 type, and returned.
20799 @end defun
20800
20801 @findex gdb.history
20802 @defun history number
20803 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
20804 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
20805 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
20806 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
20807 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
20808 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
20809 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
20810 raised.
20811
20812 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
20813 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
20814 @end defun
20815
20816 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
20817 @defun parse_and_eval expression
20818 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
20819 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20820 @var{expression} must be a string.
20821
20822 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
20823 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
20824 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
20825 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
20826 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20827 @end defun
20828
20829 @findex gdb.post_event
20830 @defun post_event event
20831 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
20832 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
20833 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
20834 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
20835 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
20836 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
20837
20838 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
20839 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
20840 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
20841 this. For example:
20842
20843 @smallexample
20844 (@value{GDBP}) python
20845 >import threading
20846 >
20847 >class Writer():
20848 > def __init__(self, message):
20849 > self.message = message;
20850 > def __call__(self):
20851 > gdb.write(self.message)
20852 >
20853 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
20854 > def run (self):
20855 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
20856 >
20857 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
20858 > def run (self):
20859 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
20860 >
20861 >MyThread1().start()
20862 >MyThread2().start()
20863 >end
20864 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
20865 @end smallexample
20866 @end defun
20867
20868 @findex gdb.write
20869 @defun write string
20870 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
20871 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
20872 call this function.
20873 @end defun
20874
20875 @findex gdb.flush
20876 @defun flush
20877 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
20878 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
20879 function.
20880 @end defun
20881
20882 @findex gdb.target_charset
20883 @defun target_charset
20884 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
20885 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
20886 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
20887 @end defun
20888
20889 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
20890 @defun target_wide_charset
20891 Return the name of the current target wide character set
20892 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
20893 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
20894 never returned.
20895 @end defun
20896
20897 @findex gdb.solib_name
20898 @defun solib_name address
20899 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
20900 as a string, or @code{None}.
20901 @end defun
20902
20903 @findex gdb.decode_line
20904 @defun decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
20905 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
20906 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
20907 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
20908 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
20909 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
20910 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
20911 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
20912 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
20913 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
20914 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
20915 @end defun
20916
20917 @node Exception Handling
20918 @subsubsection Exception Handling
20919 @cindex python exceptions
20920 @cindex exceptions, python
20921
20922 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
20923 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
20924 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
20925 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
20926 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
20927 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
20928 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
20929
20930 @smallexample
20931 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
20932 Traceback (most recent call last):
20933 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
20934 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
20935 @end smallexample
20936
20937 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
20938 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
20939 Python exception depends on the error.
20940
20941 @ftable @code
20942 @item gdb.error
20943 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
20944 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
20945 versions of @value{GDBN}.
20946
20947 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
20948 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
20949
20950 @item gdb.MemoryError
20951 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
20952 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
20953
20954 @item KeyboardInterrupt
20955 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
20956 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
20957 @end ftable
20958
20959 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
20960 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
20961 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
20962 traceback.
20963
20964 @findex gdb.GdbError
20965 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
20966 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
20967 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
20968 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
20969 to handle this case. Example:
20970
20971 @smallexample
20972 (gdb) python
20973 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
20974 > """Greet the whole world."""
20975 > def __init__ (self):
20976 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
20977 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
20978 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
20979 > if len (argv) != 0:
20980 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
20981 > print "Hello, World!"
20982 >HelloWorld ()
20983 >end
20984 (gdb) hello-world 42
20985 hello-world takes no arguments
20986 @end smallexample
20987
20988 @node Values From Inferior
20989 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
20990 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
20991 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
20992
20993 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
20994 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
20995 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
20996 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
20997 fetching values when necessary.
20998
20999 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
21000 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
21001 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
21002
21003 @smallexample
21004 bar = some_val + 2
21005 @end smallexample
21006
21007 @noindent
21008 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
21009 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
21010
21011 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
21012 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
21013 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
21014 can access its @code{foo} element with:
21015
21016 @smallexample
21017 bar = some_val['foo']
21018 @end smallexample
21019
21020 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
21021
21022 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
21023 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
21024 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
21025 by that prototype.
21026
21027 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
21028 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
21029 execute this function, call it like so:
21030
21031 @smallexample
21032 result = some_val (10,20)
21033 @end smallexample
21034
21035 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
21036 @code{gdb.Value}.
21037
21038 The following attributes are provided:
21039
21040 @table @code
21041 @defivar Value address
21042 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
21043 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
21044 this attribute holds @code{None}.
21045 @end defivar
21046
21047 @cindex optimized out value in Python
21048 @defivar Value is_optimized_out
21049 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
21050 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
21051 @end defivar
21052
21053 @defivar Value type
21054 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
21055 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
21056 @end defivar
21057
21058 @defivar Value dynamic_type
21059 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
21060 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
21061 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
21062 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
21063 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
21064 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
21065 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
21066 type.
21067
21068 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
21069 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
21070 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
21071 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
21072 @end defivar
21073 @end table
21074
21075 The following methods are provided:
21076
21077 @table @code
21078 @defmethod Value __init__ @var{val}
21079 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
21080 this object initializer. Specifically:
21081
21082 @table @asis
21083 @item Python boolean
21084 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
21085 language.
21086
21087 @item Python integer
21088 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
21089 current architecture.
21090
21091 @item Python long
21092 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
21093 current architecture.
21094
21095 @item Python float
21096 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
21097 current architecture.
21098
21099 @item Python string
21100 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
21101 target encoding.
21102
21103 @item @code{gdb.Value}
21104 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
21105
21106 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
21107 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
21108 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
21109 its result is used.
21110 @end table
21111 @end defmethod
21112
21113 @defmethod Value cast type
21114 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
21115 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
21116 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
21117 reason, this method throws an exception.
21118 @end defmethod
21119
21120 @defmethod Value dereference
21121 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
21122 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
21123 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
21124
21125 @smallexample
21126 int *foo;
21127 @end smallexample
21128
21129 @noindent
21130 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
21131 @code{foo} points to like this:
21132
21133 @smallexample
21134 bar = foo.dereference ()
21135 @end smallexample
21136
21137 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
21138 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
21139 @end defmethod
21140
21141 @defmethod Value dynamic_cast type
21142 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
21143 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21144 @end defmethod
21145
21146 @defmethod Value reinterpret_cast type
21147 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
21148 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21149 @end defmethod
21150
21151 @defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21152 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21153 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
21154 throw an exception.
21155
21156 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
21157 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
21158 language.
21159
21160 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
21161 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
21162 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
21163 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
21164 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
21165
21166 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21167 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
21168 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
21169 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
21170 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
21171 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
21172 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
21173 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
21174 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
21175
21176 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
21177 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
21178
21179 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21180 fetched and converted to the given length.
21181 @end defmethod
21182
21183 @defmethod Value lazy_string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21184 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21185 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
21186 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
21187
21188 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21189 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
21190 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
21191 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
21192 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
21193
21194 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
21195 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
21196 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
21197 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
21198 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
21199 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
21200
21201 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21202 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
21203 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
21204 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
21205 @end defmethod
21206 @end table
21207
21208 @node Types In Python
21209 @subsubsection Types In Python
21210 @cindex types in Python
21211 @cindex Python, working with types
21212
21213 @tindex gdb.Type
21214 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
21215 @code{gdb.Type}.
21216
21217 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21218 module:
21219
21220 @findex gdb.lookup_type
21221 @defun lookup_type name [block]
21222 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
21223 type to look up. It must be a string.
21224
21225 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21226 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21227
21228 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
21229 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
21230 @end defun
21231
21232 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
21233
21234 @table @code
21235 @defivar Type code
21236 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
21237 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
21238 @end defivar
21239
21240 @defivar Type sizeof
21241 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
21242 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
21243 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
21244 @end defivar
21245
21246 @defivar Type tag
21247 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
21248 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
21249 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
21250 @code{None} is returned.
21251 @end defivar
21252 @end table
21253
21254 The following methods are provided:
21255
21256 @table @code
21257 @defmethod Type fields
21258 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
21259 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
21260 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
21261 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
21262 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
21263 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
21264
21265 Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
21266 @table @code
21267 @item bitpos
21268 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
21269 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
21270 position of the field.
21271
21272 @item name
21273 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
21274
21275 @item artificial
21276 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
21277 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
21278 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
21279
21280 @item is_base_class
21281 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
21282 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
21283 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
21284 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
21285
21286 @item bitsize
21287 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
21288 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
21289 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
21290
21291 @item type
21292 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
21293 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
21294 @end table
21295 @end defmethod
21296
21297 @defmethod Type array @var{n1} @r{[}@var{n2}@r{]}
21298 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
21299 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
21300 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
21301 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
21302 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
21303 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
21304 @end defmethod
21305
21306 @defmethod Type const
21307 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21308 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
21309 @end defmethod
21310
21311 @defmethod Type volatile
21312 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21313 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
21314 @end defmethod
21315
21316 @defmethod Type unqualified
21317 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
21318 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
21319 @code{volatile}.
21320 @end defmethod
21321
21322 @defmethod Type range
21323 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
21324 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
21325 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
21326 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
21327 @end defmethod
21328
21329 @defmethod Type reference
21330 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
21331 type.
21332 @end defmethod
21333
21334 @defmethod Type pointer
21335 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
21336 type.
21337 @end defmethod
21338
21339 @defmethod Type strip_typedefs
21340 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
21341 after removing all layers of typedefs.
21342 @end defmethod
21343
21344 @defmethod Type target
21345 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
21346 of this type.
21347
21348 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
21349 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
21350 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
21351 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
21352 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
21353 target type is the aliased type.
21354
21355 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
21356 exception.
21357 @end defmethod
21358
21359 @defmethod Type template_argument n [block]
21360 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
21361 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
21362 @var{n}th template argument.
21363
21364 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
21365 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
21366
21367 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21368 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21369 @end defmethod
21370 @end table
21371
21372
21373 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
21374 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
21375 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
21376
21377 @table @code
21378 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
21379 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
21380 @item TYPE_CODE_PTR
21381 The type is a pointer.
21382
21383 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21384 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21385 @item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21386 The type is an array.
21387
21388 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21389 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21390 @item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21391 The type is a structure.
21392
21393 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
21394 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
21395 @item TYPE_CODE_UNION
21396 The type is a union.
21397
21398 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21399 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21400 @item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21401 The type is an enum.
21402
21403 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21404 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21405 @item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21406 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
21407
21408 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21409 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21410 @item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21411 The type is a function.
21412
21413 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
21414 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
21415 @item TYPE_CODE_INT
21416 The type is an integer type.
21417
21418 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
21419 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
21420 @item TYPE_CODE_FLT
21421 A floating point type.
21422
21423 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
21424 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
21425 @item TYPE_CODE_VOID
21426 The special type @code{void}.
21427
21428 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
21429 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
21430 @item TYPE_CODE_SET
21431 A Pascal set type.
21432
21433 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21434 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21435 @item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21436 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
21437
21438 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
21439 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
21440 @item TYPE_CODE_STRING
21441 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
21442 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
21443
21444 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21445 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21446 @item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21447 A string of bits.
21448
21449 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21450 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21451 @item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21452 An unknown or erroneous type.
21453
21454 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21455 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21456 @item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21457 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
21458
21459 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21460 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21461 @item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21462 A pointer-to-member-function.
21463
21464 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21465 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21466 @item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21467 A pointer-to-member.
21468
21469 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
21470 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
21471 @item TYPE_CODE_REF
21472 A reference type.
21473
21474 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21475 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21476 @item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21477 A character type.
21478
21479 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21480 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21481 @item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21482 A boolean type.
21483
21484 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21485 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21486 @item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21487 A complex float type.
21488
21489 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21490 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21491 @item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21492 A typedef to some other type.
21493
21494 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21495 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21496 @item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21497 A C@t{++} namespace.
21498
21499 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21500 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21501 @item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21502 A decimal floating point type.
21503
21504 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21505 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21506 @item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21507 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
21508 convenience functions.
21509 @end table
21510
21511 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
21512 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
21513
21514 @node Pretty Printing API
21515 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
21516
21517 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
21518
21519 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
21520 specific interface, defined here.
21521
21522 @defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
21523 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
21524 children of the pretty-printer's value.
21525
21526 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
21527 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
21528 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
21529 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
21530 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
21531
21532 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
21533 as though the value has no children.
21534 @end defop
21535
21536 @defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
21537 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
21538 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
21539 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
21540 printed.
21541
21542 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
21543 string.
21544
21545 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
21546
21547 @table @samp
21548 @item array
21549 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
21550 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
21551 @code{set print array}.
21552
21553 @item map
21554 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
21555 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
21556 values.
21557
21558 @item string
21559 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
21560 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
21561 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
21562 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
21563 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
21564 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
21565 @end table
21566 @end defop
21567
21568 @defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
21569 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
21570 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
21571
21572 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
21573 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
21574 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
21575 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
21576 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
21577 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
21578 the result of @code{children}.
21579
21580 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
21581
21582 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
21583 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
21584 another pretty-printer.
21585
21586 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
21587 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
21588 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
21589 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
21590 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
21591
21592 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
21593 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
21594
21595 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
21596 @end defop
21597
21598 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
21599 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
21600
21601 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
21602 @defun default_visualizer value
21603 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
21604 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
21605 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
21606 @end defun
21607
21608 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
21609 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
21610
21611 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
21612 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
21613 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
21614 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
21615 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
21616 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
21617 attribute.
21618
21619 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
21620 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
21621 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
21622 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
21623 @code{None}.
21624
21625 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
21626 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
21627 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
21628 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
21629 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
21630 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
21631 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
21632 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
21633 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
21634 object is returned.
21635
21636 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
21637 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
21638 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
21639 object is returned.
21640
21641 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
21642 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
21643 the pretty-printer is out of date.
21644
21645 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
21646 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
21647 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
21648 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
21649 with a broken printer.
21650
21651 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
21652 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
21653 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
21654 the printer is enabled.
21655
21656 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
21657 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
21658 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
21659
21660 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
21661 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
21662
21663 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
21664 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
21665 must provide.
21666
21667 @smallexample
21668 class StdStringPrinter(object):
21669 "Print a std::string"
21670
21671 def __init__(self, val):
21672 self.val = val
21673
21674 def to_string(self):
21675 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
21676
21677 def display_hint(self):
21678 return 'string'
21679 @end smallexample
21680
21681 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
21682 example above might be written.
21683
21684 @smallexample
21685 def str_lookup_function(val):
21686 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
21687 if lookup_tag == None:
21688 return None
21689 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
21690 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
21691 return StdStringPrinter(val)
21692 return None
21693 @end smallexample
21694
21695 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
21696 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
21697 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
21698 returns @code{None}.
21699
21700 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
21701 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
21702 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
21703 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
21704 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
21705 different names.
21706
21707 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
21708 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
21709 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
21710 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
21711 the current objfile.
21712
21713 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
21714 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
21715 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
21716 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
21717 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
21718 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
21719 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
21720 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
21721 inferior.
21722
21723 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
21724 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
21725
21726 @smallexample
21727 def register_printers(objfile):
21728 objfile.pretty_printers.add(str_lookup_function)
21729 @end smallexample
21730
21731 @noindent
21732 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
21733
21734 @smallexample
21735 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
21736 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
21737 @end smallexample
21738
21739 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
21740 There are a few things that can be improved on.
21741 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
21742 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
21743 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
21744
21745 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
21746 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
21747 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
21748 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
21749 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
21750 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
21751
21752 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
21753 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
21754 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
21755
21756 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
21757
21758 @smallexample
21759 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
21760 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
21761 @end smallexample
21762
21763 Here are the printers:
21764
21765 @smallexample
21766 class fooPrinter:
21767 """Print a foo object."""
21768
21769 def __init__(self, val):
21770 self.val = val
21771
21772 def to_string(self):
21773 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
21774 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
21775
21776 class barPrinter:
21777 """Print a bar object."""
21778
21779 def __init__(self, val):
21780 self.val = val
21781
21782 def to_string(self):
21783 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
21784 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
21785 @end smallexample
21786
21787 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
21788 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
21789 the object that handles the lookup.
21790
21791 @smallexample
21792 import gdb.printing
21793
21794 def build_pretty_printer():
21795 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
21796 "my_library")
21797 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
21798 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
21799 return pp
21800 @end smallexample
21801
21802 And here is the autoload support:
21803
21804 @smallexample
21805 import gdb.printing
21806 import my_library
21807 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
21808 gdb.current_objfile(),
21809 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
21810 @end smallexample
21811
21812 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
21813 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
21814
21815 @smallexample
21816 (gdb) info pretty-printer
21817 my_library.so:
21818 my_library
21819 foo
21820 bar
21821 @end smallexample
21822
21823 @node Inferiors In Python
21824 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
21825 @cindex inferiors in Python
21826
21827 @findex gdb.Inferior
21828 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
21829 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
21830 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
21831 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
21832
21833 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21834 module:
21835
21836 @defun inferiors
21837 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
21838 @end defun
21839
21840 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
21841
21842 @table @code
21843 @defivar Inferior num
21844 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
21845 @end defivar
21846
21847 @defivar Inferior pid
21848 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
21849 system.
21850 @end defivar
21851
21852 @defivar Inferior was_attached
21853 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
21854 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
21855 @end defivar
21856 @end table
21857
21858 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
21859
21860 @table @code
21861 @defmethod Inferior threads
21862 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
21863 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
21864 return an empty tuple.
21865 @end defmethod
21866
21867 @findex gdb.read_memory
21868 @defmethod Inferior read_memory address length
21869 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
21870 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
21871 or a string. It can be modified and given to the @code{gdb.write_memory}
21872 function.
21873 @end defmethod
21874
21875 @findex gdb.write_memory
21876 @defmethod Inferior write_memory address buffer @r{[}length@r{]}
21877 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
21878 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
21879 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
21880 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
21881 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
21882 @end defmethod
21883
21884 @findex gdb.search_memory
21885 @defmethod Inferior search_memory address length pattern
21886 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
21887 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
21888 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
21889 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
21890 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
21891 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
21892 the pattern could not be found.
21893 @end defmethod
21894 @end table
21895
21896 @node Events In Python
21897 @subsubsection Events In Python
21898 @cindex inferior events in Python
21899
21900 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
21901 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
21902 the inferior.
21903
21904 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
21905 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
21906 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
21907
21908 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
21909 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
21910 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
21911 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
21912
21913 @table @code
21914 @defmethod EventRegistry connect object
21915 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
21916 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
21917 @end defmethod
21918
21919 @defmethod EventRegistry disconnect object
21920 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
21921 will no longer receive notifications of events.
21922 @end defmethod
21923 @end table
21924
21925 Here is an example:
21926
21927 @smallexample
21928 def exit_handler (event):
21929 print "event type: exit"
21930 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
21931
21932 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
21933 @end smallexample
21934
21935 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
21936 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
21937 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
21938 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
21939 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
21940 the inferior.
21941
21942 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
21943 details of the events they emit:
21944
21945 @table @code
21946
21947 @item events.cont
21948 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
21949
21950 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
21951 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
21952 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
21953 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
21954 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
21955 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
21956
21957 @table @code
21958 @defivar ThreadEvent inferior_thread
21959 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
21960 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
21961 @end defivar
21962 @end table
21963
21964 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
21965
21966 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
21967 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
21968
21969 @item events.exited
21970 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
21971 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has one attribute:
21972 @table @code
21973 @defivar ExitedEvent exit_code
21974 An integer representing the exit code which the inferior has returned.
21975 @end defivar
21976 @end table
21977
21978 @item events.stop
21979 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
21980
21981 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
21982 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
21983 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
21984 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
21985
21986 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
21987
21988 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
21989 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
21990
21991 @table @code
21992 @defivar SignalEvent stop_signal
21993 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
21994 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
21995 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
21996 @end defivar
21997 @end table
21998
21999 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
22000
22001 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that a breakpoint has been hit, and
22002 has the following attributes:
22003
22004 @table @code
22005 @defivar BreakpointEvent breakpoint
22006 A reference to the breakpoint that was hit of type @code{gdb.Breakpoint}.
22007 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
22008 @end defivar
22009 @end table
22010
22011 @end table
22012
22013 @node Threads In Python
22014 @subsubsection Threads In Python
22015 @cindex threads in python
22016
22017 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
22018 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
22019 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
22020
22021 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22022 module:
22023
22024 @findex gdb.selected_thread
22025 @defun selected_thread
22026 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
22027 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
22028 @end defun
22029
22030 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
22031
22032 @table @code
22033 @defivar InferiorThread name
22034 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
22035 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
22036 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
22037 returns @code{None}.
22038
22039 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
22040 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
22041 user-specified thread name.
22042 @end defivar
22043
22044 @defivar InferiorThread num
22045 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
22046 @end defivar
22047
22048 @defivar InferiorThread ptid
22049 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
22050 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
22051 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
22052 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
22053 does not use that identifier.
22054 @end defivar
22055 @end table
22056
22057 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
22058
22059 @table @code
22060 @defmethod InferiorThread switch
22061 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
22062 by this object.
22063 @end defmethod
22064
22065 @defmethod InferiorThread is_stopped
22066 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
22067 @end defmethod
22068
22069 @defmethod InferiorThread is_running
22070 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
22071 @end defmethod
22072
22073 @defmethod InferiorThread is_exited
22074 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
22075 @end defmethod
22076 @end table
22077
22078 @node Commands In Python
22079 @subsubsection Commands In Python
22080
22081 @cindex commands in python
22082 @cindex python commands
22083 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
22084 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
22085 class, most commonly using a subclass.
22086
22087 @defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
22088 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
22089 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
22090 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
22091
22092 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
22093 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
22094 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
22095 an exception is raised.
22096
22097 There is no support for multi-line commands.
22098
22099 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
22100 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
22101 new command in the help system.
22102
22103 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
22104 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
22105 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
22106 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
22107 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
22108 error will occur when completion is attempted.
22109
22110 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
22111 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
22112 registered.
22113
22114 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
22115 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
22116 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
22117 not documented.'' is used.
22118 @end defmethod
22119
22120 @cindex don't repeat Python command
22121 @defmethod Command dont_repeat
22122 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
22123 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
22124 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
22125 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
22126 @end defmethod
22127
22128 @defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
22129 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
22130
22131 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
22132 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
22133
22134 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
22135 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
22136 that the command came from elsewhere.
22137
22138 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
22139 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
22140
22141 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
22142 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
22143 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
22144 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
22145 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
22146 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
22147 Example:
22148
22149 @smallexample
22150 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
22151 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
22152 @end smallexample
22153
22154 @end defmethod
22155
22156 @cindex completion of Python commands
22157 @defmethod Command complete text word
22158 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
22159 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
22160 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
22161 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
22162 complete}).
22163
22164 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
22165 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
22166 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
22167 using a word-breaking heuristic.
22168
22169 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
22170 @itemize @bullet
22171 @item
22172 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
22173 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
22174 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
22175 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
22176 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
22177 sequence are ignored.
22178
22179 @item
22180 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
22181 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
22182 function is invoked, and its result is used.
22183
22184 @item
22185 All other results are treated as though there were no available
22186 completions.
22187 @end itemize
22188 @end defmethod
22189
22190 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
22191 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
22192 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
22193 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
22194 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
22195 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22196
22197 @table @code
22198 @findex COMMAND_NONE
22199 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
22200 @item COMMAND_NONE
22201 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
22202 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
22203
22204 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
22205 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
22206 @item COMMAND_RUNNING
22207 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
22208 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
22209 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22210 commands in this category.
22211
22212 @findex COMMAND_DATA
22213 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
22214 @item COMMAND_DATA
22215 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
22216 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
22217 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
22218 in this category.
22219
22220 @findex COMMAND_STACK
22221 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
22222 @item COMMAND_STACK
22223 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
22224 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
22225 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
22226 list of commands in this category.
22227
22228 @findex COMMAND_FILES
22229 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
22230 @item COMMAND_FILES
22231 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
22232 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
22233 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22234 commands in this category.
22235
22236 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
22237 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
22238 @item COMMAND_SUPPORT
22239 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
22240 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
22241 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
22242 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
22243 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22244 commands in this category.
22245
22246 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
22247 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
22248 @item COMMAND_STATUS
22249 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
22250 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
22251 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
22252 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
22253
22254 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22255 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22256 @item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22257 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
22258 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22259 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
22260 this category.
22261
22262 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22263 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22264 @item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22265 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
22266 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
22267 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22268 commands in this category.
22269
22270 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
22271 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
22272 @item COMMAND_OBSCURE
22273 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
22274 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
22275 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22276 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
22277 category.
22278
22279 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22280 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22281 @item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22282 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
22283 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
22284 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22285 commands in this category.
22286 @end table
22287
22288 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
22289 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
22290 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
22291 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22292
22293 @table @code
22294 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
22295 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
22296 @item COMPLETE_NONE
22297 This constant means that no completion should be done.
22298
22299 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
22300 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
22301 @item COMPLETE_FILENAME
22302 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
22303
22304 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
22305 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
22306 @item COMPLETE_LOCATION
22307 This constant means that location completion should be done.
22308 @xref{Specify Location}.
22309
22310 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
22311 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
22312 @item COMPLETE_COMMAND
22313 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
22314 command names.
22315
22316 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22317 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22318 @item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22319 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
22320 as the source.
22321 @end table
22322
22323 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
22324 implemented in Python:
22325
22326 @smallexample
22327 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
22328 """Greet the whole world."""
22329
22330 def __init__ (self):
22331 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
22332
22333 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
22334 print "Hello, World!"
22335
22336 HelloWorld ()
22337 @end smallexample
22338
22339 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22340 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22341 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22342 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
22343
22344 @node Parameters In Python
22345 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
22346
22347 @cindex parameters in python
22348 @cindex python parameters
22349 @tindex gdb.Parameter
22350 @tindex Parameter
22351 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
22352 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
22353 class.
22354
22355 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
22356 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
22357
22358 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
22359 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
22360 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
22361 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
22362 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
22363
22364 @defmethod Parameter __init__ name @var{command-class} @var{parameter-class} @r{[}@var{enum-sequence}@r{]}
22365 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
22366 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
22367 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
22368
22369 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
22370 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
22371 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
22372 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
22373 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
22374 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
22375 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
22376
22377 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
22378 can be found, an exception is raised.
22379
22380 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
22381 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
22382 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
22383
22384 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
22385 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
22386 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
22387 completion.
22388
22389 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
22390 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
22391 represent the possible values for the parameter.
22392
22393 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
22394 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
22395
22396 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
22397 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
22398 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
22399 @end defmethod
22400
22401 @defivar Parameter set_doc
22402 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22403 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
22404 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22405 have no effect.
22406 @end defivar
22407
22408 @defivar Parameter show_doc
22409 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22410 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
22411 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22412 have no effect.
22413 @end defivar
22414
22415 @defivar Parameter value
22416 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
22417 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
22418 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
22419 @end defivar
22420
22421
22422 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
22423 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
22424 module:
22425
22426 @table @code
22427 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
22428 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
22429 @item PARAM_BOOLEAN
22430 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
22431 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
22432
22433 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22434 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22435 @item PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22436 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
22437 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
22438 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
22439
22440 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
22441 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
22442 @item PARAM_UINTEGER
22443 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
22444 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
22445
22446 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
22447 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
22448 @item PARAM_INTEGER
22449 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
22450 to mean ``unlimited''.
22451
22452 @findex PARAM_STRING
22453 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
22454 @item PARAM_STRING
22455 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
22456 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
22457 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
22458 host charset.
22459
22460 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22461 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22462 @item PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22463 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
22464 passed through untranslated.
22465
22466 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22467 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22468 @item PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22469 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
22470
22471 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
22472 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
22473 @item PARAM_FILENAME
22474 The value is a filename. This is just like
22475 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
22476
22477 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
22478 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
22479 @item PARAM_ZINTEGER
22480 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
22481 is interpreted as itself.
22482
22483 @findex PARAM_ENUM
22484 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
22485 @item PARAM_ENUM
22486 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
22487 constants provided when the parameter is created.
22488 @end table
22489
22490 @node Functions In Python
22491 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
22492
22493 @cindex writing convenience functions
22494 @cindex convenience functions in python
22495 @cindex python convenience functions
22496 @tindex gdb.Function
22497 @tindex Function
22498 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
22499 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
22500 class @code{gdb.Function}.
22501
22502 @defmethod Function __init__ name
22503 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
22504 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
22505 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
22506 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
22507 the given @var{name}.
22508
22509 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
22510 string for the new class.
22511 @end defmethod
22512
22513 @defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
22514 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
22515 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
22516 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
22517 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
22518 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
22519 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
22520 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
22521
22522 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
22523 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
22524 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
22525 @end defmethod
22526
22527 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
22528 be implemented in Python:
22529
22530 @smallexample
22531 class Greet (gdb.Function):
22532 """Return string to greet someone.
22533 Takes a name as argument."""
22534
22535 def __init__ (self):
22536 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
22537
22538 def invoke (self, name):
22539 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
22540
22541 Greet ()
22542 @end smallexample
22543
22544 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22545 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22546 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22547 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
22548
22549 @node Progspaces In Python
22550 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
22551
22552 @cindex progspaces in python
22553 @tindex gdb.Progspace
22554 @tindex Progspace
22555 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
22556 of an address space.
22557 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
22558 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22559 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
22560 about program spaces.
22561
22562 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
22563 @code{gdb} module:
22564
22565 @findex gdb.current_progspace
22566 @defun current_progspace
22567 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
22568 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
22569 @end defun
22570
22571 @findex gdb.progspaces
22572 @defun progspaces
22573 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
22574 @end defun
22575
22576 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
22577 class.
22578
22579 @defivar Progspace filename
22580 The file name of the progspace as a string.
22581 @end defivar
22582
22583 @defivar Progspace pretty_printers
22584 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22585 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22586 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22587 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22588 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22589 information.
22590 @end defivar
22591
22592 @node Objfiles In Python
22593 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
22594
22595 @cindex objfiles in python
22596 @tindex gdb.Objfile
22597 @tindex Objfile
22598 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
22599 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
22600 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
22601 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
22602 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
22603
22604 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
22605 @code{gdb} module:
22606
22607 @findex gdb.current_objfile
22608 @defun current_objfile
22609 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
22610 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
22611 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
22612 this function returns @code{None}.
22613 @end defun
22614
22615 @findex gdb.objfiles
22616 @defun objfiles
22617 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
22618 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22619 @end defun
22620
22621 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
22622 class.
22623
22624 @defivar Objfile filename
22625 The file name of the objfile as a string.
22626 @end defivar
22627
22628 @defivar Objfile pretty_printers
22629 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22630 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22631 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22632 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22633 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22634 information.
22635 @end defivar
22636
22637 @node Frames In Python
22638 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
22639
22640 @cindex frames in python
22641 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
22642 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
22643 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
22644 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
22645 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
22646 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
22647
22648 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
22649 operator, like:
22650
22651 @smallexample
22652 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
22653 True
22654 @end smallexample
22655
22656 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
22657
22658 @findex gdb.selected_frame
22659 @defun selected_frame
22660 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
22661 @end defun
22662
22663 @findex gdb.newest_frame
22664 @defun newest_frame
22665 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
22666 @end defun
22667
22668 @defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
22669 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
22670 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
22671 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
22672 @end defun
22673
22674 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
22675
22676 @table @code
22677 @defmethod Frame is_valid
22678 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
22679 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
22680 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
22681 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22682 @end defmethod
22683
22684 @defmethod Frame name
22685 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
22686 obtained.
22687 @end defmethod
22688
22689 @defmethod Frame type
22690 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
22691 @table @code
22692 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
22693 An ordinary stack frame.
22694
22695 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
22696 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
22697 inferior function call.
22698
22699 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
22700 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
22701 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
22702
22703 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
22704 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
22705 it calls into a signal handler.
