PR c++/15176:
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @c man begin INCLUDE
10 @include gdb-cfg.texi
11 @c man end
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
24 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
25 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
26 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
27 @syncodeindex ky fn
28 @syncodeindex tp fn
29
30 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
31 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
32 @syncodeindex vr fn
33
34 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
35 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
36 @set EDITION Tenth
37
38 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
39 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
40
41 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
42
43 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
44 @c manuals to an info tree.
45 @dircategory Software development
46 @direntry
47 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
48 @end direntry
49
50 @copying
51 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
52 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
53
54 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
55 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
56 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
57 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
58 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
59 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
60
61 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
62 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
63 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
64 @c man end
65 @end copying
66
67 @ifnottex
68 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
69
70 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
71 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
72 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
73 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
74 @end ifset
75 Version @value{GDBVN}.
76
77 @insertcopying
78 @end ifnottex
79
80 @titlepage
81 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
82 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
85 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
86 @sp 1
87 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
88 @end ifset
89 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
90 @page
91 @tex
92 {\parskip=0pt
93 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
94 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
95 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
96 }
97 @end tex
98
99 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
100 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
101 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
102 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
103 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
104
105 @insertcopying
106 @end titlepage
107 @page
108
109 @ifnottex
110 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
111
112 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
113
114 