22706
22707 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
22708 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
22709
22710 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
22711 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
22712 newest frame.
22713 @end table
22714 @end defmethod
22715
22716 @defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
22717 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
22718 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
22719 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
22720 function to a string.
22721 @end defmethod
22722
22723 @defmethod Frame pc
22724 Returns the frame's resume address.
22725 @end defmethod
22726
22727 @defmethod Frame block
22728 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
22729 @end defmethod
22730
22731 @defmethod Frame function
22732 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
22733 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
22734 @end defmethod
22735
22736 @defmethod Frame older
22737 Return the frame that called this frame.
22738 @end defmethod
22739
22740 @defmethod Frame newer
22741 Return the frame called by this frame.
22742 @end defmethod
22743
22744 @defmethod Frame find_sal
22745 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
22746 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
22747 @end defmethod
22748
22749 @defmethod Frame read_var variable @r{[}block@r{]}
22750 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
22751 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
22752 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
22753 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
22754 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
22755 @code{gdb.Block} object.
22756 @end defmethod
22757
22758 @defmethod Frame select
22759 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
22760 Stack}.
22761 @end defmethod
22762 @end table
22763
22764 @node Blocks In Python
22765 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
22766
22767 @cindex blocks in python
22768 @tindex gdb.Block
22769
22770 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
22771 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
22772 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
22773 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
22774 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
22775 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
22776 stack.
22777
22778 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22779 module:
22780
22781 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
22782 @defun block_for_pc pc
22783 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
22784 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
22785 will return @code{None}.
22786 @end defun
22787
22788 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
22789
22790 @table @code
22791 @defivar Block start
22792 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
22793 @end defivar
22794
22795 @defivar Block end
22796 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
22797 @end defivar
22798
22799 @defivar Block function
22800 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
22801 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
22802 attribute is not writable.
22803 @end defivar
22804
22805 @defivar Block superblock
22806 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
22807 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
22808 @end defivar
22809 @end table
22810
22811 @node Symbols In Python
22812 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
22813
22814 @cindex symbols in python
22815 @tindex gdb.Symbol
22816
22817 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
22818 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
22819 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
22820 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
22821
22822 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22823 module:
22824
22825 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
22826 @defun lookup_symbol name @r{[}block@r{]} @r{[}domain@r{]}
22827 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
22828 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
22829 arguments.
22830
22831 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
22832 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
22833 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
22834 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
22835 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
22836 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
22837 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
22838 in this chapter.
22839
22840 The result is a tuple of two elements.
22841 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
22842 is not found.
22843 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
22844 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
22845 otherwise it is @code{False}.
22846 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
22847 @end defun
22848
22849 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
22850 @defun lookup_global_symbol name @r{[}domain@r{]}
22851 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
22852 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
22853
22854 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
22855 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
22856 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
22857 module and described later in this chapter.
22858
22859 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
22860 is not found.
22861 @end defun
22862
22863 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
22864
22865 @table @code
22866 @defivar Symbol symtab
22867 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
22868 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
22869 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
22870 @end defivar
22871
22872 @defivar Symbol name
22873 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
22874 @end defivar
22875
22876 @defivar Symbol linkage_name
22877 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
22878 This attribute is not writable.
22879 @end defivar
22880
22881 @defivar Symbol print_name
22882 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
22883 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
22884 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
22885 @end defivar
22886
22887 @defivar Symbol addr_class
22888 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
22889 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
22890 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
22891 @end defivar
22892
22893 @defivar Symbol is_argument
22894 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
22895 @end defivar
22896
22897 @defivar Symbol is_constant
22898 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
22899 @end defivar
22900
22901 @defivar Symbol is_function
22902 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
22903 @end defivar
22904
22905 @defivar Symbol is_variable
22906 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
22907 @end defivar
22908 @end table
22909
22910 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
22911 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
22912
22913 @table @code
22914 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
22915 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
22916 @item SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
22917 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
22918 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
22919 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
22920 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
22921 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
22922 @item SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
22923 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
22924 type values.
22925 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
22926 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
22927 @item SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
22928 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
22929 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
22930 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
22931 @item SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
22932 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
22933 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
22934 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
22935 @item SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
22936 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
22937 contains everything minus functions and types.
22938 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
22939 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
22940 @item SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
22941 This domain contains all functions.
22942 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
22943 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
22944 @item SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
22945 This domain contains all types.
22946 @end table
22947
22948 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
22949 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
22950
22951 @table @code
22952 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
22953 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
22954 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
22955 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
22956 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
22957 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
22958 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
22959 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
22960 Value is constant int.
22961 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
22962 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
22963 @item SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
22964 Value is at a fixed address.
22965 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
22966 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
22967 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
22968 Value is in a register.
22969 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
22970 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
22971 @item SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
22972 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
22973 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
22974 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
22975 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
22976 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
22977 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
22978 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
22979 offset, not the value itself.
22980 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
22981 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
22982 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
22983 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
22984 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
22985 itself.
22986 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
22987 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
22988 @item SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
22989 Value is a local variable.
22990 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
22991 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
22992 @item SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
22993 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
22994 have this class.
22995 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
22996 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
22997 @item SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
22998 Value is a block.
22999 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23000 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23001 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23002 Value is a byte-sequence.
23003 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23004 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23005 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23006 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
23007 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
23008 referenced.
23009 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23010 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23011 @item SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23012 The value does not actually exist in the program.
23013 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23014 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23015 @item SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23016 The value's address is a computed location.
23017 @end table
23018
23019 @node Symbol Tables In Python
23020 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
23021
23022 @cindex symbol tables in python
23023 @tindex gdb.Symtab
23024 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
23025
23026 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
23027 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
23028 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
23029 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
23030 @xref{Frames In Python}.
23031
23032 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
23033 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
23034
23035 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
23036
23037 @table @code
23038 @defivar Symtab_and_line symtab
23039 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
23040 This attribute is not writable.
23041 @end defivar
23042
23043 @defivar Symtab_and_line pc
23044 Indicates the current program counter address. This attribute is not
23045 writable.
23046 @end defivar
23047
23048 @defivar Symtab_and_line line
23049 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
23050 attribute is not writable.
23051 @end defivar
23052 @end table
23053
23054 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
23055
23056 @table @code
23057 @defivar Symtab filename
23058 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
23059 @end defivar
23060
23061 @defivar Symtab objfile
23062 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
23063 This attribute is not writable.
23064 @end defivar
23065 @end table
23066
23067 The following methods are provided:
23068
23069 @table @code
23070 @defmethod Symtab fullname
23071 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
23072 @end defmethod
23073 @end table
23074
23075 @node Breakpoints In Python
23076 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
23077
23078 @cindex breakpoints in python
23079 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
23080
23081 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
23082 class.
23083
23084 @defmethod Breakpoint __init__ spec @r{[}type@r{]} @r{[}wp_class@r{]} @r{[}internal@r{]}
23085 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
23086 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
23087 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
23088 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
23089 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
23090 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
23091 either: @code{BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
23092 defaults to @code{BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
23093 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
23094 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
23095 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
23096 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
23097 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
23098 @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
23099 assumed to be a @var{WP_WRITE} class.
23100 @end defmethod
23101
23102 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
23103 @code{gdb} module:
23104
23105 @table @code
23106 @findex WP_READ
23107 @findex gdb.WP_READ
23108 @item WP_READ
23109 Read only watchpoint.
23110
23111 @findex WP_WRITE
23112 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
23113 @item WP_WRITE
23114 Write only watchpoint.
23115
23116 @findex WP_ACCESS
23117 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
23118 @item WP_ACCESS
23119 Read/Write watchpoint.
23120 @end table
23121
23122 @defmethod Breakpoint is_valid
23123 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
23124 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
23125 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
23126 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
23127 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
23128 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
23129 @end defmethod
23130
23131 @defmethod Breakpoint delete
23132 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
23133 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
23134 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
23135 @end defmethod
23136
23137 @defivar Breakpoint enabled
23138 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
23139 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
23140 @end defivar
23141
23142 @defivar Breakpoint silent
23143 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
23144 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
23145
23146 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
23147 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
23148 @code{silent} attribute.
23149 @end defivar
23150
23151 @defivar Breakpoint thread
23152 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
23153 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
23154 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
23155 @end defivar
23156
23157 @defivar Breakpoint task
23158 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
23159 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
23160 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
23161 is writable.
23162 @end defivar
23163
23164 @defivar Breakpoint ignore_count
23165 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
23166 This attribute is writable.
23167 @end defivar
23168
23169 @defivar Breakpoint number
23170 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
23171 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
23172 @end defivar
23173
23174 @defivar Breakpoint type
23175 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
23176 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
23177 writable.
23178 @end defivar
23179
23180 @defivar Breakpoint visible
23181 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
23182 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
23183 attribute is not writable.
23184 @end defivar
23185
23186 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
23187 module:
23188
23189 @table @code
23190 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
23191 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
23192 @item BP_BREAKPOINT
23193 Normal code breakpoint.
23194
23195 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
23196 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
23197 @item BP_WATCHPOINT
23198 Watchpoint breakpoint.
23199
23200 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23201 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23202 @item BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23203 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
23204
23205 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23206 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23207 @item BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23208 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
23209
23210 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23211 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23212 @item BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23213 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
23214 @end table
23215
23216 @defivar Breakpoint hit_count
23217 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
23218 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
23219 @end defivar
23220
23221 @defivar Breakpoint location
23222 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
23223 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
23224 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
23225 attribute is not writable.
23226 @end defivar
23227
23228 @defivar Breakpoint expression
23229 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
23230 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
23231 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
23232 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23233 @end defivar
23234
23235 @defivar Breakpoint condition
23236 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
23237 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
23238 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
23239 @end defivar
23240
23241 @defivar Breakpoint commands
23242 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
23243 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
23244 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
23245 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23246 @end defivar
23247
23248 @node Lazy Strings In Python
23249 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
23250
23251 @cindex lazy strings in python
23252 @tindex gdb.LazyString
23253
23254 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
23255 encoded until it is needed.
23256
23257 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
23258 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
23259 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
23260 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
23261 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
23262 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
23263 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
23264 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
23265 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
23266
23267 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
23268
23269 @defmethod LazyString value
23270 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
23271 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
23272 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
23273 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
23274 @end defmethod
23275
23276 @defivar LazyString address
23277 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
23278 writable.
23279 @end defivar
23280
23281 @defivar LazyString length
23282 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
23283 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
23284 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
23285 @end defivar
23286
23287 @defivar LazyString encoding
23288 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
23289 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
23290 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
23291 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
23292 is not writable.
23293 @end defivar
23294
23295 @defivar LazyString type
23296 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
23297 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
23298 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
23299 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
23300 writable.
23301 @end defivar
23302
23303 @node Auto-loading
23304 @subsection Auto-loading
23305 @cindex auto-loading, Python
23306
23307 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
23308 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
23309 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
23310 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
23311
23312 @menu
23313 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23314 * .debug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23315 * Which flavor to choose?::
23316 @end menu
23317
23318 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
23319 debugging commands and scripts.
23320
23321 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled.
23322
23323 @table @code
23324 @kindex set auto-load-scripts
23325 @item set auto-load-scripts [yes|no]
23326 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
23327
23328 @kindex show auto-load-scripts
23329 @item show auto-load-scripts
23330 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
23331 @end table
23332
23333 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
23334 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
23335 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
23336 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
23337
23338 @node objfile-gdb.py file
23339 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23340 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
23341
23342 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
23343 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
23344 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
23345 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
23346 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
23347 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
23348
23349 If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
23350 @code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
23351 then @value{GDBN} will look for @var{real-name} in all of the
23352 directories mentioned in the value of @code{debug-file-directory}.
23353
23354 Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
23355 a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
23356 @var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
23357 @code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
23358 is the object file's real name, as described above.
23359
23360 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
23361 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
23362 @var{objfile} is opened.
23363 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
23364 is evaluated more than once.
23365
23366 @node .debug_gdb_scripts section
23367 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23368 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23369
23370 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
23371 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
23372 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
23373 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
23374
23375 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
23376 current directory and then along the source search path
23377 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
23378 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
23379 directory is not relevant to scripts.
23380
23381 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
23382 for example, this GCC macro:
23383
23384 @example
23385 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
23386 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
23387 asm("\
23388 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
23389 .byte 1\n\
23390 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
23391 .popsection \n\
23392 ");
23393 @end example
23394
23395 @noindent
23396 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
23397
23398 @example
23399 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
23400 @end example
23401
23402 The script name may include directories if desired.
23403
23404 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
23405 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
23406
23407 @node Which flavor to choose?
23408 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
23409
23410 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
23411 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
23412
23413 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
23414
23415 @itemize @bullet
23416 @item
23417 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
23418
23419 @item
23420 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
23421
23422 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
23423 in the source search path.
23424 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
23425 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
23426
23427 @item
23428 Doesn't require source code additions.
23429 @end itemize
23430
23431 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
23432
23433 @itemize @bullet
23434 @item
23435 Works with static linking.
23436
23437 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
23438 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
23439 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
23440 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
23441
23442 @item
23443 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
23444
23445 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
23446 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
23447
23448 @item
23449 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
23450
23451 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
23452 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
23453 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
23454 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
23455 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
23456 top of the source tree to the source search path.
23457 @end itemize
23458
23459 @node Python modules
23460 @subsection Python modules
23461 @cindex python modules
23462
23463 @value{GDBN} comes with a module to assist writing Python code.
23464
23465 @menu
23466 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
23467 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
23468 @end menu
23469
23470 @node gdb.printing
23471 @subsubsection gdb.printing
23472 @cindex gdb.printing
23473
23474 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23475 pretty-printers.
23476
23477 @table @code
23478 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
23479 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
23480 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
23481 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
23482
23483 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23484 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
23485 corresponding API for the subprinters.
23486
23487 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23488 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
23489 regular expressions.
23490 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
23491
23492 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer})
23493 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
23494 @end table
23495
23496 @node gdb.types
23497 @subsubsection gdb.types
23498 @cindex gdb.types
23499
23500 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23501 @code{gdb.Types} objects.
23502
23503 @table @code
23504 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
23505 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
23506 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
23507
23508 C@t{++} example:
23509
23510 @smallexample
23511 typedef const int const_int;
23512 const_int foo (3);
23513 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
23514 int main () @{ return 0; @}
23515 @end smallexample
23516
23517 Then in gdb:
23518
23519 @smallexample
23520 (gdb) start
23521 (gdb) python import gdb.types
23522 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
23523 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
23524 int
23525 @end smallexample
23526
23527 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
23528 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
23529 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
23530
23531 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
23532 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
23533 @end table
23534
23535 @node Interpreters
23536 @chapter Command Interpreters
23537 @cindex command interpreters
23538
23539 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
23540 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
23541 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
23542
23543 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
23544 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
23545 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
23546 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
23547
23548 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
23549 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
23550 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
23551 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
23552
23553 @table @code
23554 @item console
23555 @cindex console interpreter
23556 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
23557 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
23558 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
23559
23560 @item mi
23561 @cindex mi interpreter
23562 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
23563 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
23564 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
23565 Interface}.
23566
23567 @item mi2
23568 @cindex mi2 interpreter
23569 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
23570
23571 @item mi1
23572 @cindex mi1 interpreter
23573 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
23574
23575 @end table
23576
23577 @cindex invoke another interpreter
23578 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
23579 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
23580 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
23581 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
23582 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
23583 the IDE inoperable!
23584
23585 @kindex interpreter-exec
23586 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
23587 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
23588 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
23589 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
23590
23591 @smallexample
23592 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
23593 @end smallexample
23594
23595 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
23596 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
23597
23598 @node TUI
23599 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
23600 @cindex TUI
23601 @cindex Text User Interface
23602
23603 @menu
23604 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
23605 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
23606 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
23607 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
23608 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
23609 @end menu
23610
23611 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
23612 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
23613 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
23614 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
23615 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
23616 is available.
23617
23618 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
23619 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
23620 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
23621 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
23622 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
23623 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
23624
23625 @node TUI Overview
23626 @section TUI Overview
23627
23628 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
23629
23630 @table @emph
23631 @item command
23632 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
23633 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
23634 managed using readline.
23635
23636 @item source
23637 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
23638 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
23639
23640 @item assembly
23641 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
23642
23643 @item register
23644 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
23645 when their values change.
23646 @end table
23647
23648 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
23649 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
23650 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
23651 indicates the breakpoint type:
23652
23653 @table @code
23654 @item B
23655 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23656
23657 @item b
23658 Breakpoint which was never hit.
23659
23660 @item H
23661 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23662
23663 @item h
23664 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
23665 @end table
23666
23667 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
23668
23669 @table @code
23670 @item +
23671 Breakpoint is enabled.
23672
23673 @item -
23674 Breakpoint is disabled.
23675 @end table
23676
23677 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
23678 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
23679 changes.
23680
23681 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
23682 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
23683 layouts:
23684
23685 @itemize @bullet
23686 @item
23687 source only,
23688
23689 @item
23690 assembly only,
23691
23692 @item
23693 source and assembly,
23694
23695 @item
23696 source and registers, or
23697
23698 @item
23699 assembly and registers.
23700 @end itemize
23701
23702 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
23703
23704 @table @emph
23705 @item target
23706 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
23707 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
23708
23709 @item process
23710 Gives the current process or thread number.
23711 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
23712
23713 @item function
23714 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
23715 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
23716 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
23717 the string @code{??} is displayed.
23718
23719 @item line
23720 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
23721 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
23722
23723 @item pc
23724 Indicates the current program counter address.
23725 @end table
23726
23727 @node TUI Keys
23728 @section TUI Key Bindings
23729 @cindex TUI key bindings
23730
23731 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
23732 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23733 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
23734 @end ifset
23735 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23736 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
23737 @end ifclear
23738 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
23739 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
23740
23741 @table @kbd
23742 @kindex C-x C-a
23743 @item C-x C-a
23744 @kindex C-x a
23745 @itemx C-x a
23746 @kindex C-x A
23747 @itemx C-x A
23748 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
23749 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
23750 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
23751 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
23752 The screen is then refreshed.
23753
23754 @kindex C-x 1
23755 @item C-x 1
23756 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
23757 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
23758 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
23759
23760 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
23761
23762 @kindex C-x 2
23763 @item C-x 2
23764 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
23765 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
23766 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
23767 previous layout and the new one.
23768
23769 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
23770
23771 @kindex C-x o
23772 @item C-x o
23773 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
23774 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
23775 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
23776
23777 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
23778
23779 @kindex C-x s
23780 @item C-x s
23781 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
23782 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
23783 @end table
23784
23785 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
23786
23787 @table @asis
23788 @kindex PgUp
23789 @item @key{PgUp}
23790 Scroll the active window one page up.
23791
23792 @kindex PgDn
23793 @item @key{PgDn}
23794 Scroll the active window one page down.
23795
23796 @kindex Up
23797 @item @key{Up}
23798 Scroll the active window one line up.
23799
23800 @kindex Down
23801 @item @key{Down}
23802 Scroll the active window one line down.
23803
23804 @kindex Left
23805 @item @key{Left}
23806 Scroll the active window one column left.
23807
23808 @kindex Right
23809 @item @key{Right}
23810 Scroll the active window one column right.
23811
23812 @kindex C-L
23813 @item @kbd{C-L}
23814 Refresh the screen.
23815 @end table
23816
23817 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
23818 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
23819 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
23820 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
23821 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
23822
23823 @node TUI Single Key Mode
23824 @section TUI Single Key Mode
23825 @cindex TUI single key mode
23826
23827 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
23828 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
23829 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
23830
23831 @table @kbd
23832 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23833 @item c
23834 continue
23835
23836 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23837 @item d
23838 down
23839
23840 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23841 @item f
23842 finish
23843
23844 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23845 @item n
23846 next
23847
23848 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23849 @item q
23850 exit the SingleKey mode.
23851
23852 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23853 @item r
23854 run
23855
23856 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23857 @item s
23858 step
23859
23860 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23861 @item u
23862 up
23863
23864 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23865 @item v
23866 info locals
23867
23868 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23869 @item w
23870 where
23871 @end table
23872
23873 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
23874 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
23875 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
23876 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
23877 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
23878 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
23879
23880
23881 @node TUI Commands
23882 @section TUI-specific Commands
23883 @cindex TUI commands
23884
23885 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
23886 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
23887 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
23888 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
23889
23890 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
23891 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
23892 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
23893 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
23894 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
23895
23896 @table @code
23897 @item info win
23898 @kindex info win
23899 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
23900
23901 @item layout next
23902 @kindex layout
23903 Display the next layout.
23904
23905 @item layout prev
23906 Display the previous layout.
23907
23908 @item layout src
23909 Display the source window only.
23910
23911 @item layout asm
23912 Display the assembly window only.
23913
23914 @item layout split
23915 Display the source and assembly window.
23916
23917 @item layout regs
23918 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
23919
23920 @item focus next
23921 @kindex focus
23922 Make the next window active for scrolling.
23923
23924 @item focus prev
23925 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
23926
23927 @item focus src
23928 Make the source window active for scrolling.
23929
23930 @item focus asm
23931 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
23932
23933 @item focus regs
23934 Make the register window active for scrolling.
23935
23936 @item focus cmd
23937 Make the command window active for scrolling.
23938
23939 @item refresh
23940 @kindex refresh
23941 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
23942
23943 @item tui reg float
23944 @kindex tui reg
23945 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
23946
23947 @item tui reg general
23948 Show the general registers in the register window.
23949
23950 @item tui reg next
23951 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
23952 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
23953 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
23954 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
23955
23956 @item tui reg system
23957 Show the system registers in the register window.
23958
23959 @item update
23960 @kindex update
23961 Update the source window and the current execution point.
23962
23963 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
23964 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
23965 @kindex winheight
23966 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
23967 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
23968 decrease it.
23969
23970 @item tabset @var{nchars}
23971 @kindex tabset
23972 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
23973 @end table
23974
23975 @node TUI Configuration
23976 @section TUI Configuration Variables
23977 @cindex TUI configuration variables
23978
23979 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
23980
23981 @table @code
23982 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
23983 @kindex set tui border-kind
23984 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
23985 The possible values are the following:
23986 @table @code
23987 @item space
23988 Use a space character to draw the border.
23989
23990 @item ascii
23991 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
23992
23993 @item acs
23994 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
23995 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
23996 @end table
23997
23998 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
23999 @kindex set tui border-mode
24000 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
24001 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
24002 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
24003 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
24004 @table @code
24005 @item normal
24006 Use normal attributes to display the border.
24007
24008 @item standout
24009 Use standout mode.
24010
24011 @item reverse
24012 Use reverse video mode.
24013
24014 @item half
24015 Use half bright mode.
24016
24017 @item half-standout
24018 Use half bright and standout mode.
24019
24020 @item bold
24021 Use extra bright or bold mode.
24022
24023 @item bold-standout
24024 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
24025 @end table
24026 @end table
24027
24028 @node Emacs
24029 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
24030
24031 @cindex Emacs
24032 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
24033 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
24034 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
24035 @value{GDBN}.
24036
24037 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
24038 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
24039 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
24040 created Emacs buffer.
24041 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
24042
24043 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
24044 things:
24045
24046 @itemize @bullet
24047 @item
24048 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
24049 the GUD buffer.
24050
24051 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
24052 and output done by the program you are debugging.
24053
24054 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
24055 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
24056 in this way.
24057
24058 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
24059 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
24060 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
24061 stop.
24062
24063 @item
24064 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
24065
24066 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
24067 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
24068 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
24069 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
24070 and the source.
24071
24072 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
24073 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
24074 @end itemize
24075
24076 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
24077 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
24078 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
24079 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
24080
24081 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
24082 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
24083 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
24084 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
24085 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
24086 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
24087 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
24088 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
24089 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
24090
24091 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
24092 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
24093 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
24094 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
24095
24096 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
24097 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
24098 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
24099 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
24100 one you want.
24101
24102 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
24103 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
24104
24105 @table @kbd
24106 @item C-h m
24107 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
24108
24109 @item C-c C-s
24110 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
24111 update the display window to show the current file and location.
24112
24113 @item C-c C-n
24114 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
24115 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
24116 to show the current file and location.
24117
24118 @item C-c C-i
24119 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
24120 display window accordingly.
24121
24122 @item C-c C-f
24123 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
24124 @code{finish} command.
24125
24126 @item C-c C-r
24127 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
24128 command.
24129
24130 @item C-c <
24131 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
24132 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
24133 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
24134
24135 @item C-c >
24136 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
24137 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
24138 @end table
24139
24140 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
24141 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
24142
24143 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
24144 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
24145 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
24146 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
24147 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
24148 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
24149 speedbar displays watch expressions.
24150
24151 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
24152 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
24153 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
24154 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
24155 frame.
24156
24157 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
24158 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
24159 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
24160 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
24161 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
24162 to correspond properly with the code.
24163
24164 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
24165 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
24166 Emacs Manual}).
24167
24168 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
24169 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
24170 @ignore
24171 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
24172 @kindex Epoch
24173 @kindex inspect
24174
24175 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
24176 called the @code{epoch}
24177 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
24178 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
24179 each value is printed in its own window.
24180 @end ignore
24181
24182
24183 @node GDB/MI
24184 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
24185
24186 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
24187
24188 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
24189 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
24190 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
24191 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
24192 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
24193 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
24194
24195 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
24196 in the form of a reference manual.
24197
24198 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
24199 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
24200 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
24201
24202 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
24203
24204 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
24205 This chapter uses the following notation:
24206
24207 @itemize @bullet
24208 @item
24209 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
24210
24211 @item
24212 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
24213 it may or may not be given.
24214
24215 @item
24216 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24217 may repeat zero or more times.
24218
24219 @item
24220 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24221 may repeat one or more times.
24222
24223 @item
24224 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
24225 @end itemize
24226
24227 @ignore
24228 @heading Dependencies
24229 @end ignore
24230
24231 @menu
24232 * GDB/MI General Design::
24233 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
24234 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
24235 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
24236 * GDB/MI Output Records::
24237 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
24238 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
24239 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
24240 * GDB/MI Program Context::
24241 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
24242 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
24243 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
24244 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
24245 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
24246 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
24247 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
24248 * GDB/MI File Commands::
24249 @ignore
24250 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
24251 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
24252 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
24253 @end ignore
24254 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
24255 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
24256 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
24257 @end menu
24258
24259 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24260 @node GDB/MI General Design
24261 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
24262 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
24263
24264 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
24265 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
24266 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
24267 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
24268 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
24269 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
24270 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
24271 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
24272 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
24273 a command and reported as part of that command response.
24274
24275 The important examples of notifications are:
24276 @itemize @bullet
24277
24278 @item
24279 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
24280 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
24281 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
24282 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
24283 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
24284 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
24285 command itself was successfully executed.
24286
24287 @item
24288 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
24289 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
24290 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
24291 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
24292 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
24293 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
24294
24295 @item
24296 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
24297 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
24298 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
24299 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
24300 orthogonal frontend design.
24301
24302 @end itemize
24303
24304 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
24305 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
24306 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
24307 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
24308 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
24309 the user interface.
24310
24311
24312 @menu
24313 * Context management::
24314 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
24315 * Thread groups::
24316 @end menu
24317
24318 @node Context management
24319 @subsection Context management
24320
24321 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
24322 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
24323 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
24324 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
24325 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
24326 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
24327 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
24328 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
24329 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
24330
24331 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
24332 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
24333 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
24334 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
24335 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
24336 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
24337 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
24338 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
24339 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
24340 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
24341 for thread and frame to operate on.
24342
24343 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
24344 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
24345 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
24346 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
24347 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
24348 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
24349 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
24350 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
24351 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
24352 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
24353
24354 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
24355 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
24356 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
24357 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
24358 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
24359 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
24360 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
24361 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
24362 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
24363 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
24364 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
24365 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
24366 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
24367 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
24368 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
24369 @samp{--frame} options.
24370
24371 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
24372 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
24373
24374 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
24375 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
24376 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
24377 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
24378 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
24379 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
24380 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
24381 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
24382 @code{-list-target-features} command.
24383
24384 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
24385 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
24386 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
24387 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
24388 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
24389 are running.
24390
24391 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
24392 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
24393 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
24394 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
24395 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
24396 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
24397 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
24398 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
24399 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
24400 @samp{--thread} option).
24401
24402 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
24403 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
24404 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
24405 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
24406
24407 @node Thread groups
24408 @subsection Thread groups
24409 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
24410 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
24411 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
24412 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
24413 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
24414
24415 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
24416 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
24417 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
24418 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
24419 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
24420 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
24421 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
24422 into processes.
24423
24424 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
24425 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
24426 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
24427 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
24428 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
24429 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
24430 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
24431 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
24432 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
24433 the members of specific thread group.
24434
24435 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
24436 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
24437 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
24438 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
24439 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
24440 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
24441 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
24442 after attaching to that thread group.
24443
24444 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
24445 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
24446 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
24447 such thread groups.
24448
24449 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24450 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
24451 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
24452
24453 @menu
24454 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
24455 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
24456 @end menu
24457
24458 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
24459 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
24460
24461 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
24462 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
24463 @table @code
24464 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
24465 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
24466
24467 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
24468 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
24469 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
24470
24471 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
24472 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
24473 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
24474
24475 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
24476 "any sequence of digits"
24477
24478 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
24479 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
24480
24481 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
24482 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
24483
24484 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
24485 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
24486
24487 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
24488 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
24489 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
24490
24491 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
24492 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
24493
24494 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24495 @code{CR | CR-LF}
24496 @end table
24497
24498 @noindent
24499 Notes:
24500
24501 @itemize @bullet
24502 @item
24503 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
24504 output is described below.
24505
24506 @item
24507 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
24508 finishes.
24509
24510 @item
24511 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
24512 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
24513 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
24514 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
24515 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
24516 @end itemize
24517
24518 Pragmatics:
24519
24520 @itemize @bullet
24521 @item
24522 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
24523
24524 @item
24525 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
24526 @end itemize
24527
24528 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
24529 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
24530
24531 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
24532 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
24533 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
24534 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
24535 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
24536 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
24537
24538 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
24539 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
24540 @var{token}.
24541
24542 @table @code
24543 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
24544 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
24545
24546 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
24547 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24548
24549 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
24550 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
24551
24552 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
24553 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
24554
24555 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
24556 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
24557
24558 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
24559 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
24560
24561 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
24562 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
24563
24564 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
24565 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24566
24567 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
24568 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
24569
24570 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
24571 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
24572 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
24573
24574 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
24575 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
24576
24577 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
24578 @code{ @var{string} }
24579
24580 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
24581 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
24582
24583 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
24584 @code{@var{c-string}}
24585
24586 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
24587 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
24588
24589 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
24590 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
24591 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
24592
24593 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
24594 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
24595
24596 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
24597 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
24598
24599 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
24600 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
24601
24602 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
24603 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
24604
24605 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24606 @code{CR | CR-LF}
24607
24608 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
24609 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
24610 @end table
24611
24612 @noindent
24613 Notes:
24614
24615 @itemize @bullet
24616 @item
24617 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
24618
24619 @item
24620 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
24621 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
24622 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
24623 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
24624 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
24625 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
24626 prior command.
24627
24628 @item
24629 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24630 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
24631 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
24632 prefixed by @samp{+}.
24633
24634 @item
24635 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24636 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
24637 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
24638 @samp{*}.
24639
24640 @item
24641 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24642 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
24643 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
24644 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
24645
24646 @item
24647 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24648 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
24649 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
24650 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
24651
24652 @item
24653 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24654 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
24655 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
24656
24657 @item
24658 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24659 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
24660 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
24661 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
24662
24663 @item
24664 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24665 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
24666 @var{values}.
24667
24668
24669 @end itemize
24670
24671 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
24672 details about the various output records.
24673
24674 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24675 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
24676 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
24677
24678 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
24679 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
24680
24681 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
24682 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
24683 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
24684 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
24685 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
24686 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
24687
24688 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
24689 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
24690 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
24691
24692 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24693 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
24694 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
24695 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
24696
24697 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
24698 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
24699
24700 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
24701 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
24702 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
24703 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
24704 might change.
24705
24706 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
24707 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
24708 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
24709 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
24710
24711 @itemize @bullet
24712 @item
24713 New MI commands may be added.
24714
24715 @item
24716 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
24717
24718 @item
24719 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
24720 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
24721
24722 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
24723 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
24724
24725 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
24726 @c resolve inconsistencies.
24727 @end itemize
24728
24729 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
24730 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
24731 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
24732 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
24733 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
24734
24735 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
24736 @c version?
24737
24738 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
24739 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
24740 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
24741 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
24742 @cindex mailing lists
24743
24744 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24745 @node GDB/MI Output Records
24746 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
24747
24748 @menu
24749 * GDB/MI Result Records::
24750 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
24751 * GDB/MI Async Records::
24752 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
24753 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
24754 @end menu
24755
24756 @node GDB/MI Result Records
24757 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
24758
24759 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
24760 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
24761 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
24762 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
24763
24764 @table @code
24765 @findex ^done
24766 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
24767 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
24768 values.
24769
24770 @item "^running"
24771 @findex ^running
24772 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
24773 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
24774 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
24775 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
24776 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
24777 which threads are resumed.
24778
24779 @item "^connected"
24780 @findex ^connected
24781 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
24782
24783 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
24784 @findex ^error
24785 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
24786 error message.
24787
24788 @item "^exit"
24789 @findex ^exit
24790 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
24791
24792 @end table
24793
24794 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
24795 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
24796
24797 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
24798 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
24799 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
24800 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
24801 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
24802
24803 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
24804 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
24805 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
24806 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
24807 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
24808
24809 @table @code
24810 @item "~" @var{string-output}
24811 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
24812 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
24813
24814 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
24815 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
24816 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
24817 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
24818
24819 @item "&" @var{string-output}
24820 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
24821 internals.
24822 @end table
24823
24824 @node GDB/MI Async Records
24825 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
24826
24827 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
24828 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
24829 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
24830 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
24831 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
24832 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
24833
24834 The following is the list of possible async records:
24835
24836 @table @code
24837
24838 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
24839 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
24840 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
24841 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
24842 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
24843 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
24844 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
24845 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
24846 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
24847 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
24848
24849 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
24850 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
24851 following values:
24852
24853 @table @code
24854 @item breakpoint-hit
24855 A breakpoint was reached.
24856 @item watchpoint-trigger
24857 A watchpoint was triggered.
24858 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
24859 A read watchpoint was triggered.
24860 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
24861 An access watchpoint was triggered.
24862 @item function-finished
24863 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
24864 @item location-reached
24865 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
24866 @item watchpoint-scope
24867 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
24868 @item end-stepping-range
24869 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
24870 similar CLI command was accomplished.
24871 @item exited-signalled
24872 The inferior exited because of a signal.
24873 @item exited
24874 The inferior exited.
24875 @item exited-normally
24876 The inferior exited normally.
24877 @item signal-received
24878 A signal was received by the inferior.
24879 @end table
24880
24881 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
24882 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
24883 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
24884 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
24885 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
24886 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
24887 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
24888 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
24889 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
24890 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
24891 if such information is not available.
24892
24893 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
24894 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
24895 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
24896 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
24897 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
24898 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
24899 cannot be used in any way.
24900
24901 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
24902 A thread group became associated with a running program,
24903 either because the program was just started or the thread group
24904 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
24905 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
24906 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
24907
24908 @itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
24909 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
24910 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
24911 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
24912 thread group.
24913
24914 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
24915 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
24916 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
24917 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
24918 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
24919
24920 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
24921 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
24922 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
24923 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
24924 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
24925 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
24926 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
24927
24928 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
24929 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
24930 that thread.
24931
24932 @item =library-loaded,...
24933 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
24934 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
24935 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
24936 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
24937 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
24938 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
24939 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
24940 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
24941 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
24942 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
24943 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
24944 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
24945 thread groups.
24946
24947 @item =library-unloaded,...
24948 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
24949 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
24950 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
24951 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
24952 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
24953 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
24954 thread groups.
24955
24956 @end table
24957
24958 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
24959 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
24960
24961 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
24962 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
24963 fields:
24964
24965 @table @code
24966 @item level
24967 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
24968 zero. This field is always present.
24969
24970 @item func
24971 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
24972 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
24973
24974 @item addr
24975 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
24976
24977 @item file
24978 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
24979 address. This field may be absent.
24980
24981 @item line
24982 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
24983 may be absent.
24984
24985 @item from
24986 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
24987 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
24988
24989 @end table
24990
24991 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
24992 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
24993
24994 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
24995 uses a tuple with the following fields:
24996
24997 @table @code
24998 @item id
24999 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
25000 always present.
25001
25002 @item target-id
25003 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
25004
25005 @item details
25006 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
25007 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
25008 frontend. This field is optional.
25009
25010 @item state
25011 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
25012 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
25013
25014 @item core
25015 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
25016 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
25017 @end table
25018
25019
25020 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25021 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
25022 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
25023 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
25024
25025 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
25026 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
25027 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
25028 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
25029
25030 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
25031 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
25032
25033 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
25034
25035 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
25036 information of the breakpoint.
25037
25038 @smallexample
25039 -> -break-insert main
25040 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25041 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
25042 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
25043 <- (gdb)
25044 @end smallexample
25045
25046 @subheading Program Execution
25047
25048 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
25049 reason that execution stopped.
25050
25051 @smallexample
25052 -> -exec-run
25053 <- ^running
25054 <- (gdb)
25055 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
25056 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
25057 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
25058 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
25059 <- (gdb)
25060 -> -exec-continue
25061 <- ^running
25062 <- (gdb)
25063 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
25064 <- (gdb)
25065 @end smallexample
25066
25067 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
25068
25069 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
25070
25071 @smallexample
25072 -> (gdb)
25073 <- -gdb-exit
25074 <- ^exit
25075 @end smallexample
25076
25077 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
25078 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
25079 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
25080 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
25081 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
25082 fails to exit in reasonable time.
25083
25084 @subheading A Bad Command
25085
25086 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
25087
25088 @smallexample
25089 -> -rubbish
25090 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
25091 <- (gdb)
25092 @end smallexample
25093
25094
25095 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25096 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
25097 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
25098
25099 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
25100 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
25101
25102 @subheading Motivation
25103
25104 The motivation for this collection of commands.
25105
25106 @subheading Introduction
25107
25108 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
25109
25110 @subheading Commands
25111
25112 For each command in the block, the following is described:
25113
25114 @subsubheading Synopsis
25115
25116 @smallexample
25117 -command @var{args}@dots{}
25118 @end smallexample
25119
25120 @subsubheading Result
25121
25122 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25123
25124 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
25125
25126 @subsubheading Example
25127
25128 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
25129 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
25130
25131
25132 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25133 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
25134 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
25135
25136 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
25137 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
25138 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
25139 breakpoints.
25140
25141 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
25142 @findex -break-after
25143
25144 @subsubheading Synopsis
25145
25146 @smallexample
25147 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
25148 @end smallexample
25149
25150 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
25151 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
25152 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
25153 @samp{-break-list} command below.
25154
25155 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25156
25157 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
25158
25159 @subsubheading Example
25160
25161 @smallexample
25162 (gdb)
25163 -break-insert main
25164 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25165 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
25166 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
25167 (gdb)
25168 -break-after 1 3
25169 ~
25170 ^done
25171 (gdb)
25172 -break-list
25173 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25174 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25175 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25176 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25177 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25178 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25179 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25180 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25181 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25182 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
25183 (gdb)
25184 @end smallexample
25185
25186 @ignore
25187 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
25188 @findex -break-catch
25189 @end ignore
25190
25191 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
25192 @findex -break-commands
25193
25194 @subsubheading Synopsis
25195
25196 @smallexample
25197 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
25198 @end smallexample
25199
25200 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
25201 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
25202 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
25203 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
25204 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
25205 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
25206
25207 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25208
25209 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
25210
25211 @subsubheading Example
25212
25213 @smallexample
25214 (gdb)
25215 -break-insert main
25216 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25217 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
25218 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
25219 (gdb)
25220 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
25221 ^done
25222 (gdb)
25223 @end smallexample
25224
25225 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
25226 @findex -break-condition
25227
25228 @subsubheading Synopsis
25229
25230 @smallexample
25231 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
25232 @end smallexample
25233
25234 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
25235 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
25236 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
25237 command below).
25238
25239 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25240
25241 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
25242
25243 @subsubheading Example
25244
25245 @smallexample
25246 (gdb)
25247 -break-condition 1 1
25248 ^done
25249 (gdb)
25250 -break-list
25251 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25252 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25253 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25254 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25255 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25256 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25257 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25258 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25259 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25260 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
25261 (gdb)
25262 @end smallexample
25263
25264 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
25265 @findex -break-delete
25266
25267 @subsubheading Synopsis
25268
25269 @smallexample
25270 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25271 @end smallexample
25272
25273 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
25274 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
25275
25276 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25277
25278 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
25279
25280 @subsubheading Example
25281
25282 @smallexample
25283 (gdb)
25284 -break-delete 1
25285 ^done
25286 (gdb)
25287 -break-list
25288 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25289 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25290 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25291 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25292 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25293 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25294 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25295 body=[]@}
25296 (gdb)
25297 @end smallexample
25298
25299 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
25300 @findex -break-disable
25301
25302 @subsubheading Synopsis
25303
25304 @smallexample
25305 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25306 @end smallexample
25307
25308 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
25309 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
25310
25311 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25312
25313 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
25314
25315 @subsubheading Example
25316
25317 @smallexample
25318 (gdb)
25319 -break-disable 2
25320 ^done
25321 (gdb)
25322 -break-list
25323 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25324 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25325 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25326 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25327 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25328 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25329 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25330 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
25331 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25332 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25333 (gdb)
25334 @end smallexample
25335
25336 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
25337 @findex -break-enable
25338
25339 @subsubheading Synopsis
25340
25341 @smallexample
25342 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25343 @end smallexample
25344
25345 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
25346
25347 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25348
25349 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
25350
25351 @subsubheading Example
25352
25353 @smallexample
25354 (gdb)
25355 -break-enable 2
25356 ^done
25357 (gdb)
25358 -break-list
25359 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25360 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25361 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25362 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25363 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25364 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25365 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25366 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25367 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25368 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25369 (gdb)
25370 @end smallexample
25371
25372 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
25373 @findex -break-info
25374
25375 @subsubheading Synopsis
25376
25377 @smallexample
25378 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
25379 @end smallexample
25380
25381 @c REDUNDANT???
25382 Get information about a single breakpoint.
25383
25384 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25385
25386 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
25387
25388 @subsubheading Example
25389 N.A.
25390
25391 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
25392 @findex -break-insert
25393
25394 @subsubheading Synopsis
25395
25396 @smallexample
25397 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
25398 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
25399 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
25400 @end smallexample
25401
25402 @noindent
25403 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
25404
25405 @itemize @bullet
25406 @item function
25407 @c @item +offset
25408 @c @item -offset
25409 @c @item linenum
25410 @item filename:linenum
25411 @item filename:function
25412 @item *address
25413 @end itemize
25414
25415 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
25416
25417 @table @samp
25418 @item -t
25419 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
25420 @item -h
25421 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
25422 @item -c @var{condition}
25423 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
25424 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
25425 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
25426 @item -f
25427 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
25428 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
25429 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
25430 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
25431 cannot be parsed.
25432 @item -d
25433 Create a disabled breakpoint.
25434 @item -a
25435 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
25436 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
25437 @end table
25438
25439 @subsubheading Result
25440
25441 The result is in the form:
25442
25443 @smallexample
25444 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
25445 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
25446 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
25447 times="@var{times}"@}
25448 @end smallexample
25449
25450 @noindent
25451 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
25452 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
25453 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
25454 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
25455 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
25456 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
25457 which use the same output).
25458
25459 Note: this format is open to change.
25460 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
25461
25462 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25463
25464 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
25465 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
25466
25467 @subsubheading Example
25468
25469 @smallexample
25470 (gdb)
25471 -break-insert main
25472 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
25473 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
25474 (gdb)
25475 -break-insert -t foo
25476 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
25477 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
25478 (gdb)
25479 -break-list
25480 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25481 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25482 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25483 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25484 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25485 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25486 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25487 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25488 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
25489 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
25490 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
25491 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
25492 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
25493 (gdb)
25494 -break-insert -r foo.*
25495 ~int foo(int, int);
25496 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
25497 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
25498 (gdb)
25499 @end smallexample
25500
25501 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
25502 @findex -break-list
25503
25504 @subsubheading Synopsis
25505
25506 @smallexample
25507 -break-list
25508 @end smallexample
25509
25510 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
25511
25512 @table @samp
25513 @item Number
25514 number of the breakpoint
25515 @item Type
25516 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
25517 @item Disposition
25518 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
25519 or @samp{nokeep}
25520 @item Enabled
25521 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
25522 @item Address
25523 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
25524 @item What
25525 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
25526 name, line number
25527 @item Times
25528 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
25529 @end table
25530
25531 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
25532 @code{body} field is an empty list.
25533
25534 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25535
25536 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
25537
25538 @subsubheading Example
25539
25540 @smallexample
25541 (gdb)
25542 -break-list
25543 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25544 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25545 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25546 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25547 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25548 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25549 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25550 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25551 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
25552 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25553 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25554 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
25555 (gdb)
25556 @end smallexample
25557
25558 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
25559
25560 @smallexample
25561 (gdb)
25562 -break-list
25563 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25564 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25565 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25566 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25567 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25568 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25569 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25570 body=[]@}
25571 (gdb)
25572 @end smallexample
25573
25574 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
25575 @findex -break-passcount
25576
25577 @subsubheading Synopsis
25578
25579 @smallexample
25580 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
25581 @end smallexample
25582
25583 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
25584 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
25585 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
25586 command @samp{passcount}.
25587
25588 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
25589 @findex -break-watch
25590
25591 @subsubheading Synopsis
25592
25593 @smallexample
25594 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
25595 @end smallexample
25596
25597 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
25598 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
25599 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
25600 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
25601 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
25602 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
25603 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
25604 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
25605
25606 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
25607 breakpoints inserted.
25608
25609 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25610
25611 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
25612 @samp{rwatch}.
25613
25614 @subsubheading Example
25615
25616 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
25617
25618 @smallexample
25619 (gdb)
25620 -break-watch x
25621 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
25622 (gdb)
25623 -exec-continue
25624 ^running
25625 (gdb)
25626 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
25627 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
25628 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
25629 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
25630 (gdb)
25631 @end smallexample
25632
25633 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
25634 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
25635 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
25636
25637 @smallexample
25638 (gdb)
25639 -break-watch C
25640 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
25641 (gdb)
25642 -exec-continue
25643 ^running
25644 (gdb)
25645 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
25646 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
25647 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
25648 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25649 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
25650 (gdb)
25651 -exec-continue
25652 ^running
25653 (gdb)
25654 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
25655 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
25656 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
25657 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25658 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
25659 (gdb)
25660 @end smallexample
25661
25662 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
25663 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
25664 deleted.
25665
25666 @smallexample
25667 (gdb)
25668 -break-watch C
25669 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
25670 (gdb)
25671 -break-list
25672 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25673 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25674 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25675 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25676 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25677 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25678 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25679 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25680 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
25681 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25682 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
25683 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
25684 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
25685 (gdb)
25686 -exec-continue
25687 ^running
25688 (gdb)
25689 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
25690 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
25691 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
25692 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25693 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
25694 (gdb)
25695 -break-list
25696 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25697 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25698 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25699 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25700 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25701 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25702 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25703 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25704 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
25705 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25706 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
25707 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
25708 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
25709 (gdb)
25710 -exec-continue
25711 ^running
25712 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
25713 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
25714 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
25715 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25716 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
25717 (gdb)
25718 -break-list
25719 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25720 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25721 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25722 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25723 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25724 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25725 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25726 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25727 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
25728 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25729 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
25730 times="1"@}]@}
25731 (gdb)
25732 @end smallexample
25733
25734 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25735 @node GDB/MI Program Context
25736 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
25737
25738 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
25739 @findex -exec-arguments
25740
25741
25742 @subsubheading Synopsis
25743
25744 @smallexample
25745 -exec-arguments @var{args}
25746 @end smallexample
25747
25748 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
25749 @samp{-exec-run}.
25750
25751 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25752
25753 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
25754
25755 @subsubheading Example
25756
25757 @smallexample
25758 (gdb)
25759 -exec-arguments -v word
25760 ^done
25761 (gdb)
25762 @end smallexample
25763
25764
25765 @ignore
25766 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
25767 @findex -exec-show-arguments
25768
25769 @subsubheading Synopsis
25770
25771 @smallexample
25772 -exec-show-arguments
25773 @end smallexample
25774
25775 Print the arguments of the program.
25776
25777 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25778
25779 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
25780
25781 @subsubheading Example
25782 N.A.
25783 @end ignore
25784
25785
25786 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
25787 @findex -environment-cd
25788
25789 @subsubheading Synopsis
25790
25791 @smallexample
25792 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
25793 @end smallexample
25794
25795 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
25796
25797 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25798
25799 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
25800
25801 @subsubheading Example
25802
25803 @smallexample
25804 (gdb)
25805 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
25806 ^done
25807 (gdb)
25808 @end smallexample
25809
25810
25811 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
25812 @findex -environment-directory
25813
25814 @subsubheading Synopsis
25815
25816 @smallexample
25817 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
25818 @end smallexample
25819
25820 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
25821 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
25822 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
25823 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
25824 occurs as normal.
25825 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
25826 multiple directories in a single command
25827 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
25828 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
25829 If blanks are needed as
25830 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
25831 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
25832 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
25833 character must not be used
25834 in any directory name.
25835 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
25836
25837 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25838
25839 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
25840
25841 @subsubheading Example
25842
25843 @smallexample
25844 (gdb)
25845 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
25846 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
25847 (gdb)
25848 -environment-directory ""
25849 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
25850 (gdb)
25851 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
25852 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
25853 (gdb)
25854 -environment-directory -r
25855 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
25856 (gdb)
25857 @end smallexample
25858
25859
25860 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
25861 @findex -environment-path
25862
25863 @subsubheading Synopsis
25864
25865 @smallexample
25866 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
25867 @end smallexample
25868
25869 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
25870 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
25871 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
25872 supplied in addition to the
25873 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
25874 occurs as normal.
25875 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
25876 multiple directories in a single command
25877 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
25878 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
25879 If blanks are needed as
25880 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
25881 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
25882 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
25883 character must not be used
25884 in any directory name.
25885 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
25886
25887
25888 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25889
25890 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
25891
25892 @subsubheading Example
25893
25894 @smallexample
25895 (gdb)
25896 -environment-path
25897 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
25898 (gdb)
25899 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
25900 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
25901 (gdb)
25902 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
25903 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
25904 (gdb)
25905 @end smallexample
25906
25907
25908 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
25909 @findex -environment-pwd
25910
25911 @subsubheading Synopsis
25912
25913 @smallexample
25914 -environment-pwd
25915 @end smallexample
25916
25917 Show the current working directory.
25918
25919 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25920
25921 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
25922
25923 @subsubheading Example
25924
25925 @smallexample
25926 (gdb)
25927 -environment-pwd
25928 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
25929 (gdb)
25930 @end smallexample
25931
25932 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25933 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
25934 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
25935
25936
25937 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
25938 @findex -thread-info
25939
25940 @subsubheading Synopsis
25941
25942 @smallexample
25943 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
25944 @end smallexample
25945
25946 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
25947 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
25948 threads. When printing information about all threads,
25949 also reports the current thread.
25950
25951 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25952
25953 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
25954 about all threads.
25955
25956 @subsubheading Result
25957
25958 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
25959 defined for a given thread:
25960
25961 @table @samp
25962 @item current
25963 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
25964
25965 @item id
25966 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
25967
25968 @item target-id
25969 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
25970
25971 @item details
25972 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
25973 field is optional.
25974
25975 @item name
25976 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
25977 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
25978 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
25979 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
25980 field is omitted.
25981
25982 @item frame
25983 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
25984
25985 @item state
25986 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
25987 values:
25988
25989 @table @code
25990 @item stopped
25991 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
25992 threads.
25993
25994 @item running
25995 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
25996 threads.
25997
25998 @end table
25999
26000 @item core
26001 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
26002 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
26003
26004 @end table
26005
26006 @subsubheading Example
26007
26008 @smallexample
26009 -thread-info
26010 ^done,threads=[
26011 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
26012 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
26013 args=[]@},state="running"@},
26014 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
26015 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
26016 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
26017 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
26018 state="running"@}],
26019 current-thread-id="1"
26020 (gdb)
26021 @end smallexample
26022
26023 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
26024 @findex -thread-list-ids
26025
26026 @subsubheading Synopsis
26027
26028 @smallexample
26029 -thread-list-ids
26030 @end smallexample
26031
26032 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
26033 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
26034
26035 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
26036 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
26037
26038 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26039
26040 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
26041
26042 @subsubheading Example
26043
26044 @smallexample
26045 (gdb)
26046 -thread-list-ids
26047 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
26048 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
26049 (gdb)
26050 @end smallexample
26051
26052
26053 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
26054 @findex -thread-select
26055
26056 @subsubheading Synopsis
26057
26058 @smallexample
26059 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
26060 @end smallexample
26061
26062 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
26063 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
26064
26065 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
26066 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
26067
26068 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26069
26070 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
26071
26072 @subsubheading Example
26073
26074 @smallexample
26075 (gdb)
26076 -exec-next
26077 ^running
26078 (gdb)
26079 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
26080 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
26081 (gdb)
26082 -thread-list-ids
26083 ^done,
26084 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
26085 number-of-threads="3"
26086 (gdb)
26087 -thread-select 3
26088 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
26089 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
26090 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
26091 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
26092 (gdb)
26093 @end smallexample
26094
26095 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26096 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
26097 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
26098
26099 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
26100 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
26101 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
26102 other cases.
26103
26104 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
26105 @findex -exec-continue
26106
26107 @subsubheading Synopsis
26108
26109 @smallexample
26110 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
26111 @end smallexample
26112
26113 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
26114 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
26115 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
26116 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
26117 @itemize @bullet
26118 @item
26119 breakpoints or watchpoints
26120 @item
26121 signals or exceptions
26122 @item
26123 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
26124 @item
26125 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
26126 @end itemize
26127 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
26128 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
26129 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
26130 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
26131 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
26132 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
26133
26134 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26135
26136 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
26137
26138 @subsubheading Example
26139
26140 @smallexample
26141 -exec-continue
26142 ^running
26143 (gdb)
26144 @@Hello world
26145 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
26146 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
26147 line="13"@}
26148 (gdb)
26149 @end smallexample
26150
26151
26152 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
26153 @findex -exec-finish
26154
26155 @subsubheading Synopsis
26156
26157 @smallexample
26158 -exec-finish [--reverse]
26159 @end smallexample
26160
26161 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
26162 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
26163 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
26164 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
26165 function was called.
26166
26167 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26168
26169 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
26170
26171 @subsubheading Example
26172
26173 Function returning @code{void}.
26174
26175 @smallexample
26176 -exec-finish
26177 ^running
26178 (gdb)
26179 @@hello from foo
26180 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
26181 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
26182 (gdb)
26183 @end smallexample
26184
26185 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
26186 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
26187 value itself.
26188
26189 @smallexample
26190 -exec-finish
26191 ^running
26192 (gdb)
26193 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
26194 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
26195 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26196 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
26197 (gdb)
26198 @end smallexample
26199
26200
26201 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
26202 @findex -exec-interrupt
26203
26204 @subsubheading Synopsis
26205
26206 @smallexample
26207 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
26208 @end smallexample
26209
26210 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
26211 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
26212 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
26213 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
26214 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
26215
26216 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
26217 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
26218 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
26219 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
26220
26221 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
26222 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
26223 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
26224 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
26225
26226 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26227
26228 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
26229
26230 @subsubheading Example
26231
26232 @smallexample
26233 (gdb)
26234 111-exec-continue
26235 111^running
26236
26237 (gdb)
26238 222-exec-interrupt
26239 222^done
26240 (gdb)
26241 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
26242 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26243 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
26244 (gdb)
26245
26246 (gdb)
26247 -exec-interrupt
26248 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
26249 (gdb)
26250 @end smallexample
26251
26252 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
26253 @findex -exec-jump
26254
26255 @subsubheading Synopsis
26256
26257 @smallexample
26258 -exec-jump @var{location}
26259 @end smallexample
26260
26261 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
26262 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
26263 different forms of @var{location}.
26264
26265 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26266
26267 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
26268
26269 @subsubheading Example
26270
26271 @smallexample
26272 -exec-jump foo.c:10
26273 *running,thread-id="all"
26274 ^running
26275 @end smallexample
26276
26277
26278 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
26279 @findex -exec-next
26280
26281 @subsubheading Synopsis
26282
26283 @smallexample
26284 -exec-next [--reverse]
26285 @end smallexample
26286
26287 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26288 of the next source line is reached.
26289
26290 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26291 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
26292 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
26293 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
26294 source line where the function was called.
26295
26296
26297 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26298
26299 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
26300
26301 @subsubheading Example
26302
26303 @smallexample
26304 -exec-next
26305 ^running
26306 (gdb)
26307 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
26308 (gdb)
26309 @end smallexample
26310
26311
26312 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
26313 @findex -exec-next-instruction
26314
26315 @subsubheading Synopsis
26316
26317 @smallexample
26318 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
26319 @end smallexample
26320
26321 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
26322 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
26323 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
26324 printed as well.
26325
26326 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26327 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
26328 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
26329 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
26330 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
26331
26332 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26333
26334 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
26335
26336 @subsubheading Example
26337
26338 @smallexample
26339 (gdb)
26340 -exec-next-instruction
26341 ^running
26342
26343 (gdb)
26344 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26345 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
26346 (gdb)
26347 @end smallexample
26348
26349
26350 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
26351 @findex -exec-return
26352
26353 @subsubheading Synopsis
26354
26355 @smallexample
26356 -exec-return
26357 @end smallexample
26358
26359 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
26360 Displays the new current frame.
26361
26362 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26363
26364 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
26365
26366 @subsubheading Example
26367
26368 @smallexample
26369 (gdb)
26370 200-break-insert callee4
26371 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
26372 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26373 (gdb)
26374 000-exec-run
26375 000^running
26376 (gdb)
26377 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26378 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
26379 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26380 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26381 (gdb)
26382 205-break-delete
26383 205^done
26384 (gdb)
26385 111-exec-return
26386 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
26387 args=[@{name="strarg",
26388 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
26389 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26390 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
26391 (gdb)
26392 @end smallexample
26393
26394
26395 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
26396 @findex -exec-run
26397
26398 @subsubheading Synopsis
26399
26400 @smallexample
26401 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
26402 @end smallexample
26403
26404 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
26405 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
26406 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
26407 the program has exited exceptionally.
26408
26409 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
26410 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
26411 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
26412 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
26413
26414 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26415
26416 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
26417
26418 @subsubheading Examples
26419
26420 @smallexample
26421 (gdb)
26422 -break-insert main
26423 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26424 (gdb)
26425 -exec-run
26426 ^running
26427 (gdb)
26428 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26429 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
26430 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26431 (gdb)
26432 @end smallexample
26433
26434 @noindent
26435 Program exited normally:
26436
26437 @smallexample
26438 (gdb)
26439 -exec-run
26440 ^running
26441 (gdb)
26442 x = 55
26443 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
26444 (gdb)
26445 @end smallexample
26446
26447 @noindent
26448 Program exited exceptionally:
26449
26450 @smallexample
26451 (gdb)
26452 -exec-run
26453 ^running
26454 (gdb)
26455 x = 55
26456 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
26457 (gdb)
26458 @end smallexample
26459
26460 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
26461 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
26462
26463 @smallexample
26464 (gdb)
26465 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
26466 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
26467 @end smallexample
26468
26469
26470 @c @subheading -exec-signal
26471
26472
26473 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
26474 @findex -exec-step
26475
26476 @subsubheading Synopsis
26477
26478 @smallexample
26479 -exec-step [--reverse]
26480 @end smallexample
26481
26482 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26483 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
26484 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
26485 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
26486 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
26487 previously executed source line.
26488
26489 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26490
26491 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
26492
26493 @subsubheading Example
26494
26495 Stepping into a function:
26496
26497 @smallexample
26498 -exec-step
26499 ^running
26500 (gdb)
26501 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26502 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
26503 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
26504 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
26505 (gdb)
26506 @end smallexample
26507
26508 Regular stepping:
26509
26510 @smallexample
26511 -exec-step
26512 ^running
26513 (gdb)
26514 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
26515 (gdb)
26516 @end smallexample
26517
26518
26519 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
26520 @findex -exec-step-instruction
26521
26522 @subsubheading Synopsis
26523
26524 @smallexample
26525 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
26526 @end smallexample
26527
26528 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
26529 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
26530 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
26531 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
26532 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
26533 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
26534 as well.
26535
26536 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26537
26538 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
26539
26540 @subsubheading Example
26541
26542 @smallexample
26543 (gdb)
26544 -exec-step-instruction
26545 ^running
26546
26547 (gdb)
26548 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26549 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26550 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26551 (gdb)
26552 -exec-step-instruction
26553 ^running
26554
26555 (gdb)
26556 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26557 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26558 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26559 (gdb)
26560 @end smallexample
26561
26562
26563 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
26564 @findex -exec-until
26565
26566 @subsubheading Synopsis
26567
26568 @smallexample
26569 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
26570 @end smallexample
26571
26572 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
26573 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
26574 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
26575 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
26576
26577 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26578
26579 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
26580
26581 @subsubheading Example
26582
26583 @smallexample
26584 (gdb)
26585 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
26586 ^running
26587 (gdb)
26588 x = 55
26589 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
26590 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
26591 (gdb)
26592 @end smallexample
26593
26594 @ignore
26595 @subheading -file-clear
26596 Is this going away????
26597 @end ignore
26598
26599 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26600 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
26601 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
26602
26603
26604 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
26605 @findex -stack-info-frame
26606
26607 @subsubheading Synopsis
26608
26609 @smallexample
26610 -stack-info-frame
26611 @end smallexample
26612
26613 Get info on the selected frame.
26614
26615 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26616
26617 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
26618 (without arguments).
26619
26620 @subsubheading Example
26621
26622 @smallexample
26623 (gdb)
26624 -stack-info-frame
26625 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
26626 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26627 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
26628 (gdb)
26629 @end smallexample
26630
26631 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
26632 @findex -stack-info-depth
26633
26634 @subsubheading Synopsis
26635
26636 @smallexample
26637 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
26638 @end smallexample
26639
26640 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
26641 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
26642
26643 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26644
26645 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
26646
26647 @subsubheading Example
26648
26649 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
26650
26651 @smallexample
26652 (gdb)
26653 -stack-info-depth
26654 ^done,depth="12"
26655 (gdb)
26656 -stack-info-depth 4
26657 ^done,depth="4"
26658 (gdb)
26659 -stack-info-depth 12
26660 ^done,depth="12"
26661 (gdb)
26662 -stack-info-depth 11
26663 ^done,depth="11"
26664 (gdb)
26665 -stack-info-depth 13
26666 ^done,depth="12"
26667 (gdb)
26668 @end smallexample
26669
26670 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
26671 @findex -stack-list-arguments
26672
26673 @subsubheading Synopsis
26674
26675 @smallexample
26676 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
26677 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
26678 @end smallexample
26679
26680 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
26681 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
26682 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
26683 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
26684 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
26685 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
26686 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
26687 which case only existing frames will be returned.
26688
26689 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
26690 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
26691 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
26692 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
26693 structures and unions.
26694
26695 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
26696 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
26697
26698 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26699
26700 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
26701 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
26702 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
26703
26704 @subsubheading Example
26705
26706 @smallexample
26707 (gdb)
26708 -stack-list-frames
26709 ^done,
26710 stack=[
26711 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
26712 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26713 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
26714 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
26715 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26716 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
26717 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
26718 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26719 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
26720 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
26721 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26722 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
26723 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
26724 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26725 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
26726 (gdb)
26727 -stack-list-arguments 0
26728 ^done,
26729 stack-args=[
26730 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
26731 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
26732 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
26733 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
26734 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
26735 (gdb)
26736 -stack-list-arguments 1
26737 ^done,
26738 stack-args=[
26739 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
26740 frame=@{level="1",
26741 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
26742 frame=@{level="2",args=[
26743 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
26744 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
26745 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
26746 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
26747 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
26748 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
26749 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
26750 (gdb)
26751 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
26752 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
26753 (gdb)
26754 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
26755 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
26756 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
26757 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
26758 (gdb)
26759 @end smallexample
26760
26761 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
26762
26763
26764 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
26765 @findex -stack-list-frames
26766
26767 @subsubheading Synopsis
26768
26769 @smallexample
26770 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
26771 @end smallexample
26772
26773 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
26774 following info:
26775
26776 @table @samp
26777 @item @var{level}
26778 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
26779 @item @var{addr}
26780 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
26781 @item @var{func}
26782 Function name.
26783 @item @var{file}
26784 File name of the source file where the function lives.
26785 @item @var{fullname}
26786 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
26787 @item @var{line}
26788 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
26789 @item @var{from}
26790 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
26791 if the frame's function is not known.
26792 @end table
26793
26794 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
26795 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
26796 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
26797 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
26798 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
26799 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
26800 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
26801
26802 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26803
26804 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
26805
26806 @subsubheading Example
26807
26808 Full stack backtrace:
26809
26810 @smallexample
26811 (gdb)
26812 -stack-list-frames
26813 ^done,stack=
26814 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
26815 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
26816 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26817 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26818 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26819 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26820 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26821 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26822 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26823 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26824 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26825 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26826 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26827 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26828 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26829 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26830 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26831 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26832 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26833 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26834 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26835 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26836 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
26837 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
26838 (gdb)
26839 @end smallexample
26840
26841 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
26842
26843 @smallexample
26844 (gdb)
26845 -stack-list-frames 3 5
26846 ^done,stack=
26847 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26848 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26849 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26850 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26851 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26852 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
26853 (gdb)
26854 @end smallexample
26855
26856 Show a single frame:
26857
26858 @smallexample
26859 (gdb)
26860 -stack-list-frames 3 3
26861 ^done,stack=
26862 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26863 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
26864 (gdb)
26865 @end smallexample
26866
26867
26868 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
26869 @findex -stack-list-locals
26870
26871 @subsubheading Synopsis
26872
26873 @smallexample
26874 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
26875 @end smallexample
26876
26877 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
26878 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
26879 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
26880 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
26881 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
26882 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
26883 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
26884 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
26885 more detail.
26886
26887 This command is deprecated in favor of the
26888 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
26889
26890 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26891
26892 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
26893
26894 @subsubheading Example
26895
26896 @smallexample
26897 (gdb)
26898 -stack-list-locals 0
26899 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
26900 (gdb)
26901 -stack-list-locals --all-values
26902 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
26903 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
26904 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
26905 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
26906 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
26907 (gdb)
26908 @end smallexample
26909
26910 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
26911 @findex -stack-list-variables
26912
26913 @subsubheading Synopsis
26914
26915 @smallexample
26916 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
26917 @end smallexample
26918
26919 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
26920 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
26921 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
26922 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
26923 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
26924 structures and unions.
26925
26926 @subsubheading Example
26927
26928 @smallexample
26929 (gdb)
26930 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
26931 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
26932 (gdb)
26933 @end smallexample
26934
26935
26936 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
26937 @findex -stack-select-frame
26938
26939 @subsubheading Synopsis
26940
26941 @smallexample
26942 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
26943 @end smallexample
26944
26945 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
26946 the stack.
26947
26948 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
26949 option to every command.
26950
26951 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26952
26953 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
26954 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
26955
26956 @subsubheading Example
26957
26958 @smallexample
26959 (gdb)
26960 -stack-select-frame 2
26961 ^done
26962 (gdb)
26963 @end smallexample
26964
26965 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26966 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
26967 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
26968
26969 @ignore
26970
26971 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
26972
26973 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
26974 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
26975 used by @code{Insight}.
26976
26977 The two main reasons for that are:
26978
26979 @enumerate 1
26980 @item
26981 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
26982
26983 @item
26984 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
26985 now).
26986 @end enumerate
26987
26988 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
26989 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
26990 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
26991 hints about their use.
26992
26993 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
26994 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
26995 least, the following operations:
26996
26997 @itemize @bullet
26998 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
26999 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
27000 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
27001 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
27002 @end itemize
27003
27004 @end ignore
27005
27006 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
27007
27008 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
27009
27010 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
27011 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
27012 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
27013 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
27014 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
27015 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
27016 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
27017 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
27018 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
27019 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
27020 object, or to change display format.
27021
27022 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
27023 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
27024 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
27025 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
27026 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
27027 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
27028 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
27029 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
27030 child will be created.
27031
27032 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
27033 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
27034 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
27035 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
27036 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
27037
27038 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
27039 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
27040 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
27041 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
27042 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
27043 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
27044 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
27045 variables that frontend has created.
27046
27047 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
27048 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
27049 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
27050 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
27051 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
27052 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
27053 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
27054 implicitly updated.
27055
27056 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
27057 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
27058 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
27059 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
27060 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
27061 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
27062 frame. Consider this example:
27063
27064 @smallexample
27065 void do_work(...)
27066 @{
27067 struct work_state state;
27068
27069 if (...)
27070 do_work(...);
27071 @}
27072 @end smallexample
27073
27074 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
27075 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
27076 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
27077 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
27078 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
27079
27080 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
27081 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
27082 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
27083 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
27084 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
27085 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
27086
27087 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
27088 access this functionality:
27089
27090 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
27091 @item @strong{Operation}
27092 @tab @strong{Description}
27093
27094 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
27095 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
27096 @item @code{-var-create}
27097 @tab create a variable object
27098 @item @code{-var-delete}
27099 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
27100 @item @code{-var-set-format}
27101 @tab set the display format of this variable
27102 @item @code{-var-show-format}
27103 @tab show the display format of this variable
27104 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
27105 @tab tells how many children this object has
27106 @item @code{-var-list-children}
27107 @tab return a list of the object's children
27108 @item @code{-var-info-type}
27109 @tab show the type of this variable object
27110 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
27111 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
27112 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
27113 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
27114 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
27115 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
27116 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
27117 @tab get the value of this variable
27118 @item @code{-var-assign}
27119 @tab set the value of this variable
27120 @item @code{-var-update}
27121 @tab update the variable and its children
27122 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
27123 @tab set frozeness attribute
27124 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
27125 @tab set range of children to display on update
27126 @end multitable
27127
27128 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
27129 how it can be used.
27130
27131 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
27132
27133 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
27134 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
27135
27136 @smallexample
27137 -enable-pretty-printing
27138 @end smallexample
27139
27140 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
27141 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
27142 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
27143 request that this functionality be enabled.
27144
27145 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
27146
27147 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
27148 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
27149
27150 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
27151 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
27152
27153 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
27154 @findex -var-create
27155
27156 @subsubheading Synopsis
27157
27158 @smallexample
27159 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
27160 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
27161 @end smallexample
27162
27163 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
27164 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
27165 register.
27166
27167 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
27168 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
27169 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
27170 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
27171 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
27172
27173 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
27174 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
27175 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
27176 object must be created.
27177
27178 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
27179 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
27180
27181 @itemize @bullet
27182 @item
27183 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
27184
27185 @item
27186 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
27187
27188 @item
27189 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
27190 @end itemize
27191
27192 @cindex dynamic varobj
27193 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
27194 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
27195 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
27196 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
27197 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
27198 compatibility for existing clients.
27199
27200 @subsubheading Result
27201
27202 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
27203 are:
27204
27205 @table @samp
27206 @item name
27207 The name of the varobj.
27208
27209 @item numchild
27210 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
27211 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
27212 @samp{has_more} attribute.
27213
27214 @item value
27215 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
27216 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
27217 will not be interesting.
27218
27219 @item type
27220 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
27221 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI.
27222
27223 @item thread-id
27224 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
27225 thread's identifier.
27226
27227 @item has_more
27228 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
27229 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
27230
27231 @item dynamic
27232 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
27233 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
27234 then this attribute will not be present.
27235
27236 @item displayhint
27237 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
27238 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
27239 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
27240 @end table
27241
27242 Typical output will look like this:
27243
27244 @smallexample
27245 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
27246 has_more="@var{has_more}"
27247 @end smallexample
27248
27249
27250 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
27251 @findex -var-delete
27252
27253 @subsubheading Synopsis
27254
27255 @smallexample
27256 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
27257 @end smallexample
27258
27259 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
27260 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
27261
27262 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
27263
27264
27265 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
27266 @findex -var-set-format
27267
27268 @subsubheading Synopsis
27269
27270 @smallexample
27271 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
27272 @end smallexample
27273
27274 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
27275 @var{format-spec}.
27276
27277 @anchor{-var-set-format}
27278 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
27279
27280 @smallexample
27281 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
27282 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
27283 @end smallexample
27284
27285 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
27286 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
27287 for pointers, etc.).
27288
27289 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
27290 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
27291
27292 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
27293 @findex -var-show-format
27294
27295 @subsubheading Synopsis
27296
27297 @smallexample
27298 -var-show-format @var{name}
27299 @end smallexample
27300
27301 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
27302
27303 @smallexample
27304 @var{format} @expansion{}
27305 @var{format-spec}
27306 @end smallexample
27307
27308
27309 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
27310 @findex -var-info-num-children
27311
27312 @subsubheading Synopsis
27313
27314 @smallexample
27315 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
27316 @end smallexample
27317
27318 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
27319
27320 @smallexample
27321 numchild=@var{n}
27322 @end smallexample
27323
27324 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
27325 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
27326 be available.
27327
27328
27329 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
27330 @findex -var-list-children
27331
27332 @subsubheading Synopsis
27333
27334 @smallexample
27335 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
27336 @end smallexample
27337 @anchor{-var-list-children}
27338
27339 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
27340 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
27341 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
27342 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
27343 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
27344 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
27345 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
27346 and unions.
27347
27348 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
27349 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
27350 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
27351 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
27352 reported.
27353
27354 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
27355 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
27356 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
27357 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
27358 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
27359 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
27360 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
27361 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
27362 the visible items.
27363
27364 For each child the following results are returned:
27365
27366 @table @var
27367
27368 @item name
27369 Name of the variable object created for this child.
27370
27371 @item exp
27372 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
27373 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
27374
27375 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
27376 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
27377
27378 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
27379 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
27380 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
27381 type and value are not present.
27382
27383 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
27384 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
27385 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
27386
27387 @item numchild
27388 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
27389 0.
27390
27391 @item type
27392 The type of the child.
27393
27394 @item value
27395 If values were requested, this is the value.
27396
27397 @item thread-id
27398 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
27399 Otherwise this result is not present.
27400
27401 @item frozen
27402 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
27403 @end table
27404
27405 The result may have its own attributes:
27406
27407 @table @samp
27408 @item displayhint
27409 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
27410 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
27411 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
27412
27413 @item has_more
27414 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
27415 remaining after the end of the selected range.
27416 @end table
27417
27418 @subsubheading Example
27419
27420 @smallexample
27421 (gdb)
27422 -var-list-children n
27423 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27424 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27425 (gdb)
27426 -var-list-children --all-values n
27427 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27428 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27429 @end smallexample
27430
27431
27432 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
27433 @findex -var-info-type
27434
27435 @subsubheading Synopsis
27436
27437 @smallexample
27438 -var-info-type @var{name}
27439 @end smallexample
27440
27441 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
27442 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
27443 @value{GDBN} CLI:
27444
27445 @smallexample
27446 type=@var{typename}
27447 @end smallexample
27448
27449
27450 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
27451 @findex -var-info-expression
27452
27453 @subsubheading Synopsis
27454
27455 @smallexample
27456 -var-info-expression @var{name}
27457 @end smallexample
27458
27459 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
27460 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
27461 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
27462
27463 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
27464 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
27465
27466 @smallexample
27467 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
27468 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
27469 @end smallexample
27470
27471 @noindent
27472 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
27473
27474 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
27475 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
27476 is of limited use.
27477
27478 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
27479 @findex -var-info-path-expression
27480
27481 @subsubheading Synopsis
27482
27483 @smallexample
27484 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
27485 @end smallexample
27486
27487 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
27488 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
27489 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
27490 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
27491 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
27492 watchpoint from a variable object.
27493
27494 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
27495 and will give an error when invoked on one.
27496
27497 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
27498 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
27499 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
27500 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
27501 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
27502 @smallexample
27503 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
27504 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
27505 @end smallexample
27506
27507 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
27508 @findex -var-show-attributes
27509
27510 @subsubheading Synopsis
27511
27512 @smallexample
27513 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
27514 @end smallexample
27515
27516 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
27517
27518 @smallexample
27519 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
27520 @end smallexample
27521
27522 @noindent
27523 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
27524
27525 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
27526 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
27527
27528 @subsubheading Synopsis
27529
27530 @smallexample
27531 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
27532 @end smallexample
27533
27534 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
27535 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
27536 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
27537 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
27538 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
27539 the current display format will be used. The current display format
27540 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
27541
27542 @smallexample
27543 value=@var{value}
27544 @end smallexample
27545
27546 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
27547 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
27548
27549 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
27550 @findex -var-assign
27551
27552 @subsubheading Synopsis
27553
27554 @smallexample
27555 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
27556 @end smallexample
27557
27558 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
27559 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
27560 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
27561 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
27562
27563 @subsubheading Example
27564
27565 @smallexample
27566 (gdb)
27567 -var-assign var1 3
27568 ^done,value="3"
27569 (gdb)
27570 -var-update *
27571 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
27572 (gdb)
27573 @end smallexample
27574
27575 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
27576 @findex -var-update
27577
27578 @subsubheading Synopsis
27579
27580 @smallexample
27581 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
27582 @end smallexample
27583
27584 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
27585 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
27586 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
27587 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
27588 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
27589 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
27590 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
27591 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
27592 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
27593 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
27594 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
27595 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
27596 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
27597
27598 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
27599 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
27600 diagnostic.
27601
27602 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
27603 only the selected range of children will be reported.
27604
27605 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
27606 @samp{changelist}.
27607
27608 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
27609
27610 @table @samp
27611 @item name
27612 The name of the varobj.
27613
27614 @item value
27615 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
27616 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
27617
27618 @item in_scope
27619 @anchor{-var-update}
27620 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
27621
27622 @table @code
27623 @item "true"
27624 The variable object's current value is valid.
27625
27626 @item "false"
27627 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
27628 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
27629 scope.
27630
27631 @item "invalid"
27632 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
27633 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
27634 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
27635 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
27636 objects.
27637 @end table
27638
27639 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
27640 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
27641
27642 @item type_changed
27643 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
27644 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
27645 be @samp{false}.
27646
27647 @item new_type
27648 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
27649 hold the new type.
27650
27651 @item new_num_children
27652 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
27653 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
27654
27655 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
27656 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
27657 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
27658 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
27659 children which may be available.
27660
27661 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
27662 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
27663 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
27664 only happen at the end of the update range).
27665
27666 @item displayhint
27667 The display hint, if any.
27668
27669 @item has_more
27670 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
27671 available outside the varobj's update range.
27672
27673 @item dynamic
27674 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
27675 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
27676 then this attribute will not be present.
27677
27678 @item new_children
27679 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
27680 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
27681 be listed in this attribute.
27682 @end table
27683
27684 @subsubheading Example
27685
27686 @smallexample
27687 (gdb)
27688 -var-assign var1 3
27689 ^done,value="3"
27690 (gdb)
27691 -var-update --all-values var1
27692 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
27693 type_changed="false"@}]
27694 (gdb)
27695 @end smallexample
27696
27697 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
27698 @findex -var-set-frozen
27699 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
27700
27701 @subsubheading Synopsis
27702
27703 @smallexample
27704 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
27705 @end smallexample
27706
27707 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
27708 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
27709 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
27710 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
27711 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
27712 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
27713 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
27714 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
27715 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
27716 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
27717 @code{-var-update} does.
27718
27719 @subsubheading Example
27720
27721 @smallexample
27722 (gdb)
27723 -var-set-frozen V 1
27724 ^done
27725 (gdb)
27726 @end smallexample
27727
27728 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
27729 @findex -var-set-update-range
27730 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
27731
27732 @subsubheading Synopsis
27733
27734 @smallexample
27735 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
27736 @end smallexample
27737
27738 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
27739 @code{-var-update}.
27740
27741 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
27742 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
27743 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
27744 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
27745
27746 @subsubheading Example
27747
27748 @smallexample
27749 (gdb)
27750 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
27751 ^done
27752 @end smallexample
27753
27754 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
27755 @findex -var-set-visualizer
27756 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
27757
27758 @subsubheading Synopsis
27759
27760 @smallexample
27761 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
27762 @end smallexample
27763
27764 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
27765
27766 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
27767 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
27768
27769 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
27770 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
27771 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
27772 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
27773 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
27774 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
27775 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
27776
27777 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
27778 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
27779 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
27780 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
27781
27782 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
27783 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
27784 can be used to check this.
27785
27786 @subsubheading Example
27787
27788 Resetting the visualizer:
27789
27790 @smallexample
27791 (gdb)
27792 -var-set-visualizer V None
27793 ^done
27794 @end smallexample
27795
27796 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
27797
27798 @smallexample
27799 (gdb)
27800 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
27801 ^done
27802 @end smallexample
27803
27804 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
27805 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
27806
27807 @smallexample
27808 (gdb)
27809 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
27810 ^done
27811 @end smallexample
27812
27813 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27814 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
27815 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
27816
27817 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
27818 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
27819 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
27820 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
27821
27822 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
27823 @c @subheading -data-assign
27824 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
27825 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
27826 @c set variable
27827 @c @subsubheading Example
27828 @c N.A.
27829
27830 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
27831 @findex -data-disassemble
27832
27833 @subsubheading Synopsis
27834
27835 @smallexample
27836 -data-disassemble
27837 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
27838 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
27839 -- @var{mode}
27840 @end smallexample
27841
27842 @noindent
27843 Where:
27844
27845 @table @samp
27846 @item @var{start-addr}
27847 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
27848 @item @var{end-addr}
27849 is the end address
27850 @item @var{filename}
27851 is the name of the file to disassemble
27852 @item @var{linenum}
27853 is the line number to disassemble around
27854 @item @var{lines}
27855 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
27856 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
27857 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
27858 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
27859 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
27860 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
27861 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
27862 are displayed.
27863 @item @var{mode}
27864 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
27865 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
27866 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
27867 @end table
27868
27869 @subsubheading Result
27870
27871 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
27872
27873 @itemize @bullet
27874 @item Address
27875 @item Func-name
27876 @item Offset
27877 @item Instruction
27878 @end itemize
27879
27880 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
27881 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
27882
27883 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27884
27885 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
27886
27887 @subsubheading Example
27888
27889 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
27890
27891 @smallexample
27892 (gdb)
27893 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
27894 ^done,
27895 asm_insns=[
27896 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27897 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27898 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27899 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
27900 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
27901 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
27902 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
27903 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
27904 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
27905 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
27906 (gdb)
27907 @end smallexample
27908
27909 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
27910 @code{main}.
27911
27912 @smallexample
27913 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
27914 ^done,asm_insns=[
27915 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
27916 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
27917 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27918 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27919 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27920 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
27921 [@dots{}]
27922 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
27923 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
27924 (gdb)
27925 @end smallexample
27926
27927 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
27928
27929 @smallexample
27930 (gdb)
27931 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
27932 ^done,asm_insns=[
27933 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
27934 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
27935 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27936 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27937 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27938 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
27939 (gdb)
27940 @end smallexample
27941
27942 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
27943
27944 @smallexample
27945 (gdb)
27946 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
27947 ^done,asm_insns=[
27948 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
27949 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
27950 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
27951 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
27952 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
27953 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
27954 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
27955 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
27956 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27957 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27958 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27959 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
27960 (gdb)
27961 @end smallexample
27962
27963
27964 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
27965 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
27966
27967 @subsubheading Synopsis
27968
27969 @smallexample
27970 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
27971 @end smallexample
27972
27973 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
27974 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
27975 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
27976
27977 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27978
27979 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
27980 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
27981 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
27982
27983 @subsubheading Example
27984
27985 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
27986 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
27987 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
27988 output.
27989
27990 @smallexample
27991 211-data-evaluate-expression A
27992 211^done,value="1"
27993 (gdb)
27994 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
27995 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
27996 (gdb)
27997 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
27998 411^done,value="4"
27999 (gdb)
28000 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
28001 511^done,value="4"
28002 (gdb)
28003 @end smallexample
28004
28005
28006 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
28007 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
28008
28009 @subsubheading Synopsis
28010
28011 @smallexample
28012 -data-list-changed-registers
28013 @end smallexample
28014
28015 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
28016
28017 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28018
28019 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
28020 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
28021
28022 @subsubheading Example
28023
28024 On a PPC MBX board:
28025
28026 @smallexample
28027 (gdb)
28028 -exec-continue
28029 ^running
28030
28031 (gdb)
28032 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
28033 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
28034 line="5"@}
28035 (gdb)
28036 -data-list-changed-registers
28037 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
28038 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
28039 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
28040 (gdb)
28041 @end smallexample
28042
28043
28044 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
28045 @findex -data-list-register-names
28046
28047 @subsubheading Synopsis
28048
28049 @smallexample
28050 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
28051 @end smallexample
28052
28053 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
28054 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
28055 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
28056 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
28057 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
28058 include empty register names.
28059
28060 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28061
28062 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
28063 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
28064 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
28065
28066 @subsubheading Example
28067
28068 For the PPC MBX board:
28069 @smallexample
28070 (gdb)
28071 -data-list-register-names
28072 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
28073 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
28074 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
28075 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
28076 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
28077 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
28078 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
28079 (gdb)
28080 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
28081 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
28082 (gdb)
28083 @end smallexample
28084
28085 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
28086 @findex -data-list-register-values
28087
28088 @subsubheading Synopsis
28089
28090 @smallexample
28091 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
28092 @end smallexample
28093
28094 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
28095 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
28096 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
28097 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
28098
28099 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
28100
28101 @table @code
28102 @item x
28103 Hexadecimal
28104 @item o
28105 Octal
28106 @item t
28107 Binary
28108 @item d
28109 Decimal
28110 @item r
28111 Raw
28112 @item N
28113 Natural
28114 @end table
28115
28116 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28117
28118 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
28119 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
28120
28121 @subsubheading Example
28122
28123 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
28124 don't appear in the actual output):
28125
28126 @smallexample
28127 (gdb)
28128 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
28129 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
28130 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
28131 (gdb)
28132 -data-list-register-values x
28133 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
28134 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
28135 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
28136 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
28137 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
28138 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
28139 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
28140 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
28141 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
28142 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
28143 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
28144 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
28145 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
28146 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
28147 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
28148 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
28149 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
28150 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
28151 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
28152 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
28153 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
28154 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
28155 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
28156 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
28157 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
28158 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
28159 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
28160 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
28161 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
28162 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
28163 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
28164 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
28165 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
28166 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
28167 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
28168 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
28169 (gdb)
28170 @end smallexample
28171
28172
28173 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
28174 @findex -data-read-memory
28175
28176 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
28177
28178 @subsubheading Synopsis
28179
28180 @smallexample
28181 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
28182 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
28183 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
28184 @end smallexample
28185
28186 @noindent
28187 where:
28188
28189 @table @samp
28190 @item @var{address}
28191 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28192 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28193 quoted using the C convention.
28194
28195 @item @var{word-format}
28196 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
28197 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
28198 ,Output Formats}).
28199
28200 @item @var{word-size}
28201 The size of each memory word in bytes.
28202
28203 @item @var{nr-rows}
28204 The number of rows in the output table.
28205
28206 @item @var{nr-cols}
28207 The number of columns in the output table.
28208
28209 @item @var{aschar}
28210 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
28211 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
28212 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
28213 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
28214
28215 @item @var{byte-offset}
28216 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
28217 @end table
28218
28219 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
28220 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
28221 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
28222 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
28223 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
28224 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
28225 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
28226 @samp{addr}.
28227
28228 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
28229 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
28230 @samp{prev-page}.
28231
28232 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28233
28234 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
28235 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
28236
28237 @subsubheading Example
28238
28239 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
28240 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
28241 word. Display each word in hex.
28242
28243 @smallexample
28244 (gdb)
28245 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
28246 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
28247 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
28248 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
28249 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
28250 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
28251 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
28252 (gdb)
28253 @end smallexample
28254
28255 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
28256 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
28257
28258 @smallexample
28259 (gdb)
28260 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
28261 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
28262 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
28263 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
28264 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
28265 (gdb)
28266 @end smallexample
28267
28268 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
28269 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
28270 used as the non-printable character.
28271
28272 @smallexample
28273 (gdb)
28274 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
28275 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
28276 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
28277 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
28278 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28279 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28280 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28281 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28282 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
28283 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
28284 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
28285 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
28286 (gdb)
28287 @end smallexample
28288
28289 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
28290 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
28291
28292 @subsubheading Synopsis
28293
28294 @smallexample
28295 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
28296 @var{address} @var{count}
28297 @end smallexample
28298
28299 @noindent
28300 where:
28301
28302 @table @samp
28303 @item @var{address}
28304 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28305 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28306 quoted using the C convention.
28307
28308 @item @var{count}
28309 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
28310
28311 @item @var{byte-offset}
28312 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
28313 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
28314 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
28315 perform address arithmetics itself.
28316
28317 @end table
28318
28319 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
28320 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
28321 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
28322 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
28323 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
28324 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
28325
28326 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
28327 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
28328 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
28329 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
28330 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
28331 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
28332 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
28333 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
28334
28335 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
28336 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
28337 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
28338 and has the following fields:
28339
28340 @table @code
28341 @item begin
28342 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28343
28344 @item end
28345 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28346
28347 @item offset
28348 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
28349 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
28350
28351 @item contents
28352 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
28353
28354 @end table
28355
28356
28357
28358 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28359
28360 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
28361
28362 @subsubheading Example
28363
28364 @smallexample
28365 (gdb)
28366 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
28367 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
28368 end="0xbffff15e",
28369 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
28370 (gdb)
28371 @end smallexample
28372
28373
28374 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
28375 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
28376
28377 @subsubheading Synopsis
28378
28379 @smallexample
28380 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
28381 @end smallexample
28382
28383 @noindent
28384 where:
28385
28386 @table @samp
28387 @item @var{address}
28388 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28389 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28390 quoted using the C convention.
28391
28392 @item @var{contents}
28393 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
28394
28395 @end table
28396
28397 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28398
28399 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
28400
28401 @subsubheading Example
28402
28403 @smallexample
28404 (gdb)
28405 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
28406 ^done
28407 (gdb)
28408 @end smallexample
28409
28410
28411 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28412 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
28413 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
28414
28415 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
28416 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
28417
28418 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
28419 @findex -trace-find
28420
28421 @subsubheading Synopsis
28422
28423 @smallexample
28424 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
28425 @end smallexample
28426
28427 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
28428 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
28429 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
28430
28431 @table @samp
28432
28433 @item none
28434 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
28435
28436 @item frame-number
28437 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
28438 that index.
28439
28440 @item tracepoint-number
28441 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
28442 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
28443
28444 @item pc
28445 An address is required as parameter. Finds
28446 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
28447 address.
28448
28449 @item pc-inside-range
28450 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
28451 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
28452 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28453
28454 @item pc-outside-range
28455 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
28456 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
28457 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28458
28459 @item line
28460 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
28461 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
28462 the specified location.
28463
28464 @end table
28465
28466 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
28467 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
28468
28469 @table @samp
28470 @item found
28471 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
28472 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
28473
28474 @item traceframe
28475 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
28476 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28477
28478 @item tracepoint
28479 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
28480 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28481
28482 @item frame
28483 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
28484 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
28485 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
28486
28487 @end table
28488
28489 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28490
28491 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
28492
28493 @subheading -trace-define-variable
28494 @findex -trace-define-variable
28495
28496 @subsubheading Synopsis
28497
28498 @smallexample
28499 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
28500 @end smallexample
28501
28502 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
28503 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
28504 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
28505 with the @samp{$} character.
28506
28507 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28508
28509 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
28510
28511 @subheading -trace-list-variables
28512 @findex -trace-list-variables
28513
28514 @subsubheading Synopsis
28515
28516 @smallexample
28517 -trace-list-variables
28518 @end smallexample
28519
28520 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
28521 table has the following fields:
28522
28523 @table @samp
28524 @item name
28525 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
28526
28527 @item initial
28528 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
28529 field is always present.
28530
28531 @item current
28532 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
28533 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
28534 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
28535 presently running.
28536
28537 @end table
28538
28539 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28540
28541 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
28542
28543 @subsubheading Example
28544
28545 @smallexample
28546 (gdb)
28547 -trace-list-variables
28548 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
28549 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
28550 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
28551 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
28552 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
28553 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
28554 (gdb)
28555 @end smallexample
28556
28557 @subheading -trace-save
28558 @findex -trace-save
28559
28560 @subsubheading Synopsis
28561
28562 @smallexample
28563 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
28564 @end smallexample
28565
28566 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
28567 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
28568 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
28569 to perform the save.
28570
28571 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28572
28573 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
28574
28575
28576 @subheading -trace-start
28577 @findex -trace-start
28578
28579 @subsubheading Synopsis
28580
28581 @smallexample
28582 -trace-start
28583 @end smallexample
28584
28585 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
28586 have any fields.
28587
28588 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28589
28590 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
28591
28592 @subheading -trace-status
28593 @findex -trace-status
28594
28595 @subsubheading Synopsis
28596
28597 @smallexample
28598 -trace-status
28599 @end smallexample
28600
28601 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
28602 the following fields:
28603
28604 @table @samp
28605
28606 @item supported
28607 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
28608 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
28609 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
28610 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
28611 started. This field is always present.
28612
28613 @item running
28614 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
28615 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
28616 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28617
28618 @item stop-reason
28619 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
28620 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
28621 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
28622 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
28623 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
28624 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
28625 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
28626 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
28627 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28628
28629 @item stopping-tracepoint
28630 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
28631 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
28632 @samp{passcount}.
28633
28634 @item frames
28635 @itemx frames-created
28636 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
28637 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
28638 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
28639 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
28640
28641 @item buffer-size
28642 @itemx buffer-free
28643 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
28644 remaining space. These fields are optional.
28645
28646 @item circular
28647 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
28648 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
28649 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
28650 and may fill up.
28651
28652 @item disconnected
28653 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
28654 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
28655 that the trace run will stop.
28656
28657 @end table
28658
28659 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28660
28661 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
28662
28663 @subheading -trace-stop
28664 @findex -trace-stop
28665
28666 @subsubheading Synopsis
28667
28668 @smallexample
28669 -trace-stop
28670 @end smallexample
28671
28672 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
28673 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
28674 @samp{running} fields are not output.
28675
28676 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28677
28678 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
28679
28680
28681 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28682 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
28683 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
28684
28685
28686 @ignore
28687 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
28688 @findex -symbol-info-address
28689
28690 @subsubheading Synopsis
28691
28692 @smallexample
28693 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
28694 @end smallexample
28695
28696 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
28697
28698 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28699
28700 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
28701
28702 @subsubheading Example
28703 N.A.
28704
28705
28706 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
28707 @findex -symbol-info-file
28708
28709 @subsubheading Synopsis
28710
28711 @smallexample
28712 -symbol-info-file
28713 @end smallexample
28714
28715 Show the file for the symbol.
28716
28717 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28718
28719 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
28720 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
28721
28722 @subsubheading Example
28723 N.A.
28724
28725
28726 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
28727 @findex -symbol-info-function
28728
28729 @subsubheading Synopsis
28730
28731 @smallexample
28732 -symbol-info-function
28733 @end smallexample
28734
28735 Show which function the symbol lives in.
28736
28737 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28738
28739 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
28740
28741 @subsubheading Example
28742 N.A.
28743
28744
28745 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
28746 @findex -symbol-info-line
28747
28748 @subsubheading Synopsis
28749
28750 @smallexample
28751 -symbol-info-line
28752 @end smallexample
28753
28754 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
28755
28756 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28757
28758 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
28759 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
28760
28761 @subsubheading Example
28762 N.A.
28763
28764
28765 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
28766 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
28767
28768 @subsubheading Synopsis
28769
28770 @smallexample
28771 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
28772 @end smallexample
28773
28774 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
28775
28776 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28777
28778 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
28779
28780 @subsubheading Example
28781 N.A.
28782
28783
28784 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
28785 @findex -symbol-list-functions
28786
28787 @subsubheading Synopsis
28788
28789 @smallexample
28790 -symbol-list-functions
28791 @end smallexample
28792
28793 List the functions in the executable.
28794
28795 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28796
28797 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
28798 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
28799
28800 @subsubheading Example
28801 N.A.
28802 @end ignore
28803
28804
28805 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
28806 @findex -symbol-list-lines
28807
28808 @subsubheading Synopsis
28809
28810 @smallexample
28811 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
28812 @end smallexample
28813
28814 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
28815 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
28816 ascending PC order.
28817
28818 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28819
28820 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
28821
28822 @subsubheading Example
28823 @smallexample
28824 (gdb)
28825 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
28826 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
28827 (gdb)
28828 @end smallexample
28829
28830
28831 @ignore
28832 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
28833 @findex -symbol-list-types
28834
28835 @subsubheading Synopsis
28836
28837 @smallexample
28838 -symbol-list-types
28839 @end smallexample
28840
28841 List all the type names.
28842
28843 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28844
28845 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
28846 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
28847
28848 @subsubheading Example
28849 N.A.
28850
28851
28852 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
28853 @findex -symbol-list-variables
28854
28855 @subsubheading Synopsis
28856
28857 @smallexample
28858 -symbol-list-variables
28859 @end smallexample
28860
28861 List all the global and static variable names.
28862
28863 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28864
28865 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
28866
28867 @subsubheading Example
28868 N.A.
28869
28870
28871 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
28872 @findex -symbol-locate
28873
28874 @subsubheading Synopsis
28875
28876 @smallexample
28877 -symbol-locate
28878 @end smallexample
28879
28880 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28881
28882 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
28883
28884 @subsubheading Example
28885 N.A.
28886
28887
28888 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
28889 @findex -symbol-type
28890
28891 @subsubheading Synopsis
28892
28893 @smallexample
28894 -symbol-type @var{variable}
28895 @end smallexample
28896
28897 Show type of @var{variable}.
28898
28899 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28900
28901 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
28902 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
28903
28904 @subsubheading Example
28905 N.A.
28906 @end ignore
28907
28908
28909 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28910 @node GDB/MI File Commands
28911 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
28912
28913 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
28914 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
28915
28916 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
28917 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
28918
28919 @subsubheading Synopsis
28920
28921 @smallexample
28922 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
28923 @end smallexample
28924
28925 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
28926 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
28927 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
28928 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
28929 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
28930 notification.
28931
28932 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28933
28934 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
28935
28936 @subsubheading Example
28937
28938 @smallexample
28939 (gdb)
28940 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
28941 ^done
28942 (gdb)
28943 @end smallexample
28944
28945
28946 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
28947 @findex -file-exec-file
28948
28949 @subsubheading Synopsis
28950
28951 @smallexample
28952 -file-exec-file @var{file}
28953 @end smallexample
28954
28955 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
28956 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
28957 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
28958 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
28959 notification.
28960
28961 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28962
28963 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
28964
28965 @subsubheading Example
28966
28967 @smallexample
28968 (gdb)
28969 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
28970 ^done
28971 (gdb)
28972 @end smallexample
28973
28974
28975 @ignore
28976 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
28977 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
28978
28979 @subsubheading Synopsis
28980
28981 @smallexample
28982 -file-list-exec-sections
28983 @end smallexample
28984
28985 List the sections of the current executable file.
28986
28987 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28988
28989 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
28990 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
28991 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
28992
28993 @subsubheading Example
28994 N.A.
28995 @end ignore
28996
28997
28998 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
28999 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
29000
29001 @subsubheading Synopsis
29002
29003 @smallexample
29004 -file-list-exec-source-file
29005 @end smallexample
29006
29007 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
29008 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
29009 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
29010 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
29011
29012 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29013
29014 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
29015
29016 @subsubheading Example
29017
29018 @smallexample
29019 (gdb)
29020 123-file-list-exec-source-file
29021 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
29022 (gdb)
29023 @end smallexample
29024
29025
29026 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
29027 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
29028
29029 @subsubheading Synopsis
29030
29031 @smallexample
29032 -file-list-exec-source-files
29033 @end smallexample
29034
29035 List the source files for the current executable.
29036
29037 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
29038 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
29039
29040 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29041
29042 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
29043 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
29044
29045 @subsubheading Example
29046 @smallexample
29047 (gdb)
29048 -file-list-exec-source-files
29049 ^done,files=[
29050 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
29051 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
29052 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
29053 (gdb)
29054 @end smallexample
29055
29056 @ignore
29057 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
29058 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
29059
29060 @subsubheading Synopsis
29061
29062 @smallexample
29063 -file-list-shared-libraries
29064 @end smallexample
29065
29066 List the shared libraries in the program.
29067
29068 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29069
29070 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
29071
29072 @subsubheading Example
29073 N.A.
29074
29075
29076 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
29077 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
29078
29079 @subsubheading Synopsis
29080
29081 @smallexample
29082 -file-list-symbol-files
29083 @end smallexample
29084
29085 List symbol files.
29086
29087 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29088
29089 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
29090
29091 @subsubheading Example
29092 N.A.
29093 @end ignore
29094
29095
29096 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
29097 @findex -file-symbol-file
29098
29099 @subsubheading Synopsis
29100
29101 @smallexample
29102 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
29103 @end smallexample
29104
29105 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
29106 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
29107 produced, except for a completion notification.
29108
29109 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29110
29111 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
29112
29113 @subsubheading Example
29114
29115 @smallexample
29116 (gdb)
29117 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
29118 ^done
29119 (gdb)
29120 @end smallexample
29121
29122 @ignore
29123 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29124 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
29125 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
29126
29127 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
29128
29129 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
29130
29131 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
29132
29133 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
29134
29135 @c @subheading -overlay-map
29136
29137 @c @subheading -overlay-off
29138
29139 @c @subheading -overlay-on
29140
29141 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
29142
29143 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29144 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
29145 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
29146
29147 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
29148
29149 @c @subheading -signal-handle
29150
29151 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
29152
29153 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
29154 @end ignore
29155
29156
29157 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29158 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
29159 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
29160
29161
29162 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
29163 @findex -target-attach
29164
29165 @subsubheading Synopsis
29166
29167 @smallexample
29168 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
29169 @end smallexample
29170
29171 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
29172 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
29173 group, the id previously returned by
29174 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
29175
29176 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29177
29178 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
29179
29180 @subsubheading Example
29181 @smallexample
29182 (gdb)
29183 -target-attach 34
29184 =thread-created,id="1"
29185 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
29186 ^done
29187 (gdb)
29188 @end smallexample
29189
29190 @ignore
29191 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
29192 @findex -target-compare-sections
29193
29194 @subsubheading Synopsis
29195
29196 @smallexample
29197 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
29198 @end smallexample
29199
29200 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
29201 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
29202
29203 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29204
29205 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
29206
29207 @subsubheading Example
29208 N.A.
29209 @end ignore
29210
29211
29212 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
29213 @findex -target-detach
29214
29215 @subsubheading Synopsis
29216
29217 @smallexample
29218 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
29219 @end smallexample
29220
29221 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
29222 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
29223 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
29224
29225 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29226
29227 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
29228
29229 @subsubheading Example
29230
29231 @smallexample
29232 (gdb)
29233 -target-detach
29234 ^done
29235 (gdb)
29236 @end smallexample
29237
29238
29239 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
29240 @findex -target-disconnect
29241
29242 @subsubheading Synopsis
29243
29244 @smallexample
29245 -target-disconnect
29246 @end smallexample
29247
29248 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
29249 generally not resumed.
29250
29251 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29252
29253 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
29254
29255 @subsubheading Example
29256
29257 @smallexample
29258 (gdb)
29259 -target-disconnect
29260 ^done
29261 (gdb)
29262 @end smallexample
29263
29264
29265 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
29266 @findex -target-download
29267
29268 @subsubheading Synopsis
29269
29270 @smallexample
29271 -target-download
29272 @end smallexample
29273
29274 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
29275 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
29276
29277 @table @samp
29278 @item section
29279 The name of the section.
29280 @item section-sent
29281 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
29282 @item section-size
29283 The size of the section.
29284 @item total-sent
29285 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
29286 @item total-size
29287 The size of the overall executable to download.
29288 @end table
29289
29290 @noindent
29291 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
29292 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
29293
29294 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
29295 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
29296
29297 @table @samp
29298 @item section
29299 The name of the section.
29300 @item section-size
29301 The size of the section.
29302 @item total-size
29303 The size of the overall executable to download.
29304 @end table
29305
29306 @noindent
29307 At the end, a summary is printed.
29308
29309 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29310
29311 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
29312
29313 @subsubheading Example
29314
29315 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
29316 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
29317
29318 @smallexample
29319 (gdb)
29320 -target-download
29321 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
29322 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
29323 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
29324 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
29325 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
29326 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
29327 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
29328 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
29329 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
29330 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
29331 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
29332 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
29333 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
29334 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
29335 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
29336 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
29337 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
29338 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
29339 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
29340 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
29341 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
29342 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
29343 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
29344 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
29345 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
29346 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
29347 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
29348 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29349 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29350 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
29351 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
29352 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
29353 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
29354 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
29355 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
29356 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
29357 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
29358 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
29359 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
29360 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
29361 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
29362 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
29363 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
29364 write-rate="429"
29365 (gdb)
29366 @end smallexample
29367
29368
29369 @ignore
29370 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
29371 @findex -target-exec-status
29372
29373 @subsubheading Synopsis
29374
29375 @smallexample
29376 -target-exec-status
29377 @end smallexample
29378
29379 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
29380 not, for instance).
29381
29382 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29383
29384 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29385
29386 @subsubheading Example
29387 N.A.
29388
29389
29390 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
29391 @findex -target-list-available-targets
29392
29393 @subsubheading Synopsis
29394
29395 @smallexample
29396 -target-list-available-targets
29397 @end smallexample
29398
29399 List the possible targets to connect to.
29400
29401 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29402
29403 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
29404
29405 @subsubheading Example
29406 N.A.
29407
29408
29409 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
29410 @findex -target-list-current-targets
29411
29412 @subsubheading Synopsis
29413
29414 @smallexample
29415 -target-list-current-targets
29416 @end smallexample
29417
29418 Describe the current target.
29419
29420 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29421
29422 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
29423 other things).
29424
29425 @subsubheading Example
29426 N.A.
29427
29428
29429 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
29430 @findex -target-list-parameters
29431
29432 @subsubheading Synopsis
29433
29434 @smallexample
29435 -target-list-parameters
29436 @end smallexample
29437
29438 @c ????
29439 @end ignore
29440
29441 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29442
29443 No equivalent.
29444
29445 @subsubheading Example
29446 N.A.
29447
29448
29449 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
29450 @findex -target-select
29451
29452 @subsubheading Synopsis
29453
29454 @smallexample
29455 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
29456 @end smallexample
29457
29458 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
29459
29460 @table @samp
29461 @item @var{type}
29462 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
29463 @item @var{parameters}
29464 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
29465 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
29466 @end table
29467
29468 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
29469 which the target program is, in the following form:
29470
29471 @smallexample
29472 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
29473 args=[@var{arg list}]
29474 @end smallexample
29475
29476 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29477
29478 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
29479
29480 @subsubheading Example
29481
29482 @smallexample
29483 (gdb)
29484 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
29485 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
29486 (gdb)
29487 @end smallexample
29488
29489 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29490 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
29491 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
29492
29493
29494 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
29495 @findex -target-file-put
29496
29497 @subsubheading Synopsis
29498
29499 @smallexample
29500 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
29501 @end smallexample
29502
29503 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
29504 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
29505
29506 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29507
29508 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
29509
29510 @subsubheading Example
29511
29512 @smallexample
29513 (gdb)
29514 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
29515 ^done
29516 (gdb)
29517 @end smallexample
29518
29519
29520 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
29521 @findex -target-file-get
29522
29523 @subsubheading Synopsis
29524
29525 @smallexample
29526 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
29527 @end smallexample
29528
29529 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
29530 on the host system.
29531
29532 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29533
29534 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
29535
29536 @subsubheading Example
29537
29538 @smallexample
29539 (gdb)
29540 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
29541 ^done
29542 (gdb)
29543 @end smallexample
29544
29545
29546 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
29547 @findex -target-file-delete
29548
29549 @subsubheading Synopsis
29550
29551 @smallexample
29552 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
29553 @end smallexample
29554
29555 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
29556
29557 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29558
29559 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
29560
29561 @subsubheading Example
29562
29563 @smallexample
29564 (gdb)
29565 -target-file-delete remotefile
29566 ^done
29567 (gdb)
29568 @end smallexample
29569
29570
29571 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29572 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
29573 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
29574
29575 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
29576
29577 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
29578 @findex -gdb-exit
29579
29580 @subsubheading Synopsis
29581
29582 @smallexample
29583 -gdb-exit
29584 @end smallexample
29585
29586 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
29587
29588 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29589
29590 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
29591
29592 @subsubheading Example
29593
29594 @smallexample
29595 (gdb)
29596 -gdb-exit
29597 ^exit
29598 @end smallexample
29599
29600
29601 @ignore
29602 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
29603 @findex -exec-abort
29604
29605 @subsubheading Synopsis
29606
29607 @smallexample
29608 -exec-abort
29609 @end smallexample
29610
29611 Kill the inferior running program.
29612
29613 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29614
29615 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
29616
29617 @subsubheading Example
29618 N.A.
29619 @end ignore
29620
29621
29622 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
29623 @findex -gdb-set
29624
29625 @subsubheading Synopsis
29626
29627 @smallexample
29628 -gdb-set
29629 @end smallexample
29630
29631 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
29632 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
29633
29634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29635
29636 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
29637
29638 @subsubheading Example
29639
29640 @smallexample
29641 (gdb)
29642 -gdb-set $foo=3
29643 ^done
29644 (gdb)
29645 @end smallexample
29646
29647
29648 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
29649 @findex -gdb-show
29650
29651 @subsubheading Synopsis
29652
29653 @smallexample
29654 -gdb-show
29655 @end smallexample
29656
29657 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
29658
29659 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29660
29661 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
29662
29663 @subsubheading Example
29664
29665 @smallexample
29666 (gdb)
29667 -gdb-show annotate
29668 ^done,value="0"
29669 (gdb)
29670 @end smallexample
29671
29672 @c @subheading -gdb-source
29673
29674
29675 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
29676 @findex -gdb-version
29677
29678 @subsubheading Synopsis
29679
29680 @smallexample
29681 -gdb-version
29682 @end smallexample
29683
29684 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
29685
29686 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29687
29688 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
29689 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
29690
29691 @subsubheading Example
29692
29693 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
29694 @c box in TeX.
29695 @smallexample
29696 (gdb)
29697 -gdb-version
29698 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
29699 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
29700 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
29701 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
29702 ~ certain conditions.
29703 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
29704 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
29705 ~ details.
29706 ~This GDB was configured as
29707 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
29708 ^done
29709 (gdb)
29710 @end smallexample
29711
29712 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
29713 @findex -list-features
29714
29715 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
29716 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
29717 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
29718 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
29719 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
29720 startup.
29721
29722 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
29723 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
29724 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
29725 is given below.
29726
29727 Example output:
29728
29729 @smallexample
29730 (gdb) -list-features
29731 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
29732 @end smallexample
29733
29734 The current list of features is:
29735
29736 @table @samp
29737 @item frozen-varobjs
29738 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
29739 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
29740 of @code{-varobj-create}.
29741 @item pending-breakpoints
29742 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
29743 @item python
29744 Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
29745 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
29746 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
29747 @item thread-info
29748 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
29749 @item data-read-memory-bytes
29750 Indicates presense of the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
29751 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
29752
29753 @end table
29754
29755 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
29756 @findex -list-target-features
29757
29758 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
29759 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
29760 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
29761 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
29762 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
29763 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
29764 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
29765 Example output:
29766
29767 @smallexample
29768 (gdb) -list-features
29769 ^done,result=["async"]
29770 @end smallexample
29771
29772 The current list of features is:
29773
29774 @table @samp
29775 @item async
29776 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
29777 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
29778 while the target is running.
29779
29780 @item reverse
29781 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
29782 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
29783
29784 @end table
29785
29786 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
29787 @findex -list-thread-groups
29788
29789 @subheading Synopsis
29790
29791 @smallexample
29792 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
29793 @end smallexample
29794
29795 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
29796 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
29797 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
29798 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
29799 top-level thread groups.
29800
29801 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
29802 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
29803 available on the target.
29804
29805 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
29806 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
29807 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
29808 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
29809 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
29810 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
29811 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
29812 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
29813
29814 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
29815 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
29816 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
29817 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
29818 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
29819 @samp{threads} field.
29820
29821 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
29822 the following caveats:
29823
29824 @itemize @bullet
29825 @item
29826 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
29827 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
29828 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
29829
29830 @item
29831 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
29832 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
29833 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
29834 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
29835 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
29836 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
29837
29838 @end itemize
29839
29840 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
29841 have the following fields:
29842
29843 @table @code
29844 @item id
29845 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
29846 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
29847 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
29848
29849 @item type
29850 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
29851 valid type.
29852
29853 @item pid
29854 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
29855 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
29856
29857 @item num_children
29858 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
29859 absent for an available thread group.
29860
29861 @item threads
29862 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
29863 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
29864 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
29865
29866 @item cores
29867 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
29868 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
29869 such information is not available.
29870
29871 @item executable
29872 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
29873 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
29874 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
29875
29876 @end table
29877
29878 @subheading Example
29879
29880 @smallexample
29881 @value{GDBP}
29882 -list-thread-groups
29883 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
29884 -list-thread-groups 17
29885 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
29886 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
29887 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
29888 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
29889 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
29890 -list-thread-groups --available
29891 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
29892 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
29893 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
29894 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
29895 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
29896 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
29897 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
29898 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
29899 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
29900 @end smallexample
29901
29902
29903 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
29904 @findex -add-inferior
29905
29906 @subheading Synopsis
29907
29908 @smallexample
29909 -add-inferior
29910 @end smallexample
29911
29912 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
29913 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
29914 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
29915 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
29916 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
29917 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
29918
29919 @subheading Example
29920
29921 @smallexample
29922 @value{GDBP}
29923 -add-inferior
29924 ^done,thread-group="i3"
29925 @end smallexample
29926
29927 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
29928 @findex -interpreter-exec
29929
29930 @subheading Synopsis
29931
29932 @smallexample
29933 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
29934 @end smallexample
29935 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
29936
29937 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
29938
29939 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
29940
29941 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
29942
29943 @subheading Example
29944
29945 @smallexample
29946 (gdb)
29947 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
29948 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
29949 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
29950 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
29951 ^done
29952 (gdb)
29953 @end smallexample
29954
29955 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
29956 @findex -inferior-tty-set
29957
29958 @subheading Synopsis
29959
29960 @smallexample
29961 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
29962 @end smallexample
29963
29964 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
29965
29966 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
29967
29968 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
29969
29970 @subheading Example
29971
29972 @smallexample
29973 (gdb)
29974 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
29975 ^done
29976 (gdb)
29977 @end smallexample
29978
29979 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
29980 @findex -inferior-tty-show
29981
29982 @subheading Synopsis
29983
29984 @smallexample
29985 -inferior-tty-show
29986 @end smallexample
29987
29988 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
29989
29990 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
29991
29992 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
29993
29994 @subheading Example
29995
29996 @smallexample
29997 (gdb)
29998 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
29999 ^done
30000 (gdb)
30001 -inferior-tty-show
30002 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
30003 (gdb)
30004 @end smallexample
30005
30006 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
30007 @findex -enable-timings
30008
30009 @subheading Synopsis
30010
30011 @smallexample
30012 -enable-timings [yes | no]
30013 @end smallexample
30014
30015 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
30016 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
30017 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
30018 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
30019
30020 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30021
30022 No equivalent.
30023
30024 @subheading Example
30025
30026 @smallexample
30027 (gdb)
30028 -enable-timings
30029 ^done
30030 (gdb)
30031 -break-insert main
30032 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30033 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
30034 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
30035 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
30036 (gdb)
30037 -enable-timings no
30038 ^done
30039 (gdb)
30040 -exec-run
30041 ^running
30042 (gdb)
30043 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
30044 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
30045 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
30046 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
30047 (gdb)
30048 @end smallexample
30049
30050 @node Annotations
30051 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
30052
30053 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
30054 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
30055 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
30056 relatively high level.
30057
30058 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
30059 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
30060
30061 @ignore
30062 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
30063 @end ignore
30064
30065 @menu
30066 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
30067 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
30068 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
30069 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
30070 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
30071 * Annotations for Running::
30072 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
30073 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
30074 @end menu
30075
30076 @node Annotations Overview
30077 @section What is an Annotation?
30078 @cindex annotations
30079
30080 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
30081 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
30082 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
30083 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
30084 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
30085 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
30086 cannot contain newline characters.
30087
30088 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
30089 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
30090 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
30091 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
30092 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
30093 means those three characters as output.
30094
30095 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
30096 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
30097 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
30098 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
30099 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
30100 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
30101 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
30102 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
30103 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
30104
30105 @table @code
30106 @kindex set annotate
30107 @item set annotate @var{level}
30108 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
30109 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
30110
30111 @item show annotate
30112 @kindex show annotate
30113 Show the current annotation level.
30114 @end table
30115
30116 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
30117
30118 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
30119
30120 @smallexample
30121 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
30122 GNU gdb 6.0
30123 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
30124 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
30125 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
30126 under certain conditions.
30127 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
30128 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
30129 for details.
30130 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
30131
30132 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
30133 (@value{GDBP})
30134 ^Z^Zprompt
30135 @kbd{quit}
30136
30137 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
30138 $
30139 @end smallexample
30140
30141 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
30142 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
30143 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
30144 output from @value{GDBN}.
30145
30146 @node Server Prefix
30147 @section The Server Prefix
30148 @cindex server prefix
30149
30150 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
30151 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
30152 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
30153 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
30154 a transparent manner.
30155
30156 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
30157 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
30158 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
30159 @code{print} command.
30160
30161 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
30162 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
30163
30164 @node Prompting
30165 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
30166
30167 @cindex annotations for prompts
30168 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
30169 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
30170 over, etc.
30171
30172 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
30173 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
30174 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
30175 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
30176 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
30177 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
30178 features the following annotations:
30179
30180 @smallexample
30181 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
30182 ^Z^Zprompt
30183 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
30184 @end smallexample
30185
30186 The input types are
30187
30188 @table @code
30189 @findex pre-prompt annotation
30190 @findex prompt annotation
30191 @findex post-prompt annotation
30192 @item prompt
30193 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
30194
30195 @findex pre-commands annotation
30196 @findex commands annotation
30197 @findex post-commands annotation
30198 @item commands
30199 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
30200 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
30201
30202 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
30203 @findex overload-choice annotation
30204 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
30205 @item overload-choice
30206 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
30207
30208 @findex pre-query annotation
30209 @findex query annotation
30210 @findex post-query annotation
30211 @item query
30212 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
30213
30214 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
30215 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
30216 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
30217 @item prompt-for-continue
30218 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
30219 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
30220 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
30221 presence of annotations.
30222 @end table
30223
30224 @node Errors
30225 @section Errors
30226 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
30227
30228 @findex quit annotation
30229 @smallexample
30230 ^Z^Zquit
30231 @end smallexample
30232
30233 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
30234
30235 @findex error annotation
30236 @smallexample
30237 ^Z^Zerror
30238 @end smallexample
30239
30240 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
30241
30242 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
30243 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
30244 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
30245 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
30246 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
30247 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
30248 to the top level.
30249
30250 @findex error-begin annotation
30251 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
30252
30253 @smallexample
30254 ^Z^Zerror-begin
30255 @end smallexample
30256
30257 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
30258 message.
30259
30260 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
30261 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
30262 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
30263
30264 @node Invalidation
30265 @section Invalidation Notices
30266
30267 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
30268 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
30269 changed.
30270
30271 @table @code
30272 @findex frames-invalid annotation
30273 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
30274
30275 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
30276 have changed.
30277
30278 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
30279 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
30280
30281 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
30282 deleted a breakpoint.
30283 @end table
30284
30285 @node Annotations for Running
30286 @section Running the Program
30287 @cindex annotations for running programs
30288
30289 @findex starting annotation
30290 @findex stopping annotation
30291 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
30292 @code{step} or @code{continue},
30293
30294 @smallexample
30295 ^Z^Zstarting
30296 @end smallexample
30297
30298 is output. When the program stops,
30299
30300 @smallexample
30301 ^Z^Zstopped
30302 @end smallexample
30303
30304 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
30305 annotations describe how the program stopped.
30306
30307 @table @code
30308 @findex exited annotation
30309 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
30310 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
30311 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
30312
30313 @findex signalled annotation
30314 @findex signal-name annotation
30315 @findex signal-name-end annotation
30316 @findex signal-string annotation
30317 @findex signal-string-end annotation
30318 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
30319 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
30320 annotation continues:
30321
30322 @smallexample
30323 @var{intro-text}
30324 ^Z^Zsignal-name
30325 @var{name}
30326 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
30327 @var{middle-text}
30328 ^Z^Zsignal-string
30329 @var{string}
30330 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
30331 @var{end-text}
30332 @end smallexample
30333
30334 @noindent
30335 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
30336 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
30337 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
30338 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
30339 user's benefit and have no particular format.
30340
30341 @findex signal annotation
30342 @item ^Z^Zsignal
30343 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
30344 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
30345 terminated with it.
30346
30347 @findex breakpoint annotation
30348 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
30349 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
30350
30351 @findex watchpoint annotation
30352 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
30353 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
30354 @end table
30355
30356 @node Source Annotations
30357 @section Displaying Source
30358 @cindex annotations for source display
30359
30360 @findex source annotation
30361 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
30362
30363 @smallexample
30364 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
30365 @end smallexample
30366
30367 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
30368 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
30369 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
30370 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
30371 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
30372 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
30373 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
30374 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
30375 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
30376 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
30377 depend on the language).
30378
30379 @node JIT Interface
30380 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
30381 @cindex just-in-time compilation
30382 @cindex JIT compilation interface
30383
30384 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
30385 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
30386 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
30387 performance while maintaining platform independence.
30388
30389 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
30390 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
30391 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
30392 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
30393 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
30394 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
30395
30396 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
30397 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
30398 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
30399 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
30400 LLVM JIT.
30401
30402 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
30403 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
30404 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
30405 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
30406 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
30407 out about additional code.
30408
30409 @menu
30410 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
30411 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
30412 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
30413 @end menu
30414
30415 @node Declarations
30416 @section JIT Declarations
30417
30418 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
30419 implement the interface:
30420
30421 @smallexample
30422 typedef enum
30423 @{
30424 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
30425 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
30426 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
30427 @} jit_actions_t;
30428
30429 struct jit_code_entry
30430 @{
30431 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
30432 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
30433 const char *symfile_addr;
30434 uint64_t symfile_size;
30435 @};
30436
30437 struct jit_descriptor
30438 @{
30439 uint32_t version;
30440 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
30441 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
30442 uint32_t action_flag;
30443 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
30444 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
30445 @};
30446
30447 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
30448 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
30449
30450 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
30451 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
30452 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
30453 @end smallexample
30454
30455 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
30456 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
30457 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
30458
30459 @node Registering Code
30460 @section Registering Code
30461
30462 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
30463
30464 @itemize @bullet
30465 @item
30466 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
30467 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
30468
30469 @item
30470 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
30471 file.
30472
30473 @item
30474 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
30475
30476 @item
30477 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
30478
30479 @item
30480 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
30481 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30482 @end itemize
30483
30484 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
30485 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
30486 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
30487 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
30488
30489 @node Unregistering Code
30490 @section Unregistering Code
30491
30492 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
30493
30494 @itemize @bullet
30495 @item
30496 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
30497
30498 @item
30499 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
30500
30501 @item
30502 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
30503 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30504 @end itemize
30505
30506 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
30507 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
30508
30509 @node GDB Bugs
30510 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
30511 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
30512 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
30513
30514 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
30515
30516 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
30517 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
30518 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
30519 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
30520
30521 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
30522 information that enables us to fix the bug.
30523
30524 @menu
30525 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
30526 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
30527 @end menu
30528
30529 @node Bug Criteria
30530 @section Have You Found a Bug?
30531 @cindex bug criteria
30532
30533 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
30534
30535 @itemize @bullet
30536 @cindex fatal signal
30537 @cindex debugger crash
30538 @cindex crash of debugger
30539 @item
30540 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
30541 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
30542
30543 @cindex error on valid input
30544 @item
30545 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
30546 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
30547 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
30548
30549 @cindex invalid input
30550 @item
30551 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
30552 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
30553 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
30554 for traditional practice''.
30555
30556 @item
30557 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
30558 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
30559 @end itemize
30560
30561 @node Bug Reporting
30562 @section How to Report Bugs
30563 @cindex bug reports
30564 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
30565
30566 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
30567 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
30568 contact that organization first.
30569
30570 You can find contact information for many support companies and
30571 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
30572 distribution.
30573 @c should add a web page ref...
30574
30575 @ifset BUGURL
30576 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
30577 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30578 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
30579 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
30580 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
30581 be used.
30582
30583 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
30584 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
30585 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
30586 @samp{bug-gdb}.
30587
30588 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
30589 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
30590 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
30591 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
30592 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
30593 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
30594 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
30595 bug reports to the mailing list.
30596 @end ifset
30597 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
30598 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30599 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
30600 @end ifclear
30601 @end ifset
30602
30603 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
30604 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
30605 fact or leave it out, state it!
30606
30607 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
30608 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
30609 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
30610 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
30611 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
30612 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
30613 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
30614 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
30615 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
30616
30617 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
30618 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
30619 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
30620 self-contained.
30621
30622 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
30623 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
30624 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
30625 bugs properly.
30626
30627 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
30628
30629 @itemize @bullet
30630 @item
30631 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
30632 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
30633 version}.
30634
30635 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
30636 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
30637
30638 @item
30639 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
30640 version number.
30641
30642 @item
30643 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
30644 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
30645
30646 @item
30647 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
30648 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
30649 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
30650 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
30651 those compilers.
30652
30653 @item
30654 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
30655 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
30656 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
30657 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
30658
30659 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
30660 and then we might not encounter the bug.
30661
30662 @item
30663 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
30664 reproduce the bug.
30665
30666 @item
30667 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
30668 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
30669
30670 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
30671 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
30672 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
30673 a chance to make a mistake.
30674
30675 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
30676 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
30677 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
30678 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
30679 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
30680 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
30681 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
30682 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
30683
30684 @pindex script
30685 @cindex recording a session script
30686 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
30687 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
30688 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
30689 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
30690
30691 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
30692 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
30693
30694 @item
30695 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
30696 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
30697 it by context, not by line number.
30698
30699 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
30700 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
30701
30702 @end itemize
30703
30704 Here are some things that are not necessary:
30705
30706 @itemize @bullet
30707 @item
30708 A description of the envelope of the bug.
30709
30710 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
30711 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
30712 changes will not affect it.
30713
30714 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
30715 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
30716 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
30717 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
30718
30719 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
30720 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
30721 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
30722 less time, and so on.
30723
30724 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
30725 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
30726
30727 @item
30728 A patch for the bug.
30729
30730 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
30731 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
30732 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
30733 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
30734
30735 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
30736 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
30737 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
30738 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
30739
30740 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
30741 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
30742 help us to understand.
30743
30744 @item
30745 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
30746
30747 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
30748 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
30749 @end itemize
30750
30751 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
30752 @c and consists of the two following files:
30753 @c rluser.texinfo
30754 @c inc-hist.texinfo
30755 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
30756 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
30757 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
30758 @include rluser.texi
30759 @include inc-hist.texinfo
30760 @end ifclear
30761
30762
30763 @node Formatting Documentation
30764 @appendix Formatting Documentation
30765
30766 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
30767 @cindex reference card
30768 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
30769 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
30770 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
30771 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
30772 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
30773 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
30774
30775 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
30776 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
30777
30778 @smallexample
30779 make refcard.dvi
30780 @end smallexample
30781
30782 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
30783 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
30784 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
30785 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
30786 your @sc{dvi} output program.
30787
30788 @cindex documentation
30789
30790 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
30791 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
30792 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
30793 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
30794 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
30795 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
30796
30797 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
30798 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
30799 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
30800 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
30801 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
30802 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
30803 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
30804 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
30805
30806 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
30807 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
30808 @code{makeinfo}.
30809
30810 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
30811 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
30812 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
30813
30814 @smallexample
30815 cd gdb
30816 make gdb.info
30817 @end smallexample
30818
30819 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
30820 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
30821 Texinfo definitions file.
30822
30823 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
30824 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
30825 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
30826 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
30827 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
30828 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
30829 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
30830
30831 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
30832 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
30833 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
30834 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
30835 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
30836 directory.
30837
30838 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
30839 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
30840 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
30841 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
30842
30843 @smallexample
30844 make gdb.dvi
30845 @end smallexample
30846
30847 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
30848
30849 @node Installing GDB
30850 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
30851 @cindex installation
30852
30853 @menu
30854 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
30855 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
30856 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
30857 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
30858 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
30859 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
30860 @end menu
30861
30862 @node Requirements
30863 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
30864 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
30865
30866 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
30867 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
30868
30869 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
30870 @table @asis
30871 @item ISO C90 compiler
30872 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
30873 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
30874
30875 @end table
30876
30877 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
30878 @table @asis
30879 @item Expat
30880 @anchor{Expat}
30881 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
30882 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
30883 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
30884 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
30885 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
30886 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
30887
30888 Expat is used for:
30889
30890 @itemize @bullet
30891 @item
30892 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
30893 @item
30894 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
30895 @item
30896 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
30897 @item
30898 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
30899 @item
30900 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
30901 @end itemize
30902
30903 @item zlib
30904 @cindex compressed debug sections
30905 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
30906 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
30907 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
30908 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
30909 information in such binaries.
30910
30911 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
30912 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
30913 @url{http://zlib.net}.
30914
30915 @item iconv
30916 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
30917 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
30918 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
30919 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
30920
30921 On systems with @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
30922 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
30923 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
30924
30925 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
30926 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
30927 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
30928 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
30929 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
30930 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
30931 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
30932 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
30933 @end table
30934
30935 @node Running Configure
30936 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
30937 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
30938 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
30939 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
30940 build the @code{gdb} program.
30941 @iftex
30942 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
30943 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
30944 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
30945 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
30946 @end iftex
30947
30948 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
30949 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
30950 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
30951
30952 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
30953 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
30954
30955 @table @code
30956 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
30957 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
30958
30959 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
30960 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
30961
30962 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
30963 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
30964
30965 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
30966 @sc{gnu} include files
30967
30968 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
30969 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
30970
30971 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
30972 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
30973
30974 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
30975 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
30976
30977 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
30978 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
30979
30980 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
30981 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
30982 @end table
30983
30984 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
30985 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
30986 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
30987
30988 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
30989 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
30990 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
30991 argument.
30992
30993 For example:
30994
30995 @smallexample
30996 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
30997 ./configure @var{host}
30998 make
30999 @end smallexample
31000
31001 @noindent
31002 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
31003 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
31004 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
31005 correct value by examining your system.)
31006
31007 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
31008 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
31009 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
31010 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
31011
31012 @need 750
31013 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
31014 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
31015 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
31016
31017 @smallexample
31018 sh configure @var{host}
31019 @end smallexample
31020
31021 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
31022 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
31023 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
31024 @file{configure}
31025 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
31026 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
31027
31028 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
31029 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
31030 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
31031 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
31032 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
31033 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
31034 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
31035 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
31036 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
31037
31038 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
31039 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
31040 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
31041 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
31042 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
31043
31044 @node Separate Objdir
31045 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
31046
31047 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
31048 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
31049 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
31050 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
31051 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
31052 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
31053 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
31054 program specified there.
31055
31056 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
31057 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
31058 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
31059 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
31060 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
31061 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
31062
31063 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
31064 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
31065
31066 @smallexample
31067 @group
31068 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
31069 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
31070 cd ../gdb-sun4
31071 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
31072 make
31073 @end group
31074 @end smallexample
31075
31076 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
31077 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
31078 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
31079 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
31080 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
31081 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
31082
31083 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
31084 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
31085 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
31086 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
31087 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
31088
31089 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
31090 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
31091 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
31092 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
31093 You specify a cross-debugging target by
31094 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
31095
31096 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
31097 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
31098 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
31099
31100 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
31101 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
31102 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
31103 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
31104 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
31105
31106 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
31107 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
31108 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
31109 with each other.
31110
31111 @node Config Names
31112 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
31113
31114 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
31115 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
31116 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
31117 of information in the following pattern:
31118
31119 @smallexample
31120 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
31121 @end smallexample
31122
31123 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
31124 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
31125 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
31126
31127 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
31128 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
31129 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
31130 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
31131 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
31132 abbreviations---for example:
31133
31134 @smallexample
31135 % sh config.sub i386-linux
31136 i386-pc-linux-gnu
31137 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
31138 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
31139 % sh config.sub hp9k700
31140 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
31141 % sh config.sub sun4
31142 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
31143 % sh config.sub sun3
31144 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
31145 % sh config.sub i986v
31146 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
31147 @end smallexample
31148
31149 @noindent
31150 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
31151 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
31152
31153 @node Configure Options
31154 @section @file{configure} Options
31155
31156 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
31157 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
31158 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
31159 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
31160
31161 @smallexample
31162 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
31163 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
31164 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
31165 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
31166 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
31167 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
31168 @var{host}
31169 @end smallexample
31170
31171 @noindent
31172 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
31173 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
31174 @samp{--}.
31175
31176 @table @code
31177 @item --help
31178 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
31179
31180 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
31181 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
31182 @file{@var{dir}}.
31183
31184 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
31185 Configure the source to install programs under directory
31186 @file{@var{dir}}.
31187
31188 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
31189 @need 2000
31190 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
31191 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
31192 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
31193 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
31194 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
31195 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
31196 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
31197 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
31198 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
31199 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
31200 @var{dirname}.
31201
31202 @item --norecursion
31203 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
31204 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
31205
31206 @item --target=@var{target}
31207 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
31208 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
31209 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
31210
31211 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
31212
31213 @item @var{host} @dots{}
31214 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
31215
31216 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
31217 @end table
31218
31219 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
31220 needed for special purposes only.
31221
31222 @node System-wide configuration
31223 @section System-wide configuration and settings
31224 @cindex system-wide init file
31225
31226 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
31227 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
31228 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
31229
31230 Here is the corresponding configure option:
31231
31232 @table @code
31233 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
31234 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
31235 @var{file}.
31236 @end table
31237
31238 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
31239 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
31240
31241 @itemize @bullet
31242 @item
31243 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
31244 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
31245 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
31246 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
31247 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
31248 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
31249
31250 @item
31251 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
31252 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
31253 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31254 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31255 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
31256 @end itemize
31257
31258 @node Maintenance Commands
31259 @appendix Maintenance Commands
31260 @cindex maintenance commands
31261 @cindex internal commands
31262
31263 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
31264 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
31265 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
31266 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
31267 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
31268
31269 @table @code
31270 @kindex maint agent
31271 @kindex maint agent-eval
31272 @item maint agent @var{expression}
31273 @itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
31274 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
31275 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
31276 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
31277 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
31278 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
31279 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
31280 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
31281 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
31282 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
31283 addition and return the sum.
31284
31285 @kindex maint info breakpoints
31286 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
31287 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
31288 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
31289 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
31290 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
31291 is shown:
31292
31293 @table @code
31294 @item breakpoint
31295 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
31296
31297 @item watchpoint
31298 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
31299
31300 @item longjmp
31301 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
31302 @code{longjmp} calls.
31303
31304 @item longjmp resume
31305 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
31306
31307 @item until
31308 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
31309
31310 @item finish
31311 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
31312
31313 @item shlib events
31314 Shared library events.
31315
31316 @end table
31317
31318 @kindex set displaced-stepping
31319 @kindex show displaced-stepping
31320 @cindex displaced stepping support
31321 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
31322 @item set displaced-stepping
31323 @itemx show displaced-stepping
31324 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
31325 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
31326 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
31327 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
31328 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
31329
31330 @table @code
31331 @item set displaced-stepping on
31332 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
31333 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
31334
31335 @item set displaced-stepping off
31336 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
31337 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
31338
31339 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
31340 @item set displaced-stepping auto
31341 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
31342 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
31343 architecture supports displaced stepping.
31344 @end table
31345
31346 @kindex maint check-symtabs
31347 @item maint check-symtabs
31348 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
31349
31350 @kindex maint cplus first_component
31351 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
31352 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
31353
31354 @kindex maint cplus namespace
31355 @item maint cplus namespace
31356 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
31357
31358 @kindex maint demangle
31359 @item maint demangle @var{name}
31360 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
31361
31362 @kindex maint deprecate
31363 @kindex maint undeprecate
31364 @cindex deprecated commands
31365 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
31366 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
31367 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
31368 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
31369 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
31370 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
31371 the replacement as part of the warning.
31372
31373 @kindex maint dump-me
31374 @item maint dump-me
31375 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
31376 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
31377 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
31378 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
31379
31380 @kindex maint internal-error
31381 @kindex maint internal-warning
31382 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31383 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31384 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
31385 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
31386 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
31387 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
31388 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
31389 @value{GDBN} session.
31390
31391 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
31392 used as the text of the error or warning message.
31393
31394 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
31395
31396 @smallexample
31397 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
31398 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
31399 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
31400 debugging may prove unreliable.
31401 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31402 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31403 (@value{GDBP})
31404 @end smallexample
31405
31406 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
31407 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
31408
31409 @kindex maint set internal-error
31410 @kindex maint show internal-error
31411 @kindex maint set internal-warning
31412 @kindex maint show internal-warning
31413 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31414 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
31415 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31416 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
31417 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
31418 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
31419 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
31420 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
31421 described in the table below.
31422
31423 @table @samp
31424 @item quit
31425 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31426 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31427
31428 @item corefile
31429 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31430 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31431 @end table
31432
31433 @kindex maint packet
31434 @item maint packet @var{text}
31435 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
31436 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
31437 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
31438 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
31439 checksum.
31440
31441 @kindex maint print architecture
31442 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31443 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
31444 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
31445
31446 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
31447 @item maint print c-tdesc
31448 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
31449 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
31450 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
31451
31452 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
31453 @item maint print dummy-frames
31454 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
31455
31456 @smallexample
31457 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
31458 @dots{}
31459 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
31460 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
31461 58 return (a + b);
31462 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
31463 @dots{}
31464 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
31465 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
31466 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
31467 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
31468 (@value{GDBP})
31469 @end smallexample
31470
31471 Takes an optional file parameter.
31472
31473 @kindex maint print registers
31474 @kindex maint print raw-registers
31475 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
31476 @kindex maint print register-groups
31477 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31478 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31479 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31480 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31481 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
31482
31483 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
31484 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
31485 includes the (cooked) value of all registers, including registers which
31486 aren't available on the target nor visible to user; and the
31487 command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
31488 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
31489 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
31490
31491 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
31492 write the information.
31493
31494 @kindex maint print reggroups
31495 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31496 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
31497 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
31498 information.
31499
31500 The register groups info looks like this:
31501
31502 @smallexample
31503 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
31504 Group Type
31505 general user
31506 float user
31507 all user
31508 vector user
31509 system user
31510 save internal
31511 restore internal
31512 @end smallexample
31513
31514 @kindex flushregs
31515 @item flushregs
31516 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
31517
31518 @kindex maint print objfiles
31519 @cindex info for known object files
31520 @item maint print objfiles
31521 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
31522 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
31523 and symtabs.
31524
31525 @kindex maint print section-scripts
31526 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
31527 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
31528 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
31529 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
31530 matching @var{regexp}.
31531 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
31532 and the full path if known.
31533 @xref{.debug_gdb_scripts section}.
31534
31535 @kindex maint print statistics
31536 @cindex bcache statistics
31537 @item maint print statistics
31538 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
31539 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
31540 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
31541 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
31542 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
31543 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
31544 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
31545 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
31546 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
31547 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
31548 lengths.
31549
31550 @kindex maint print target-stack
31551 @cindex target stack description
31552 @item maint print target-stack
31553 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
31554 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
31555 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
31556 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
31557 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
31558 address.
31559
31560 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
31561 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
31562
31563 @kindex maint print type
31564 @cindex type chain of a data type
31565 @item maint print type @var{expr}
31566 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
31567 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
31568 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
31569 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
31570 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
31571
31572 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31573 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31574 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31575 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31576 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
31577 information.
31578
31579 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
31580 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
31581 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
31582 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
31583 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
31584 always see the disassembly form.
31585
31586 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
31587
31588 @smallexample
31589 (gdb) info addr argc
31590 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
31591 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
31592 @end smallexample
31593
31594 For more information on these expressions, see
31595 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
31596
31597 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31598 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31599 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31600 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31601 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
31602
31603 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
31604 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
31605 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
31606 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
31607 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
31608 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
31609 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
31610 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
31611 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
31612
31613 @kindex maint set profile
31614 @kindex maint show profile
31615 @cindex profiling GDB
31616 @item maint set profile
31617 @itemx maint show profile
31618 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
31619
31620 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
31621 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
31622 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
31623 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
31624 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
31625 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
31626 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
31627
31628 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
31629 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
31630
31631 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
31632 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
31633 @cindex hardware debug registers
31634 @item maint set show-debug-regs
31635 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
31636 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
31637 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
31638 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
31639 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
31640 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
31641
31642 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
31643 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
31644 @item maint set show-all-tib
31645 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
31646 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
31647 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
31648 command.
31649
31650 @kindex maint space
31651 @cindex memory used by commands
31652 @item maint space
31653 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
31654 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
31655 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
31656 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
31657 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
31658
31659 @kindex maint time
31660 @cindex time of command execution
31661 @item maint time
31662 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
31663 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
31664 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
31665 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
31666 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
31667 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
31668 it's not possibly currently
31669 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
31670 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
31671
31672 @kindex maint translate-address
31673 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
31674 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
31675 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
31676 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
31677 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
31678 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
31679 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
31680
31681 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
31682 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
31683 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
31684
31685 @end table
31686
31687 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
31688 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
31689
31690 @table @code
31691 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
31692 @kindex set watchdog
31693 @cindex watchdog timer
31694 @cindex timeout for commands
31695 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
31696 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
31697 reports and error and the command is aborted.
31698
31699 @item show watchdog
31700 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
31701 @end table
31702
31703 @node Remote Protocol
31704 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
31705
31706 @menu
31707 * Overview::
31708 * Packets::
31709 * Stop Reply Packets::
31710 * General Query Packets::
31711 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
31712 * Tracepoint Packets::
31713 * Host I/O Packets::
31714 * Interrupts::
31715 * Notification Packets::
31716 * Remote Non-Stop::
31717 * Packet Acknowledgment::
31718 * Examples::
31719 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
31720 * Library List Format::
31721 * Memory Map Format::
31722 * Thread List Format::
31723 * Traceframe Info Format::
31724 @end menu
31725
31726 @node Overview
31727 @section Overview
31728
31729 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
31730 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
31731 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
31732 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
31733
31734 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
31735 transmitted and received data, respectively.
31736
31737 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
31738 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
31739 @cindex remote serial protocol
31740 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
31741 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
31742 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
31743 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
31744 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
31745
31746 @smallexample
31747 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
31748 @end smallexample
31749 @noindent
31750
31751 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
31752 @noindent
31753 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
31754 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
31755 eight bit unsigned checksum).
31756
31757 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
31758 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
31759
31760 @smallexample
31761 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
31762 @end smallexample
31763
31764 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
31765 @noindent
31766 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
31767 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
31768 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
31769
31770 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
31771 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
31772 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
31773 retransmission):
31774
31775 @smallexample
31776 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
31777 <- @code{+}
31778 @end smallexample
31779 @noindent
31780
31781 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
31782 once a connection is established.
31783 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
31784
31785 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
31786 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
31787 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
31788 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
31789 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
31790 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
31791 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
31792
31793 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
31794 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
31795 exceptions).
31796
31797 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
31798 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
31799 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
31800 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
31801
31802 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
31803 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
31804 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
31805
31806 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
31807 @anchor{Binary Data}
31808 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
31809 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
31810 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
31811 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
31812 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
31813 binary data.
31814
31815 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
31816 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
31817 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
31818 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
31819 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
31820 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
31821 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
31822 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
31823 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
31824 (described next).
31825
31826 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
31827 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
31828 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
31829 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
31830 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
31831 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
31832 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
31833 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
31834 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
31835 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
31836 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
31837 3}} more times.
31838
31839 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
31840 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
31841 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
31842 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
31843 @samp{0*"00}.
31844
31845 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
31846 error number. That number is not well defined.
31847
31848 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
31849 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
31850 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
31851 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
31852 on that response.
31853
31854 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
31855 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
31856 optional.
31857
31858 @node Packets
31859 @section Packets
31860
31861 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
31862 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
31863 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
31864 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
31865
31866 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
31867 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
31868 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
31869 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
31870 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
31871 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
31872 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
31873 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
31874 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
31875 @var{baz}.
31876
31877 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
31878 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
31879 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
31880 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
31881 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
31882 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
31883 pick any thread.
31884
31885 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
31886 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
31887 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
31888 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
31889 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
31890 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
31891 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
31892 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
31893 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
31894 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
31895 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
31896 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
31897 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
31898
31899 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
31900 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
31901 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
31902 more information.
31903
31904 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
31905 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
31906
31907 Here are the packet descriptions.
31908
31909 @table @samp
31910
31911 @item !
31912 @cindex @samp{!} packet
31913 @anchor{extended mode}
31914 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
31915 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
31916 debugged.
31917
31918 Reply:
31919 @table @samp
31920 @item OK
31921 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
31922 @end table
31923
31924 @item ?
31925 @cindex @samp{?} packet
31926 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
31927 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
31928 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
31929
31930 Reply:
31931 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31932
31933 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
31934 @cindex @samp{A} packet
31935 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
31936 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
31937 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
31938
31939 Reply:
31940 @table @samp
31941 @item OK
31942 The arguments were set.
31943 @item E @var{NN}
31944 An error occurred.
31945 @end table
31946
31947 @item b @var{baud}
31948 @cindex @samp{b} packet
31949 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
31950 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
31951
31952 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
31953 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
31954 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
31955
31956 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
31957 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
31958 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
31959 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
31960 of view, nothing actually happened.}
31961
31962 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
31963 @cindex @samp{B} packet
31964 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
31965 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
31966
31967 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
31968 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
31969
31970 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
31971 @anchor{bc}
31972 @item bc
31973 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
31974 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
31975
31976 Reply:
31977 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31978
31979 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
31980 @anchor{bs}
31981 @item bs
31982 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
31983 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
31984
31985 Reply:
31986 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31987
31988 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
31989 @cindex @samp{c} packet
31990 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
31991 resume at current address.
31992
31993 Reply:
31994 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31995
31996 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
31997 @cindex @samp{C} packet
31998 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
31999 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
32000
32001 Reply:
32002 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32003
32004 @item d
32005 @cindex @samp{d} packet
32006 Toggle debug flag.
32007
32008 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
32009 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
32010
32011 @item D
32012 @itemx D;@var{pid}
32013 @cindex @samp{D} packet
32014 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
32015 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
32016 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
32017
32018 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
32019 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
32020 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
32021 big-endian hex string.
32022
32023 Reply:
32024 @table @samp
32025 @item OK
32026 for success
32027 @item E @var{NN}
32028 for an error
32029 @end table
32030
32031 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
32032 @cindex @samp{F} packet
32033 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
32034 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
32035 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
32036
32037 @item g
32038 @anchor{read registers packet}
32039 @cindex @samp{g} packet
32040 Read general registers.
32041
32042 Reply:
32043 @table @samp
32044 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
32045 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
32046 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
32047 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
32048 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
32049 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
32050 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
32051
32052 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
32053 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
32054 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
32055 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
32056 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
32057 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
32058 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
32059 have been collected, and both have zero value:
32060
32061 @smallexample
32062 -> @code{g}
32063 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
32064 @end smallexample
32065
32066 @item E @var{NN}
32067 for an error.
32068 @end table
32069
32070 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
32071 @cindex @samp{G} packet
32072 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
32073 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
32074
32075 Reply:
32076 @table @samp
32077 @item OK
32078 for success
32079 @item E @var{NN}
32080 for an error
32081 @end table
32082
32083 @item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
32084 @cindex @samp{H} packet
32085 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
32086 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
32087 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
32088 operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
32089 interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32090
32091 Reply:
32092 @table @samp
32093 @item OK
32094 for success
32095 @item E @var{NN}
32096 for an error
32097 @end table
32098
32099 @c FIXME: JTC:
32100 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
32101 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
32102 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
32103 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
32104 @c described. For example:
32105 @c
32106 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
32107 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
32108 @c otherwise returns current registers.
32109 @c
32110 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
32111 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
32112 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
32113
32114 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
32115 @anchor{cycle step packet}
32116 @cindex @samp{i} packet
32117 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
32118 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
32119 step starting at that address.
32120
32121 @item I
32122 @cindex @samp{I} packet
32123 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
32124 step packet}.
32125
32126 @item k
32127 @cindex @samp{k} packet
32128 Kill request.
32129
32130 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
32131 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
32132 thread?)}.
32133
32134 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
32135 @cindex @samp{m} packet
32136 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
32137 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
32138
32139 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
32140 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
32141 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
32142 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
32143 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
32144 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
32145 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
32146 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
32147
32148 Reply:
32149 @table @samp
32150 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
32151 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
32152 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
32153 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
32154 @item E @var{NN}
32155 @var{NN} is errno
32156 @end table
32157
32158 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32159 @cindex @samp{M} packet
32160 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
32161 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
32162 hexadecimal number.
32163
32164 Reply:
32165 @table @samp
32166 @item OK
32167 for success
32168 @item E @var{NN}
32169 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
32170 written).
32171 @end table
32172
32173 @item p @var{n}
32174 @cindex @samp{p} packet
32175 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
32176 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
32177 register value is encoded.
32178
32179 Reply:
32180 @table @samp
32181 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
32182 the register's value
32183 @item E @var{NN}
32184 for an error
32185 @item
32186 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
32187 @end table
32188
32189 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
32190 @anchor{write register packet}
32191 @cindex @samp{P} packet
32192 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
32193 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
32194 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
32195
32196 Reply:
32197 @table @samp
32198 @item OK
32199 for success
32200 @item E @var{NN}
32201 for an error
32202 @end table
32203
32204 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
32205 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
32206 @cindex @samp{q} packet
32207 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
32208 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
32209 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
32210
32211 @item r
32212 @cindex @samp{r} packet
32213 Reset the entire system.
32214
32215 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
32216
32217 @item R @var{XX}
32218 @cindex @samp{R} packet
32219 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
32220 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32221
32222 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
32223
32224 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
32225 @cindex @samp{s} packet
32226 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
32227 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
32228
32229 Reply:
32230 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32231
32232 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
32233 @anchor{step with signal packet}
32234 @cindex @samp{S} packet
32235 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
32236 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
32237
32238 Reply:
32239 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32240
32241 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
32242 @cindex @samp{t} packet
32243 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
32244 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
32245 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
32246
32247 @item T @var{thread-id}
32248 @cindex @samp{T} packet
32249 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
32250
32251 Reply:
32252 @table @samp
32253 @item OK
32254 thread is still alive
32255 @item E @var{NN}
32256 thread is dead
32257 @end table
32258
32259 @item v
32260 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
32261 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
32262
32263 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
32264 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
32265 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
32266 The process ID is a
32267 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
32268 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
32269 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
32270
32271 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
32272 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
32273 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
32274 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
32275 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
32276 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
32277 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
32278 @c stopping or restarting threads.
32279
32280 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32281
32282 Reply:
32283 @table @samp
32284 @item E @var{nn}
32285 for an error
32286 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32287 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32288 @item OK
32289 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
32290 @end table
32291
32292 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
32293 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
32294 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
32295 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
32296 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
32297 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
32298 in their current state in non-stop mode.
32299 Specifying multiple
32300 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
32301 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32302
32303 Currently supported actions are:
32304
32305 @table @samp
32306 @item c
32307 Continue.
32308 @item C @var{sig}
32309 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32310 @item s
32311 Step.
32312 @item S @var{sig}
32313 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32314 @item t
32315 Stop.
32316 @end table
32317
32318 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
32319 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
32320 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
32321
32322 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
32323 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
32324 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
32325 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
32326 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
32327 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
32328 as an implementation detail.
32329
32330 Reply:
32331 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32332
32333 @item vCont?
32334 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
32335 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
32336
32337 Reply:
32338 @table @samp
32339 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
32340 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
32341 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
32342 @item
32343 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
32344 @end table
32345
32346 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
32347 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
32348 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
32349 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
32350
32351 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
32352 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
32353 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
32354 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
32355 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
32356 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
32357 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
32358 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
32359 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32360 packet is received.
32361
32362 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
32363 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
32364 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
32365 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
32366 @var{thread-id}.
32367
32368 Reply:
32369 @table @samp
32370 @item OK
32371 for success
32372 @item E @var{NN}
32373 for an error
32374 @end table
32375
32376 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32377 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
32378 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
32379 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
32380 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
32381 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
32382 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
32383 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
32384 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
32385 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
32386 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
32387 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
32388
32389
32390 Reply:
32391 @table @samp
32392 @item OK
32393 for success
32394 @item E.memtype
32395 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
32396 @item E @var{NN}
32397 for an error
32398 @end table
32399
32400 @item vFlashDone
32401 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
32402 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
32403 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
32404 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
32405 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
32406 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32407 request is completed.
32408
32409 @item vKill;@var{pid}
32410 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
32411 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
32412 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
32413 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
32414 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
32415
32416 Reply:
32417 @table @samp
32418 @item E @var{nn}
32419 for an error
32420 @item OK
32421 for success
32422 @end table
32423
32424 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
32425 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
32426 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
32427 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
32428 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
32429 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
32430 state.
32431
32432 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
32433
32434 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32435
32436 Reply:
32437 @table @samp
32438 @item E @var{nn}
32439 for an error
32440 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32441 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32442 @end table
32443
32444 @item vStopped
32445 @anchor{vStopped packet}
32446 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
32447
32448 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
32449 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
32450
32451 Reply:
32452 @table @samp
32453 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32454 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32455 @item OK
32456 if there are no unreported stop events
32457 @end table
32458
32459 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32460 @anchor{X packet}
32461 @cindex @samp{X} packet
32462 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
32463 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
32464 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
32465
32466 Reply:
32467 @table @samp
32468 @item OK
32469 for success
32470 @item E @var{NN}
32471 for an error
32472 @end table
32473
32474 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32475 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32476 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
32477 @cindex @samp{z} packet
32478 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
32479 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
32480 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
32481
32482 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
32483 separately.
32484
32485 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
32486 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
32487 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
32488 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
32489 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
32490 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
32491
32492 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32493 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32494 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
32495 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
32496 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
32497 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
32498
32499 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
32500 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
32501 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
32502 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
32503 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
32504 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
32505 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
32506
32507 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
32508 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
32509 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
32510 target, is not defined.}
32511
32512 Reply:
32513 @table @samp
32514 @item OK
32515 success
32516 @item
32517 not supported
32518 @item E @var{NN}
32519 for an error
32520 @end table
32521
32522 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32523 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32524 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
32525 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
32526 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
32527 address @var{addr}.
32528
32529 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
32530 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
32531 has the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
32532
32533 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
32534 movement.}
32535
32536 Reply:
32537 @table @samp
32538 @item OK
32539 success
32540 @item
32541 not supported
32542 @item E @var{NN}
32543 for an error
32544 @end table
32545
32546 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32547 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32548 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
32549 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
32550 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32551 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32552
32553 Reply:
32554 @table @samp
32555 @item OK
32556 success
32557 @item
32558 not supported
32559 @item E @var{NN}
32560 for an error
32561 @end table
32562
32563 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32564 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32565 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
32566 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
32567 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32568 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32569
32570 Reply:
32571 @table @samp
32572 @item OK
32573 success
32574 @item
32575 not supported
32576 @item E @var{NN}
32577 for an error
32578 @end table
32579
32580 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32581 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32582 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
32583 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
32584 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32585 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32586
32587 Reply:
32588 @table @samp
32589 @item OK
32590 success
32591 @item
32592 not supported
32593 @item E @var{NN}
32594 for an error
32595 @end table
32596
32597 @end table
32598
32599 @node Stop Reply Packets
32600 @section Stop Reply Packets
32601 @cindex stop reply packets
32602
32603 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
32604 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
32605 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
32606 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
32607 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
32608 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
32609 @value{GDBN} source code.
32610
32611 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
32612 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
32613 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
32614 components.
32615
32616 @table @samp
32617
32618 @item S @var{AA}
32619 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
32620 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
32621 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
32622
32623 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
32624 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
32625 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
32626 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
32627 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
32628 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
32629 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
32630 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
32631
32632 @itemize @bullet
32633 @item
32634 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
32635 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
32636 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
32637 two-digit hex number.
32638
32639 @item
32640 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
32641 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32642
32643 @item
32644 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
32645 the core on which the stop event was detected.
32646
32647 @item
32648 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
32649 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
32650 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
32651 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
32652
32653 @item
32654 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
32655 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
32656 future.
32657 @end itemize
32658
32659 The currently defined stop reasons are:
32660
32661 @table @samp
32662 @item watch
32663 @itemx rwatch
32664 @itemx awatch
32665 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
32666 hex.
32667
32668 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
32669 @item library
32670 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
32671 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
32672 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
32673
32674 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
32675 @item replaylog
32676 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
32677 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
32678 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
32679 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
32680 for more information.
32681 @end table
32682
32683 @item W @var{AA}
32684 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
32685 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
32686 applicable to certain targets.
32687
32688 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
32689 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
32690 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
32691 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
32692
32693 @item X @var{AA}
32694 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
32695 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
32696
32697 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
32698 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
32699 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
32700 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
32701
32702 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
32703 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
32704 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
32705 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
32706 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
32707
32708 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
32709 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
32710 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
32711 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
32712 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
32713 system calls.
32714
32715 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
32716 this very system call.
32717
32718 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
32719 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
32720 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
32721 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
32722 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
32723 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
32724
32725 @end table
32726
32727 @node General Query Packets
32728 @section General Query Packets
32729 @cindex remote query requests
32730
32731 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
32732 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
32733 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
32734 sending information to and from the stub.
32735
32736 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
32737 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
32738 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
32739 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
32740 conventions:
32741
32742 @itemize @bullet
32743 @item
32744 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
32745 @item
32746 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
32747 letter.
32748 @item
32749 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
32750 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
32751 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
32752 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
32753 @end itemize
32754
32755 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
32756 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
32757 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
32758 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
32759 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
32760 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
32761 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
32762 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
32763 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
32764 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
32765 packet.}.
32766
32767 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
32768 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
32769 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
32770 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
32771 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
32772
32773 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
32774
32775 @table @samp
32776
32777 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
32778 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
32779 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
32780 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
32781 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
32782 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
32783 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
32784 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
32785 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
32786 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
32787 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
32788
32789 @item qC
32790 @cindex current thread, remote request
32791 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
32792 Return the current thread ID.
32793
32794 Reply:
32795 @table @samp
32796 @item QC @var{thread-id}
32797 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
32798 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32799 @item @r{(anything else)}
32800 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
32801 @end table
32802
32803 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
32804 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
32805 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
32806 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
32807 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
32808 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
32809 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
32810
32811 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
32812 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
32813 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
32814 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
32815 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
32816 detect trailing zeros.
32817
32818 Reply:
32819 @table @samp
32820 @item E @var{NN}
32821 An error (such as memory fault)
32822 @item C @var{crc32}
32823 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
32824 @end table
32825
32826 @item qfThreadInfo
32827 @itemx qsThreadInfo
32828 @cindex list active threads, remote request
32829 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
32830 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
32831 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
32832 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
32833 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
32834 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
32835 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
32836 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
32837
32838 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
32839
32840 Reply:
32841 @table @samp
32842 @item m @var{thread-id}
32843 A single thread ID
32844 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
32845 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
32846 @item l
32847 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
32848 @end table
32849
32850 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
32851 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
32852 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
32853 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
32854 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
32855 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
32856 fields.
32857
32858 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
32859 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
32860 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
32861 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
32862 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
32863
32864 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
32865 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
32866
32867 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
32868 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
32869 information associated with the variable.)
32870
32871 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
32872 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
32873 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
32874 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
32875 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
32876 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
32877
32878 Reply:
32879 @table @samp
32880 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
32881 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
32882 local storage requested.
32883
32884 @item E @var{nn}
32885 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
32886
32887 @item
32888 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
32889 @end table
32890
32891 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
32892 @cindex get thread information block address
32893 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
32894 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
32895
32896 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
32897
32898 Reply:
32899 @table @samp
32900 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
32901 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
32902 thread information block.
32903
32904 @item E @var{nn}
32905 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
32906 address could not be retrieved.
32907
32908 @item
32909 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
32910 @end table
32911
32912 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
32913 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
32914 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
32915 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
32916 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
32917 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
32918 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
32919
32920 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
32921
32922 Reply:
32923 @table @samp
32924 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
32925 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
32926 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
32927 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
32928 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
32929 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
32930 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
32931 @end table
32932
32933 @item qOffsets
32934 @cindex section offsets, remote request
32935 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
32936 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
32937 image.
32938
32939 Reply:
32940 @table @samp
32941 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
32942 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
32943 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
32944 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
32945 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
32946 segments by the supplied offsets.
32947
32948 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
32949 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
32950 to the @code{Bss} section.}
32951
32952 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
32953 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
32954 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
32955 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
32956 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
32957 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
32958 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
32959 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
32960 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
32961 @end table
32962
32963 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
32964 @cindex thread information, remote request
32965 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
32966 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
32967 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
32968 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
32969
32970 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
32971 (see below).
32972
32973 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
32974
32975 @item QNonStop:1
32976 @item QNonStop:0
32977 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
32978 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
32979 @anchor{QNonStop}
32980 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
32981 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
32982
32983 Reply:
32984 @table @samp
32985 @item OK
32986 The request succeeded.
32987
32988 @item E @var{nn}
32989 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
32990
32991 @item
32992 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
32993 the stub.
32994 @end table
32995
32996 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
32997 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
32998 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
32999 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
33000
33001 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
33002 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
33003 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
33004 @anchor{QPassSignals}
33005 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
33006 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
33007 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
33008 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
33009 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
33010 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
33011 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
33012 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
33013 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
33014
33015 Reply:
33016 @table @samp
33017 @item OK
33018 The request succeeded.
33019
33020 @item E @var{nn}
33021 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33022
33023 @item
33024 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
33025 the stub.
33026 @end table
33027
33028 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
33029 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
33030 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33031 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33032
33033 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
33034 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
33035 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
33036 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
33037 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
33038 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
33039 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
33040 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
33041 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
33042
33043 Reply:
33044 @table @samp
33045 @item OK
33046 A command response with no output.
33047 @item @var{OUTPUT}
33048 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
33049 @item E @var{NN}
33050 Indicate a badly formed request.
33051 @item
33052 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
33053 @end table
33054
33055 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
33056 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
33057 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
33058 packets.)
33059
33060 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
33061 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
33062 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
33063 @anchor{qSearch memory}
33064 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
33065 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
33066 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
33067
33068 Reply:
33069 @table @samp
33070 @item 0
33071 The pattern was not found.
33072 @item 1,address
33073 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
33074 @item E @var{NN}
33075 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
33076 @item
33077 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
33078 @end table
33079
33080 @item QStartNoAckMode
33081 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
33082 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
33083 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
33084 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
33085
33086 Reply:
33087 @table @samp
33088 @item OK
33089 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
33090 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
33091 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
33092 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
33093 @item
33094 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
33095 @end table
33096
33097 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
33098 @cindex supported packets, remote query
33099 @cindex features of the remote protocol
33100 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
33101 @anchor{qSupported}
33102 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
33103 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
33104 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
33105 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
33106 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
33107 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
33108 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
33109 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
33110 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
33111 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
33112 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
33113 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
33114 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
33115 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
33116
33117 Reply:
33118 @table @samp
33119 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
33120 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
33121 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
33122 possible forms).
33123 @item
33124 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
33125 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
33126 @end table
33127
33128 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
33129 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
33130 are:
33131
33132 @table @samp
33133 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
33134 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
33135 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
33136 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
33137 @item @var{name}+
33138 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
33139 need an associated value.
33140 @item @var{name}-
33141 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
33142 @item @var{name}?
33143 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
33144 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
33145 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
33146 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
33147 @end table
33148
33149 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
33150 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
33151 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
33152 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
33153 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
33154
33155 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
33156 are defined:
33157
33158 @table @samp
33159 @item multiprocess
33160 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
33161 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
33162 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
33163 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
33164 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
33165
33166 @item xmlRegisters
33167 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
33168 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
33169 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
33170 description.
33171
33172 @item qRelocInsn
33173 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
33174 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
33175 instruction reply packet}).
33176 @end table
33177
33178 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
33179 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
33180 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
33181 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
33182 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
33183 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
33184 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
33185 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
33186 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
33187 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
33188 all the features it supports.
33189
33190 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
33191 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
33192
33193 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
33194 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
33195 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
33196 form response.
33197
33198 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
33199 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
33200 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
33201 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
33202
33203 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
33204 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
33205 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
33206 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
33207 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
33208
33209 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
33210
33211 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
33212 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
33213 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
33214 @item Feature Name
33215 @tab Value Required
33216 @tab Default
33217 @tab Probe Allowed
33218
33219 @item @samp{PacketSize}
33220 @tab Yes
33221 @tab @samp{-}
33222 @tab No
33223
33224 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
33225 @tab No
33226 @tab @samp{-}
33227 @tab Yes
33228
33229 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
33230 @tab No
33231 @tab @samp{-}
33232 @tab Yes
33233
33234 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
33235 @tab No
33236 @tab @samp{-}
33237 @tab Yes
33238
33239 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
33240 @tab No
33241 @tab @samp{-}
33242 @tab Yes
33243
33244 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
33245 @tab No
33246 @tab @samp{-}
33247 @tab Yes
33248
33249 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
33250 @tab No
33251 @tab @samp{-}
33252 @tab Yes
33253
33254 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
33255 @tab No
33256 @tab @samp{-}
33257 @tab Yes
33258
33259 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
33260 @tab No
33261 @tab @samp{-}
33262 @tab Yes
33263
33264 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
33265 @tab No
33266 @tab @samp{-}
33267 @tab Yes
33268
33269 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
33270 @tab No
33271 @tab @samp{-}
33272 @tab Yes
33273
33274 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
33275 @tab No
33276 @tab @samp{-}
33277 @tab Yes
33278
33279
33280 @item @samp{QNonStop}
33281 @tab No
33282 @tab @samp{-}
33283 @tab Yes
33284
33285 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
33286 @tab No
33287 @tab @samp{-}
33288 @tab Yes
33289
33290 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
33291 @tab No
33292 @tab @samp{-}
33293 @tab Yes
33294
33295 @item @samp{multiprocess}
33296 @tab No
33297 @tab @samp{-}
33298 @tab No
33299
33300 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
33301 @tab No
33302 @tab @samp{-}
33303 @tab No
33304
33305 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
33306 @tab No
33307 @tab @samp{-}
33308 @tab No
33309
33310 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
33311 @tab No
33312 @tab @samp{-}
33313 @tab No
33314
33315 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
33316 @tab No
33317 @tab @samp{-}
33318 @tab No
33319
33320 @item @samp{QAllow}
33321 @tab No
33322 @tab @samp{-}
33323 @tab No
33324
33325 @end multitable
33326
33327 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
33328
33329 @table @samp
33330 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
33331 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
33332 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
33333 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
33334 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
33335 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
33336 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
33337 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
33338 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
33339 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
33340
33341 @item qXfer:auxv:read
33342 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
33343 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
33344
33345 @item qXfer:features:read
33346 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
33347 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
33348
33349 @item qXfer:libraries:read
33350 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
33351 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
33352
33353 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
33354 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
33355 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
33356
33357 @item qXfer:sdata:read
33358 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
33359 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
33360
33361 @item qXfer:spu:read
33362 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
33363 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
33364
33365 @item qXfer:spu:write
33366 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
33367 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
33368
33369 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
33370 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
33371 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
33372
33373 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
33374 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
33375 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
33376
33377 @item qXfer:threads:read
33378 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
33379 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
33380
33381 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
33382 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
33383 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
33384
33385 @item QNonStop
33386 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
33387 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
33388
33389 @item QPassSignals
33390 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
33391 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
33392
33393 @item QStartNoAckMode
33394 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
33395 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
33396
33397 @item multiprocess
33398 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
33399 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
33400 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
33401 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
33402 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
33403 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
33404 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
33405 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
33406 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
33407 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
33408 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
33409
33410 @item qXfer:osdata:read
33411 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
33412 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
33413
33414 @item ConditionalTracepoints
33415 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
33416 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
33417
33418 @item ReverseContinue
33419 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
33420 (@pxref{bc}).
33421
33422 @item ReverseStep
33423 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
33424 (@pxref{bs}).
33425
33426 @item TracepointSource
33427 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
33428 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
33429
33430 @item QAllow
33431 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
33432
33433 @item StaticTracepoint
33434 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
33435 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
33436
33437 @end table
33438
33439 @item qSymbol::
33440 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
33441 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
33442 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
33443 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
33444
33445 Reply:
33446 @table @samp
33447 @item OK
33448 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33449 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33450 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
33451 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
33452 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
33453 below.
33454 @end table
33455
33456 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
33457 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
33458
33459 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
33460 target has previously requested.
33461
33462 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
33463 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
33464 will be empty.
33465
33466 Reply:
33467 @table @samp
33468 @item OK
33469 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33470 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33471 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
33472 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
33473 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
33474 @end table
33475
33476 @item qTBuffer
33477 @item QTBuffer
33478 @item QTDisconnected
33479 @itemx QTDP
33480 @itemx QTDPsrc
33481 @itemx QTDV
33482 @itemx qTfP
33483 @itemx qTfV
33484 @itemx QTFrame
33485 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33486
33487 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
33488 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
33489 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
33490 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
33491 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
33492 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
33493 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
33494 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
33495 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
33496 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
33497 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
33498
33499 Reply:
33500 @table @samp
33501 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
33502 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
33503 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
33504 the thread's attributes.
33505 @end table
33506
33507 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
33508 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
33509 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
33510 packets.)
33511
33512 @item QTSave
33513 @item qTsP
33514 @item qTsV
33515 @itemx QTStart
33516 @itemx QTStop
33517 @itemx QTinit
33518 @itemx QTro
33519 @itemx qTStatus
33520 @itemx qTV
33521 @itemx qTfSTM
33522 @itemx qTsSTM
33523 @itemx qTSTMat
33524 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33525
33526 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33527 @cindex read special object, remote request
33528 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
33529 @anchor{qXfer read}
33530 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
33531 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
33532 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
33533 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
33534 additional details about what data to access.
33535
33536 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
33537 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
33538 formats, listed below.
33539
33540 @table @samp
33541 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33542 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
33543 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
33544 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
33545
33546 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33547 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33548
33549 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33550 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
33551 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
33552 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
33553 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
33554
33555 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33556 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33557
33558 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33559 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
33560 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
33561 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33562 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33563
33564 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
33565 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
33566 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
33567
33568 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33569 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33570
33571 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33572 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
33573 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
33574 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33575 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33576
33577 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33578 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33579
33580 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33581 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
33582
33583 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
33584 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
33585 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
33586 Action Lists}.
33587
33588 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33589 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33590 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33591
33592 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33593 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
33594 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
33595 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
33596 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33597
33598 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33599 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33600 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33601
33602 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33603 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
33604 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
33605 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
33606 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
33607 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
33608 in that context to be accessed.
33609
33610 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33611 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33612 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33613
33614 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33615 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
33616 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
33617 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33618 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33619
33620 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33621 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33622
33623 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33624 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
33625
33626 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
33627 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
33628 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33629
33630 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33631 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33632
33633 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33634 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
33635 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
33636 @xref{Operating System Information}.
33637
33638 @end table
33639
33640 Reply:
33641 @table @samp
33642 @item m @var{data}
33643 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
33644 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
33645 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
33646 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
33647 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
33648 request.
33649
33650 @item l @var{data}
33651 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
33652 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
33653 than the @var{length} in the request.
33654
33655 @item l
33656 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
33657 There is no more data to be read.
33658
33659 @item E00
33660 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
33661
33662 @item E @var{nn}
33663 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
33664 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
33665
33666 @item
33667 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
33668 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
33669 @end table
33670
33671 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
33672 @cindex write data into object, remote request
33673 @anchor{qXfer write}
33674 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
33675 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
33676 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
33677 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
33678 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
33679 to access.
33680
33681 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
33682 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
33683 formats, listed below.
33684
33685 @table @samp
33686 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
33687 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
33688 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
33689 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
33690 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
33691
33692 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33693 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33694 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33695
33696 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
33697 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
33698 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
33699 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
33700 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
33701 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
33702 in that context to be accessed.
33703
33704 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33705 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33706 @end table
33707
33708 Reply:
33709 @table @samp
33710 @item @var{nn}
33711 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
33712 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
33713
33714 @item E00
33715 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
33716
33717 @item E @var{nn}
33718 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
33719 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
33720
33721 @item
33722 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
33723 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
33724 @end table
33725
33726 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
33727 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
33728 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
33729 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
33730 must respond with an empty packet.
33731
33732 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
33733 @cindex query attached, remote request
33734 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
33735 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
33736 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
33737 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
33738 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
33739 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
33740 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
33741
33742 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
33743 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
33744 the @code{quit} command.
33745
33746 Reply:
33747 @table @samp
33748 @item 1
33749 The remote server attached to an existing process.
33750 @item 0
33751 The remote server created a new process.
33752 @item E @var{NN}
33753 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
33754 @end table
33755
33756 @end table
33757
33758 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
33759 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
33760
33761 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
33762 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
33763 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
33764
33765 @subsection ARM
33766
33767 @subsubsection Breakpoint Kinds
33768
33769 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
33770
33771 @table @r
33772
33773 @item 2
33774 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
33775
33776 @item 3
33777 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
33778
33779 @item 4
33780 32-bit ARM mode breakpoint.
33781
33782 @end table
33783
33784 @subsection MIPS
33785
33786 @subsubsection Register Packet Format
33787
33788 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
33789 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
33790 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
33791 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
33792 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
33793 most-significant - least-significant.
33794
33795 @table @r
33796
33797 @item MIPS32
33798
33799 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
33800 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
33801 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
33802
33803 @item MIPS64
33804
33805 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
33806 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
33807 as @code{MIPS32}.
33808
33809 @end table
33810
33811 @node Tracepoint Packets
33812 @section Tracepoint Packets
33813 @cindex tracepoint packets
33814 @cindex packets, tracepoint
33815
33816 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
33817 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33818
33819 @table @samp
33820
33821 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
33822 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
33823 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
33824 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
33825 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
33826 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
33827 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
33828 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
33829 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
33830 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
33831 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
33832 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
33833 actions.
33834
33835 Replies:
33836 @table @samp
33837 @item OK
33838 The packet was understood and carried out.
33839 @item qRelocInsn
33840 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
33841 @item
33842 The packet was not recognized.
33843 @end table
33844
33845 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
33846 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
33847 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
33848 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
33849 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
33850 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
33851 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
33852
33853 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
33854 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
33855 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
33856 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
33857 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
33858 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
33859 tracepoint actions.
33860
33861 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
33862 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
33863 following forms:
33864
33865 @table @samp
33866
33867 @item R @var{mask}
33868 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
33869 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
33870 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
33871 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
33872 not fit in a 32-bit word.
33873
33874 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
33875 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
33876 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
33877 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
33878 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
33879 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
33880 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
33881
33882 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
33883 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
33884 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
33885 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
33886 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
33887 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
33888 packet).
33889
33890 @end table
33891
33892 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
33893 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
33894 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
33895 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
33896 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
33897 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
33898 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
33899 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
33900
33901 Replies:
33902 @table @samp
33903 @item OK
33904 The packet was understood and carried out.
33905 @item qRelocInsn
33906 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
33907 @item
33908 The packet was not recognized.
33909 @end table
33910
33911 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
33912 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
33913 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
33914 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
33915 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
33916 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
33917 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
33918 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
33919
33920 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
33921 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
33922 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
33923 fit in a single packet.
33924 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
33925 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
33926
33927 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
33928 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
33929 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
33930 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
33931
33932 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
33933 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
33934 query packets.
33935
33936 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
33937 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
33938 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
33939 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
33940 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
33941 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
33942 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
33943 be found.
33944
33945 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
33946 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
33947 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
33948 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
33949 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
33950 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
33951 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
33952 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
33953 mentioned in expressions.
33954
33955 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
33956 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
33957 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
33958 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
33959
33960 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
33961 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
33962 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
33963 one of the following forms:
33964
33965 @table @samp
33966 @item F @var{f}
33967 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
33968 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
33969 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
33970
33971 @item T @var{t}
33972 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
33973 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
33974
33975 @end table
33976
33977 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
33978 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
33979 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
33980 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
33981
33982 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
33983 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
33984 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
33985 is a hexadecimal number.
33986
33987 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
33988 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
33989 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
33990 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
33991 numbers.
33992
33993 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
33994 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
33995 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
33996
33997 @item QTStart
33998 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
33999 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
34000 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
34001 instruction reply packet}).
34002
34003 @item QTStop
34004 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
34005
34006 @item QTinit
34007 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
34008
34009 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
34010 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
34011 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
34012 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
34013
34014 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
34015 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
34016 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
34017 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
34018
34019 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
34020 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
34021 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
34022 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
34023 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
34024
34025 @item qTStatus
34026 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
34027
34028 The reply has the form:
34029
34030 @table @samp
34031
34032 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
34033 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
34034 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
34035 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
34036
34037 @end table
34038
34039 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
34040 explanations as one of the optional fields:
34041
34042 @table @samp
34043
34044 @item tnotrun:0
34045 No trace has been run yet.
34046
34047 @item tstop:0
34048 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command.
34049
34050 @item tfull:0
34051 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
34052
34053 @item tdisconnected:0
34054 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
34055
34056 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
34057 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
34058
34059 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
34060 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
34061 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
34062 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
34063 @var{text} is hex encoded.
34064
34065 @item tunknown:0
34066 The trace stopped for some other reason.
34067
34068 @end table
34069
34070 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
34071 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
34072 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
34073 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
34074 trace.
34075
34076 @table @samp
34077
34078 @item tframes:@var{n}
34079 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
34080
34081 @item tcreated:@var{n}
34082 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
34083 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
34084
34085 @item tsize:@var{n}
34086 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
34087
34088 @item tfree:@var{n}
34089 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
34090
34091 @item circular:@var{n}
34092 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
34093 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
34094 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
34095 and may fill up.
34096
34097 @item disconn:@var{n}
34098 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
34099 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
34100 that the trace run will stop.
34101
34102 @end table
34103
34104 @item qTV:@var{var}
34105 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
34106 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
34107 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
34108
34109 Replies:
34110 @table @samp
34111 @item V@var{value}
34112 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
34113 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
34114 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
34115 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
34116 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
34117 program is running.
34118
34119 @item U
34120 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
34121 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
34122 was not collected.
34123 @end table
34124
34125 @item qTfP
34126 @itemx qTsP
34127 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
34128 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
34129 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
34130 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
34131 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
34132
34133 @item qTfV
34134 @itemx qTsV
34135 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
34136 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
34137 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
34138 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
34139 trace state variables.
34140
34141 @item qTfSTM
34142 @itemx qTsSTM
34143 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
34144 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
34145 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
34146 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
34147
34148 Reply:
34149 @table @samp
34150 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
34151 A single marker
34152 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
34153 a comma-separated list of markers
34154 @item l
34155 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
34156 @item E @var{nn}
34157 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
34158 @item
34159 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
34160 stub.
34161 @end table
34162
34163 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
34164 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
34165
34166 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
34167 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
34168 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
34169 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
34170 @dfn{last}).
34171
34172 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
34173 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
34174 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
34175 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
34176 tracepoint markers.
34177
34178 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
34179 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
34180 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
34181 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
34182 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
34183
34184 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
34185 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
34186 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
34187 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
34188 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
34189 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
34190 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
34191 available.
34192
34193 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
34194 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
34195 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
34196
34197 @end table
34198
34199 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
34200 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
34201 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
34202 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
34203 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
34204 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
34205 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
34206 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
34207 it had executed in the original location.
34208
34209 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
34210 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
34211 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
34212 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
34213 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
34214 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
34215 format of the request is:
34216
34217 @table @samp
34218 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
34219
34220 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
34221 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
34222 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
34223 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
34224 memory starting at @var{to}.
34225 @end table
34226
34227 Replies:
34228 @table @samp
34229 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
34230 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
34231 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
34232 @item E @var{NN}
34233 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
34234 relocating the instruction.
34235 @end table
34236
34237 @node Host I/O Packets
34238 @section Host I/O Packets
34239 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
34240 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
34241
34242 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
34243 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
34244 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
34245 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
34246 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
34247 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
34248 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
34249 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
34250 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
34251 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
34252
34253 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
34254 its arguments. They have this format:
34255
34256 @table @samp
34257
34258 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
34259 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
34260 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
34261 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
34262 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
34263 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
34264 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
34265 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
34266 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
34267
34268 @end table
34269
34270 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
34271
34272 @table @samp
34273
34274 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
34275 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
34276 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
34277 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
34278 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
34279 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
34280 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
34281 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
34282 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
34283 @var{attachment}.
34284
34285 @item
34286 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
34287
34288 @end table
34289
34290 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
34291
34292 @table @samp
34293 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
34294 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
34295 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
34296 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
34297 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
34298 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
34299 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
34300
34301 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
34302 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
34303 -1 if an error occurs.
34304
34305 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
34306 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
34307 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
34308 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
34309 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
34310 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
34311 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
34312 @var{count} was zero.
34313
34314 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
34315 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
34316 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
34317 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
34318 some characters were escaped.
34319
34320 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
34321 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
34322 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
34323 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
34324 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
34325 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
34326 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
34327 error occurred.
34328
34329 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
34330 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
34331 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
34332
34333 @end table
34334
34335 @node Interrupts
34336 @section Interrupts
34337 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
34338
34339 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
34340 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
34341 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
34342 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
34343
34344 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
34345 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
34346 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
34347 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
34348 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
34349
34350 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
34351 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
34352 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
34353 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
34354 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
34355 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
34356 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
34357 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
34358
34359 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
34360 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
34361 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
34362
34363 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
34364 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
34365 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
34366 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
34367 currently-executing threads and processes.
34368 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
34369 running program, it should send one of the stop
34370 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
34371 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
34372 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
34373 Interrupts received while the
34374 program is stopped are discarded.
34375
34376 @node Notification Packets
34377 @section Notification Packets
34378 @cindex notification packets
34379 @cindex packets, notification
34380
34381 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
34382 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
34383 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
34384 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
34385 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
34386 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
34387 is not a problem.
34388
34389 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
34390 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
34391 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
34392 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
34393 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
34394 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
34395 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
34396
34397 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
34398 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
34399
34400 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
34401 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
34402 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
34403 not they understand it.
34404
34405 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
34406 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
34407 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
34408 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
34409 recipients.
34410
34411 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
34412 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
34413 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
34414 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
34415 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
34416
34417 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
34418 defined:
34419
34420 @table @samp
34421 @item Stop: @var{reply}
34422 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
34423 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
34424 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
34425 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
34426 @value{GDBN}.
34427 @end table
34428
34429 @node Remote Non-Stop
34430 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
34431
34432 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
34433 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
34434 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
34435 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34436
34437 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
34438 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
34439 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
34440 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
34441 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
34442 probe the target state after a mode change.
34443
34444 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
34445 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
34446 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
34447 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
34448 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
34449 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
34450 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
34451 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
34452 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
34453 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
34454 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
34455
34456 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
34457 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
34458 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
34459 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
34460 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
34461 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
34462 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
34463 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
34464 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
34465 sending any queued stop events.
34466
34467 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
34468 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
34469 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
34470 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
34471 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
34472 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
34473 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
34474
34475 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
34476 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
34477 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
34478 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
34479 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
34480 process normally.
34481
34482 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
34483 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
34484 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
34485 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
34486 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
34487 should process normally.
34488
34489 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
34490 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
34491 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
34492 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
34493 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
34494
34495 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
34496 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
34497 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
34498 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
34499 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
34500 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
34501 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
34502 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
34503 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
34504 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
34505 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
34506 @samp{OK}.
34507
34508 @node Packet Acknowledgment
34509 @section Packet Acknowledgment
34510
34511 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34512 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34513 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
34514 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
34515 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
34516 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
34517 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
34518
34519 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
34520 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
34521 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
34522 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
34523 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
34524
34525 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
34526 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
34527 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
34528 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
34529
34530 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
34531 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
34532 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
34533 @pxref{qSupported}.
34534 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
34535 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
34536 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
34537 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
34538 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
34539 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
34540 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
34541
34542 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
34543 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
34544 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
34545 connection.
34546 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
34547 new connection is established,
34548 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
34549 for the current connection, once disabled.
34550
34551 @node Examples
34552 @section Examples
34553
34554 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
34555 does not get any direct output:
34556
34557 @smallexample
34558 -> @code{R00}
34559 <- @code{+}
34560 @emph{target restarts}
34561 -> @code{?}
34562 <- @code{+}
34563 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34564 -> @code{+}
34565 @end smallexample
34566
34567 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
34568
34569 @smallexample
34570 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
34571 <- @code{+}
34572 -> @code{s}
34573 <- @code{+}
34574 @emph{time passes}
34575 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34576 -> @code{+}
34577 -> @code{g}
34578 <- @code{+}
34579 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
34580 -> @code{+}
34581 @end smallexample
34582
34583 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34584 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34585 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
34586
34587 @menu
34588 * File-I/O Overview::
34589 * Protocol Basics::
34590 * The F Request Packet::
34591 * The F Reply Packet::
34592 * The Ctrl-C Message::
34593 * Console I/O::
34594 * List of Supported Calls::
34595 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
34596 * Constants::
34597 * File-I/O Examples::
34598 @end menu
34599
34600 @node File-I/O Overview
34601 @subsection File-I/O Overview
34602 @cindex file-i/o overview
34603
34604 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
34605 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
34606 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
34607 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
34608 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
34609 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
34610
34611 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
34612 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
34613 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
34614 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
34615 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
34616
34617 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
34618 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
34619 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
34620 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
34621 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
34622 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
34623 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
34624
34625 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
34626 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
34627 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
34628 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
34629 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
34630
34631 @smallexample
34632 (@value{GDBP}) continue
34633 <- target requests 'system call X'
34634 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
34635 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
34636 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
34637 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
34638 @end smallexample
34639
34640 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
34641 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
34642 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
34643 system are not supported by this protocol.
34644
34645 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
34646
34647 @node Protocol Basics
34648 @subsection Protocol Basics
34649 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
34650
34651 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
34652 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
34653 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
34654 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
34655 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
34656 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
34657 to call the appropriate host system call:
34658
34659 @itemize @bullet
34660 @item
34661 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
34662
34663 @item
34664 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
34665 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
34666 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
34667 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
34668
34669 @end itemize
34670
34671 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
34672
34673 @itemize @bullet
34674 @item
34675 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
34676 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
34677 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
34678 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
34679 packet.
34680
34681 @item
34682 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
34683 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
34684
34685 @item
34686 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
34687
34688 @item
34689 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
34690
34691 @item
34692 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
34693 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
34694 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
34695 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
34696 packet.
34697
34698 @end itemize
34699
34700 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
34701 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
34702
34703 @itemize @bullet
34704 @item
34705 Return value.
34706
34707 @item
34708 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
34709
34710 @item
34711 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
34712
34713 @end itemize
34714
34715 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
34716 the latest continue or step action.
34717
34718 @node The F Request Packet
34719 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
34720 @cindex file-i/o request packet
34721 @cindex @code{F} request packet
34722
34723 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
34724
34725 @table @samp
34726 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
34727
34728 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
34729 This is just the name of the function.
34730
34731 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
34732 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
34733 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
34734 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
34735 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
34736 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
34737 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
34738
34739 @end table
34740
34741
34742
34743 @node The F Reply Packet
34744 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
34745 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
34746 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
34747
34748 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
34749
34750 @table @samp
34751
34752 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
34753
34754 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
34755
34756 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
34757 representation.
34758 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
34759
34760 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
34761 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
34762 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
34763
34764 @smallexample
34765 F0,0,C
34766 @end smallexample
34767
34768 @noindent
34769 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
34770
34771 @smallexample
34772 F-1,4,C
34773 @end smallexample
34774
34775 @noindent
34776 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
34777
34778 @end table
34779
34780
34781 @node The Ctrl-C Message
34782 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
34783 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
34784
34785 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
34786 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
34787 the target should behave as if it had
34788 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
34789 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
34790 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
34791 packet.
34792
34793 It's important for the target to know in which
34794 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
34795
34796 @itemize @bullet
34797 @item
34798 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
34799
34800 @item
34801 The system call on the host has been finished.
34802
34803 @end itemize
34804
34805 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
34806 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
34807 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
34808 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
34809 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
34810 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
34811
34812 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
34813 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
34814 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
34815 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
34816 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
34817 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
34818 or the full action has been completed.
34819
34820 @node Console I/O
34821 @subsection Console I/O
34822 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
34823
34824 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
34825 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
34826 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
34827 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
34828 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
34829 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
34830 conditions is met:
34831
34832 @itemize @bullet
34833 @item
34834 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
34835 @code{read}
34836 system call is treated as finished.
34837
34838 @item
34839 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
34840 newline.
34841
34842 @item
34843 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
34844 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
34845
34846 @end itemize
34847
34848 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
34849 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
34850 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
34851 is stopped at the user's request.
34852
34853
34854 @node List of Supported Calls
34855 @subsection List of Supported Calls
34856 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
34857
34858 @menu
34859 * open::
34860 * close::
34861 * read::
34862 * write::
34863 * lseek::
34864 * rename::
34865 * unlink::
34866 * stat/fstat::
34867 * gettimeofday::
34868 * isatty::
34869 * system::
34870 @end menu
34871
34872 @node open
34873 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
34874 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
34875
34876 @table @asis
34877 @item Synopsis:
34878 @smallexample
34879 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
34880 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
34881 @end smallexample
34882
34883 @item Request:
34884 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
34885
34886 @noindent
34887 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
34888
34889 @table @code
34890 @item O_CREAT
34891 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
34892 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
34893 are concerned.
34894
34895 @item O_EXCL
34896 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
34897 an error and open() fails.
34898
34899 @item O_TRUNC
34900 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
34901 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
34902 truncated to zero length.
34903
34904 @item O_APPEND
34905 The file is opened in append mode.
34906
34907 @item O_RDONLY
34908 The file is opened for reading only.
34909
34910 @item O_WRONLY
34911 The file is opened for writing only.
34912
34913 @item O_RDWR
34914 The file is opened for reading and writing.
34915 @end table
34916
34917 @noindent
34918 Other bits are silently ignored.
34919
34920
34921 @noindent
34922 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
34923
34924 @table @code
34925 @item S_IRUSR
34926 User has read permission.
34927
34928 @item S_IWUSR
34929 User has write permission.
34930
34931 @item S_IRGRP
34932 Group has read permission.
34933
34934 @item S_IWGRP
34935 Group has write permission.
34936
34937 @item S_IROTH
34938 Others have read permission.
34939
34940 @item S_IWOTH
34941 Others have write permission.
34942 @end table
34943
34944 @noindent
34945 Other bits are silently ignored.
34946
34947
34948 @item Return value:
34949 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
34950 occurred.
34951
34952 @item Errors:
34953
34954 @table @code
34955 @item EEXIST
34956 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
34957
34958 @item EISDIR
34959 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
34960
34961 @item EACCES
34962 The requested access is not allowed.
34963
34964 @item ENAMETOOLONG
34965 @var{pathname} was too long.
34966
34967 @item ENOENT
34968 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
34969
34970 @item ENODEV
34971 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
34972
34973 @item EROFS
34974 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
34975 write access was requested.
34976
34977 @item EFAULT
34978 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
34979
34980 @item ENOSPC
34981 No space on device to create the file.
34982
34983 @item EMFILE
34984 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
34985
34986 @item ENFILE
34987 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
34988 has been reached.
34989
34990 @item EINTR
34991 The call was interrupted by the user.
34992 @end table
34993
34994 @end table
34995
34996 @node close
34997 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
34998 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
34999
35000 @table @asis
35001 @item Synopsis:
35002 @smallexample
35003 int close(int fd);
35004 @end smallexample
35005
35006 @item Request:
35007 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
35008
35009 @item Return value:
35010 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
35011
35012 @item Errors:
35013
35014 @table @code
35015 @item EBADF
35016 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
35017
35018 @item EINTR
35019 The call was interrupted by the user.
35020 @end table
35021
35022 @end table
35023
35024 @node read
35025 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
35026 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
35027
35028 @table @asis
35029 @item Synopsis:
35030 @smallexample
35031 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
35032 @end smallexample
35033
35034 @item Request:
35035 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
35036
35037 @item Return value:
35038 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
35039 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
35040 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
35041
35042 @item Errors:
35043
35044 @table @code
35045 @item EBADF
35046 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
35047 reading.
35048
35049 @item EFAULT
35050 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35051
35052 @item EINTR
35053 The call was interrupted by the user.
35054 @end table
35055
35056 @end table
35057
35058 @node write
35059 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
35060 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
35061
35062 @table @asis
35063 @item Synopsis:
35064 @smallexample
35065 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
35066 @end smallexample
35067
35068 @item Request:
35069 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
35070
35071 @item Return value:
35072 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
35073 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
35074 is returned.
35075
35076 @item Errors:
35077
35078 @table @code
35079 @item EBADF
35080 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
35081 writing.
35082
35083 @item EFAULT
35084 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35085
35086 @item EFBIG
35087 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
35088 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
35089
35090 @item ENOSPC
35091 No space on device to write the data.
35092
35093 @item EINTR
35094 The call was interrupted by the user.
35095 @end table
35096
35097 @end table
35098
35099 @node lseek
35100 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
35101 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
35102
35103 @table @asis
35104 @item Synopsis:
35105 @smallexample
35106 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
35107 @end smallexample
35108
35109 @item Request:
35110 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
35111
35112 @var{flag} is one of:
35113
35114 @table @code
35115 @item SEEK_SET
35116 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
35117
35118 @item SEEK_CUR
35119 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
35120 bytes.
35121
35122 @item SEEK_END
35123 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
35124 bytes.
35125 @end table
35126
35127 @item Return value:
35128 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
35129 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
35130 value of -1 is returned.
35131
35132 @item Errors:
35133
35134 @table @code
35135 @item EBADF
35136 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
35137
35138 @item ESPIPE
35139 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
35140
35141 @item EINVAL
35142 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
35143
35144 @item EINTR
35145 The call was interrupted by the user.
35146 @end table
35147
35148 @end table
35149
35150 @node rename
35151 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
35152 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
35153
35154 @table @asis
35155 @item Synopsis:
35156 @smallexample
35157 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
35158 @end smallexample
35159
35160 @item Request:
35161 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
35162
35163 @item Return value:
35164 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35165
35166 @item Errors:
35167
35168 @table @code
35169 @item EISDIR
35170 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
35171 directory.
35172
35173 @item EEXIST
35174 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
35175
35176 @item EBUSY
35177 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
35178 process.
35179
35180 @item EINVAL
35181 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
35182 of itself.
35183
35184 @item ENOTDIR
35185 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
35186 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
35187 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
35188
35189 @item EFAULT
35190 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
35191
35192 @item EACCES
35193 No access to the file or the path of the file.
35194
35195 @item ENAMETOOLONG
35196
35197 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
35198
35199 @item ENOENT
35200 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
35201
35202 @item EROFS
35203 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
35204
35205 @item ENOSPC
35206 The device containing the file has no room for the new
35207 directory entry.
35208
35209 @item EINTR
35210 The call was interrupted by the user.
35211 @end table
35212
35213 @end table
35214
35215 @node unlink
35216 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
35217 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
35218
35219 @table @asis
35220 @item Synopsis:
35221 @smallexample
35222 int unlink(const char *pathname);
35223 @end smallexample
35224
35225 @item Request:
35226 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
35227
35228 @item Return value:
35229 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35230
35231 @item Errors:
35232
35233 @table @code
35234 @item EACCES
35235 No access to the file or the path of the file.
35236
35237 @item EPERM
35238 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
35239
35240 @item EBUSY
35241 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
35242 being used by another process.
35243
35244 @item EFAULT
35245 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35246
35247 @item ENAMETOOLONG
35248 @var{pathname} was too long.
35249
35250 @item ENOENT
35251 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
35252
35253 @item ENOTDIR
35254 A component of the path is not a directory.
35255
35256 @item EROFS
35257 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
35258
35259 @item EINTR
35260 The call was interrupted by the user.
35261 @end table
35262
35263 @end table
35264
35265 @node stat/fstat
35266 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
35267 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
35268 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
35269
35270 @table @asis
35271 @item Synopsis:
35272 @smallexample
35273 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
35274 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
35275 @end smallexample
35276
35277 @item Request:
35278 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
35279 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
35280
35281 @item Return value:
35282 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35283
35284 @item Errors:
35285
35286 @table @code
35287 @item EBADF
35288 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
35289
35290 @item ENOENT
35291 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
35292 path is an empty string.
35293
35294 @item ENOTDIR
35295 A component of the path is not a directory.
35296
35297 @item EFAULT
35298 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35299
35300 @item EACCES
35301 No access to the file or the path of the file.
35302
35303 @item ENAMETOOLONG
35304 @var{pathname} was too long.
35305
35306 @item EINTR
35307 The call was interrupted by the user.
35308 @end table
35309
35310 @end table
35311
35312 @node gettimeofday
35313 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
35314 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
35315
35316 @table @asis
35317 @item Synopsis:
35318 @smallexample
35319 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
35320 @end smallexample
35321
35322 @item Request:
35323 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
35324
35325 @item Return value:
35326 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
35327
35328 @item Errors:
35329
35330 @table @code
35331 @item EINVAL
35332 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
35333
35334 @item EFAULT
35335 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35336 @end table
35337
35338 @end table
35339
35340 @node isatty
35341 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
35342 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
35343
35344 @table @asis
35345 @item Synopsis:
35346 @smallexample
35347 int isatty(int fd);
35348 @end smallexample
35349
35350 @item Request:
35351 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
35352
35353 @item Return value:
35354 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
35355
35356 @item Errors:
35357
35358 @table @code
35359 @item EINTR
35360 The call was interrupted by the user.
35361 @end table
35362
35363 @end table
35364
35365 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
35366 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
35367 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
35368 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
35369 needed.
35370
35371
35372 @node system
35373 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
35374 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
35375
35376 @table @asis
35377 @item Synopsis:
35378 @smallexample
35379 int system(const char *command);
35380 @end smallexample
35381
35382 @item Request:
35383 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
35384
35385 @item Return value:
35386 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
35387 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
35388 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
35389 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
35390 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
35391 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
35392 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
35393
35394 @item Errors:
35395
35396 @table @code
35397 @item EINTR
35398 The call was interrupted by the user.
35399 @end table
35400
35401 @end table
35402
35403 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
35404 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
35405 the host is simplified before it's returned
35406 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
35407 is discarded, and the return value consists
35408 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
35409
35410 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
35411 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
35412 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
35413
35414 @table @code
35415 @item set remote system-call-allowed
35416 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
35417 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
35418 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
35419
35420 @item show remote system-call-allowed
35421 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
35422 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
35423 protocol.
35424 @end table
35425
35426 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35427 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35428 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35429
35430 @menu
35431 * Integral Datatypes::
35432 * Pointer Values::
35433 * Memory Transfer::
35434 * struct stat::
35435 * struct timeval::
35436 @end menu
35437
35438 @node Integral Datatypes
35439 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
35440 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35441
35442 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
35443 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
35444 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
35445
35446 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
35447 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
35448
35449 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
35450
35451 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
35452 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
35453
35454 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
35455
35456 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
35457 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
35458 byte order.
35459
35460 @node Pointer Values
35461 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
35462 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
35463
35464 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
35465 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
35466 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
35467 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
35468
35469 @smallexample
35470 @code{1aaf/12}
35471 @end smallexample
35472
35473 @noindent
35474 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
35475 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
35476 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
35477 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
35478
35479 @smallexample
35480 @code{123456/d}
35481 @end smallexample
35482
35483 @node Memory Transfer
35484 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
35485 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
35486
35487 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
35488 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
35489 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
35490 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
35491 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
35492 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
35493 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
35494
35495
35496 @node struct stat
35497 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
35498 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
35499
35500 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
35501 is defined as follows:
35502
35503 @smallexample
35504 struct stat @{
35505 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
35506 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
35507 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
35508 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
35509 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
35510 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
35511 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
35512 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
35513 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
35514 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
35515 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
35516 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
35517 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
35518 @};
35519 @end smallexample
35520
35521 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35522 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35523 structure is of size 64 bytes.
35524
35525 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
35526 range of values.
35527
35528 @table @code
35529
35530 @item st_dev
35531 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
35532
35533 @item st_ino
35534 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35535
35536 @item st_mode
35537 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
35538 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
35539
35540 @item st_uid
35541 @itemx st_gid
35542 @itemx st_rdev
35543 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35544
35545 @item st_atime
35546 @itemx st_mtime
35547 @itemx st_ctime
35548 These values have a host and file system dependent
35549 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
35550 support exact timing values.
35551 @end table
35552
35553 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
35554 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
35555 continuing.
35556
35557 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
35558 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
35559 get truncated on the target.
35560
35561 @node struct timeval
35562 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
35563 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
35564
35565 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
35566 is defined as follows:
35567
35568 @smallexample
35569 struct timeval @{
35570 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
35571 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
35572 @};
35573 @end smallexample
35574
35575 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35576 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35577 structure is of size 8 bytes.
35578
35579 @node Constants
35580 @subsection Constants
35581 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
35582
35583 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
35584 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
35585 values before and after the call as needed.
35586
35587 @menu
35588 * Open Flags::
35589 * mode_t Values::
35590 * Errno Values::
35591 * Lseek Flags::
35592 * Limits::
35593 @end menu
35594
35595 @node Open Flags
35596 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
35597 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
35598
35599 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
35600
35601 @smallexample
35602 O_RDONLY 0x0
35603 O_WRONLY 0x1
35604 O_RDWR 0x2
35605 O_APPEND 0x8
35606 O_CREAT 0x200
35607 O_TRUNC 0x400
35608 O_EXCL 0x800
35609 @end smallexample
35610
35611 @node mode_t Values
35612 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
35613 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
35614
35615 All values are given in octal representation.
35616
35617 @smallexample
35618 S_IFREG 0100000
35619 S_IFDIR 040000
35620 S_IRUSR 0400
35621 S_IWUSR 0200
35622 S_IXUSR 0100
35623 S_IRGRP 040
35624 S_IWGRP 020
35625 S_IXGRP 010
35626 S_IROTH 04
35627 S_IWOTH 02
35628 S_IXOTH 01
35629 @end smallexample
35630
35631 @node Errno Values
35632 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
35633 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
35634
35635 All values are given in decimal representation.
35636
35637 @smallexample
35638 EPERM 1
35639 ENOENT 2
35640 EINTR 4
35641 EBADF 9
35642 EACCES 13
35643 EFAULT 14
35644 EBUSY 16
35645 EEXIST 17
35646 ENODEV 19
35647 ENOTDIR 20
35648 EISDIR 21
35649 EINVAL 22
35650 ENFILE 23
35651 EMFILE 24
35652 EFBIG 27
35653 ENOSPC 28
35654 ESPIPE 29
35655 EROFS 30
35656 ENAMETOOLONG 91
35657 EUNKNOWN 9999
35658 @end smallexample
35659
35660 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
35661 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
35662
35663 @node Lseek Flags
35664 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
35665 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
35666
35667 @smallexample
35668 SEEK_SET 0
35669 SEEK_CUR 1
35670 SEEK_END 2
35671 @end smallexample
35672
35673 @node Limits
35674 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
35675 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
35676
35677 All values are given in decimal representation.
35678
35679 @smallexample
35680 INT_MIN -2147483648
35681 INT_MAX 2147483647
35682 UINT_MAX 4294967295
35683 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
35684 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
35685 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
35686 @end smallexample
35687
35688 @node File-I/O Examples
35689 @subsection File-I/O Examples
35690 @cindex file-i/o examples
35691
35692 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
35693 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
35694
35695 @smallexample
35696 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
35697 @emph{request memory read from target}
35698 -> @code{m1234,6}
35699 <- XXXXXX
35700 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
35701 -> @code{F6}
35702 @end smallexample
35703
35704 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
35705 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
35706
35707 @smallexample
35708 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35709 @emph{request memory write to target}
35710 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
35711 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
35712 -> @code{F6}
35713 @end smallexample
35714
35715 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
35716 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
35717
35718 @smallexample
35719 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35720 -> @code{F-1,9}
35721 @end smallexample
35722
35723 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
35724 host is called:
35725
35726 @smallexample
35727 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35728 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
35729 <- @code{T02}
35730 @end smallexample
35731
35732 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
35733 host is called:
35734
35735 @smallexample
35736 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35737 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
35738 <- @code{T02}
35739 @end smallexample
35740
35741 @node Library List Format
35742 @section Library List Format
35743 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
35744
35745 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
35746 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
35747 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
35748 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
35749 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
35750 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
35751 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
35752 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
35753 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
35754 are loaded.
35755
35756 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
35757 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
35758 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
35759 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
35760
35761 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
35762 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
35763 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
35764 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
35765 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
35766 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
35767
35768 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
35769 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
35770
35771 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
35772 offset, looks like this:
35773
35774 @smallexample
35775 <library-list>
35776 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
35777 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
35778 </library>
35779 </library-list>
35780 @end smallexample
35781
35782 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
35783 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
35784
35785 @smallexample
35786 <library-list>
35787 <library name="sharedlib.o">
35788 <section address="0x10000000"/>
35789 <section address="0x20000000"/>
35790 <section address="0x30000000"/>
35791 </library>
35792 </library-list>
35793 @end smallexample
35794
35795 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
35796
35797 @smallexample
35798 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
35799 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
35800 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
35801 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
35802 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
35803 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
35804 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
35805 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
35806 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
35807 @end smallexample
35808
35809 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
35810 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
35811 section for each library.
35812
35813 @node Memory Map Format
35814 @section Memory Map Format
35815 @cindex memory map format
35816
35817 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
35818 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
35819 memory map.
35820
35821 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
35822 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
35823 lists memory regions.
35824
35825 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
35826 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
35827
35828 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
35829
35830 @smallexample
35831 <?xml version="1.0"?>
35832 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
35833 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
35834 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
35835 <memory-map>
35836 region...
35837 </memory-map>
35838 @end smallexample
35839
35840 Each region can be either:
35841
35842 @itemize
35843
35844 @item
35845 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
35846 bytes from there:
35847
35848 @smallexample
35849 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
35850 @end smallexample
35851
35852
35853 @item
35854 A region of read-only memory:
35855
35856 @smallexample
35857 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
35858 @end smallexample
35859
35860
35861 @item
35862 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
35863 bytes in length:
35864
35865 @smallexample
35866 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
35867 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
35868 </memory>
35869 @end smallexample
35870
35871 @end itemize
35872
35873 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
35874 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
35875 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
35876
35877 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
35878
35879 @smallexample
35880 <!-- ................................................... -->
35881 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
35882 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
35883 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
35884 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
35885 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
35886 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
35887 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
35888 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
35889 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
35890 and its type, or device. -->
35891 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
35892 start CDATA #REQUIRED
35893 length CDATA #REQUIRED
35894 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
35895 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
35896 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
35897 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
35898 @end smallexample
35899
35900 @node Thread List Format
35901 @section Thread List Format
35902 @cindex thread list format
35903
35904 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
35905 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
35906 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
35907 the following structure:
35908
35909 @smallexample
35910 <?xml version="1.0"?>
35911 <threads>
35912 <thread id="id" core="0">
35913 ... description ...
35914 </thread>
35915 </threads>
35916 @end smallexample
35917
35918 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
35919 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
35920 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
35921 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
35922 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
35923
35924 @node Traceframe Info Format
35925 @section Traceframe Info Format
35926 @cindex traceframe info format
35927
35928 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
35929 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
35930 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
35931 collected in a traceframe.
35932
35933 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
35934 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
35935
35936 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
35937 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
35938
35939 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
35940
35941 @smallexample
35942 <?xml version="1.0"?>
35943 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
35944 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
35945 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
35946 <traceframe-info>
35947 block...
35948 </traceframe-info>
35949 @end smallexample
35950
35951 Each traceframe block can be either:
35952
35953 @itemize
35954
35955 @item
35956 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
35957 @var{length} bytes from there:
35958
35959 @smallexample
35960 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
35961 @end smallexample
35962
35963 @end itemize
35964
35965 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
35966
35967 @smallexample
35968 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory)* >
35969 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
35970
35971 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
35972 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
35973 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
35974 @end smallexample
35975
35976 @include agentexpr.texi
35977
35978 @node Trace File Format
35979 @appendix Trace File Format
35980 @cindex trace file format
35981
35982 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
35983 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
35984
35985 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
35986 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
35987 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
35988 in the future.
35989
35990 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
35991 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
35992 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
35993 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
35994 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
35995 of this section.
35996
35997 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
35998
35999 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
36000 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
36001 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
36002 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
36003 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
36004 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
36005 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
36006 endianness.
36007
36008 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
36009
36010 @table @code
36011 @item R @var{bytes}
36012 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
36013 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
36014 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
36015 hexadecimal encoding.
36016
36017 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
36018 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
36019 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
36020 @var{length} bytes.
36021
36022 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
36023 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
36024 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
36025
36026 @end table
36027
36028 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
36029 of blocks.
36030
36031 @node Target Descriptions
36032 @appendix Target Descriptions
36033 @cindex target descriptions
36034
36035 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
36036 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
36037 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
36038
36039 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
36040 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
36041 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
36042 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
36043 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
36044 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
36045 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
36046
36047 @itemize @bullet
36048 @item
36049 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
36050 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
36051 @item
36052 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
36053 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
36054 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
36055 @item
36056 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
36057 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
36058 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
36059 @end itemize
36060
36061 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
36062 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
36063 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
36064 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
36065 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
36066
36067 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36068 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
36069
36070 @menu
36071 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
36072 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
36073 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
36074 descriptions.
36075 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
36076 @end menu
36077
36078 @node Retrieving Descriptions
36079 @section Retrieving Descriptions
36080
36081 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
36082 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
36083 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
36084 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
36085 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
36086 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
36087 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
36088 Format}.
36089
36090 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
36091 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
36092 specify a file are:
36093
36094 @table @code
36095 @cindex set tdesc filename
36096 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
36097 Read the target description from @var{path}.
36098
36099 @cindex unset tdesc filename
36100 @item unset tdesc filename
36101 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
36102 will use the description supplied by the current target.
36103
36104 @cindex show tdesc filename
36105 @item show tdesc filename
36106 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
36107 @end table
36108
36109
36110 @node Target Description Format
36111 @section Target Description Format
36112 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
36113
36114 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
36115 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
36116 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
36117 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
36118 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
36119 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
36120 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
36121
36122 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
36123 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
36124 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
36125 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
36126 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
36127
36128 Here is a simple target description:
36129
36130 @smallexample
36131 <target version="1.0">
36132 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
36133 </target>
36134 @end smallexample
36135
36136 @noindent
36137 This minimal description only says that the target uses
36138 the x86-64 architecture.
36139
36140 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
36141 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
36142 are explained further below.
36143
36144 @smallexample
36145 <?xml version="1.0"?>
36146 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
36147 <target version="1.0">
36148 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
36149 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
36150 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
36151 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
36152 </target>
36153 @end smallexample
36154
36155 @noindent
36156 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
36157 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
36158 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
36159 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
36160 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
36161 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
36162 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
36163 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
36164 the version mismatch.
36165
36166 @subsection Inclusion
36167 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
36168 @cindex XInclude
36169 @ifnotinfo
36170 @cindex <xi:include>
36171 @end ifnotinfo
36172
36173 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
36174 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
36175 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
36176 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
36177 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
36178
36179 @smallexample
36180 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
36181 @end smallexample
36182
36183 @noindent
36184 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
36185 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
36186 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
36187 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
36188 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
36189 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
36190 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
36191 original description.
36192
36193 @subsection Architecture
36194 @cindex <architecture>
36195
36196 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
36197
36198 @smallexample
36199 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
36200 @end smallexample
36201
36202 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
36203 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
36204
36205 @subsection OS ABI
36206 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
36207
36208 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
36209 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
36210
36211 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
36212
36213 @smallexample
36214 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
36215 @end smallexample
36216
36217 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
36218 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
36219
36220 @subsection Compatible Architecture
36221 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
36222
36223 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
36224 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
36225
36226 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
36227
36228 @smallexample
36229 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
36230 @end smallexample
36231
36232 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
36233 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
36234
36235 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
36236 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
36237 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
36238 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
36239 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
36240 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
36241 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
36242
36243 @smallexample
36244 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
36245 <compatible>spu</compatible>
36246 @end smallexample
36247
36248 @subsection Features
36249 @cindex <feature>
36250
36251 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
36252 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
36253 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
36254 has this form:
36255
36256 @smallexample
36257 <feature name="@var{name}">
36258 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
36259 @var{reg}@dots{}
36260 </feature>
36261 @end smallexample
36262
36263 @noindent
36264 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
36265 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
36266 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
36267 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
36268
36269 @subsection Types
36270
36271 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
36272 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
36273 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
36274 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
36275 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
36276
36277 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
36278 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
36279 Types must be defined before they are used.
36280
36281 @cindex <vector>
36282 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
36283 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
36284 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
36285 @var{count}:
36286
36287 @smallexample
36288 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
36289 @end smallexample
36290
36291 @cindex <union>
36292 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
36293 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
36294 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
36295 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
36296
36297 @smallexample
36298 <union id="@var{id}">
36299 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
36300 @dots{}
36301 </union>
36302 @end smallexample
36303
36304 @cindex <struct>
36305 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
36306 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
36307 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
36308 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
36309 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
36310 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
36311 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
36312 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
36313
36314 @smallexample
36315 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
36316 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
36317 @dots{}
36318 </struct>
36319 @end smallexample
36320
36321 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
36322 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
36323
36324 @smallexample
36325 <struct id="@var{id}">
36326 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
36327 @dots{}
36328 </struct>
36329 @end smallexample
36330
36331 @cindex <flags>
36332 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
36333 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
36334 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
36335 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
36336 are supported.
36337
36338 @smallexample
36339 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
36340 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
36341 @dots{}
36342 </flags>
36343 @end smallexample
36344
36345 @subsection Registers
36346 @cindex <reg>
36347
36348 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
36349
36350 @smallexample
36351 <reg name="@var{name}"
36352 bitsize="@var{size}"
36353 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
36354 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
36355 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
36356 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
36357 @end smallexample
36358
36359 @noindent
36360 The components are as follows:
36361
36362 @table @var
36363
36364 @item name
36365 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
36366
36367 @item bitsize
36368 The register's size, in bits.
36369
36370 @item regnum
36371 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
36372 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
36373 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
36374 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
36375 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
36376 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
36377 in order of increasing register number.
36378
36379 @item save-restore
36380 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
36381 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
36382 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
36383 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
36384 ABI.
36385
36386 @item type
36387 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
36388 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
36389 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
36390 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
36391 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
36392 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
36393
36394 @item group
36395 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
36396 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
36397 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
36398 in @code{info registers}.
36399
36400 @end table
36401
36402 @node Predefined Target Types
36403 @section Predefined Target Types
36404 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
36405
36406 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
36407 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
36408 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
36409 types. The currently supported types are:
36410
36411 @table @code
36412
36413 @item int8
36414 @itemx int16
36415 @itemx int32
36416 @itemx int64
36417 @itemx int128
36418 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36419
36420 @item uint8
36421 @itemx uint16
36422 @itemx uint32
36423 @itemx uint64
36424 @itemx uint128
36425 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36426
36427 @item code_ptr
36428 @itemx data_ptr
36429 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
36430 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
36431 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
36432 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
36433 may be marked as data pointers.
36434
36435 @item ieee_single
36436 Single precision IEEE floating point.
36437
36438 @item ieee_double
36439 Double precision IEEE floating point.
36440
36441 @item arm_fpa_ext
36442 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
36443
36444 @item i387_ext
36445 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
36446
36447 @item i386_eflags
36448 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
36449
36450 @item i386_mxcsr
36451 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
36452
36453 @end table
36454
36455 @node Standard Target Features
36456 @section Standard Target Features
36457 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
36458
36459 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
36460 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
36461 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
36462 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
36463 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
36464 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
36465 can recognize them.
36466
36467 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
36468 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
36469 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
36470 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
36471 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
36472 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
36473 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
36474 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
36475
36476 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
36477 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
36478 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
36479
36480 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
36481 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
36482 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
36483 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
36484
36485 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
36486 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
36487 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
36488
36489 @menu
36490 * ARM Features::
36491 * i386 Features::
36492 * MIPS Features::
36493 * M68K Features::
36494 * PowerPC Features::
36495 @end menu
36496
36497
36498 @node ARM Features
36499 @subsection ARM Features
36500 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
36501
36502 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
36503 ARM targets.
36504 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
36505 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
36506
36507 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
36508 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
36509 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
36510 and @samp{xpsr}.
36511
36512 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
36513 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
36514
36515 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
36516 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
36517 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
36518 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
36519
36520 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
36521 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
36522 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
36523 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
36524 halves of the double-precision registers.
36525
36526 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
36527 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
36528 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
36529 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
36530 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
36531 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
36532
36533 @node i386 Features
36534 @subsection i386 Features
36535 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
36536
36537 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
36538 targets. It should describe the following registers:
36539
36540 @itemize @minus
36541 @item
36542 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
36543 @item
36544 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
36545 @item
36546 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
36547 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
36548 @item
36549 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
36550 @item
36551 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
36552 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
36553 @end itemize
36554
36555 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
36556
36557 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
36558 describe registers:
36559
36560 @itemize @minus
36561 @item
36562 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
36563 @item
36564 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
36565 @item
36566 @samp{mxcsr}
36567 @end itemize
36568
36569 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
36570 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
36571 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
36572
36573 @itemize @minus
36574 @item
36575 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
36576 @item
36577 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
36578 @end itemize
36579
36580 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
36581 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
36582
36583 @node MIPS Features
36584 @subsection MIPS Features
36585 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
36586
36587 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
36588 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
36589 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
36590 on the target.
36591
36592 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
36593 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
36594 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36595
36596 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
36597 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
36598 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
36599 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36600
36601 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
36602 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
36603 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
36604
36605 @node M68K Features
36606 @subsection M68K Features
36607 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
36608
36609 @table @code
36610 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
36611 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
36612 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
36613 One of those features must be always present.
36614 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
36615 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
36616 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
36617 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
36618
36619 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
36620 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
36621 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
36622 @samp{fpiaddr}.
36623 @end table
36624
36625 @node PowerPC Features
36626 @subsection PowerPC Features
36627 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
36628
36629 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
36630 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
36631 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
36632 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36633
36634 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
36635 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
36636
36637 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
36638 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
36639 and @samp{vrsave}.
36640
36641 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
36642 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
36643 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
36644 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
36645 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
36646 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
36647
36648 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
36649 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
36650 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
36651 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
36652 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
36653 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
36654 user.
36655
36656 @node Operating System Information
36657 @appendix Operating System Information
36658 @cindex operating system information
36659
36660 @menu
36661 * Process list::
36662 @end menu
36663
36664 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
36665 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
36666 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
36667 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
36668 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
36669 on a different aspect of target.
36670
36671 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
36672 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
36673 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
36674 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
36675
36676 @node Process list
36677 @appendixsection Process list
36678 @cindex operating system information, process list
36679
36680 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
36681 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
36682 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
36683 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
36684
36685 An example document is:
36686
36687 @smallexample
36688 <?xml version="1.0"?>
36689 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
36690 <osdata type="processes">
36691 <item>
36692 <column name="pid">1</column>
36693 <column name="user">root</column>
36694 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
36695 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
36696 </item>
36697 </osdata>
36698 @end smallexample
36699
36700 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
36701 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
36702 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
36703 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
36704 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
36705 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
36706 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
36707
36708 @include gpl.texi
36709
36710 @node GNU Free Documentation License
36711 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
36712 @include fdl.texi
36713
36714 @node Index
36715 @unnumbered Index
36716
36717 @printindex cp
36718
36719 @tex
36720 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
36721 % meantime:
36722 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
36723 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
36724 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
36725 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
36726 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
36727 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
36728 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
36729 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
36730 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
36731 \page\colophon
36732 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
36733 @end tex
36734
36735 @bye
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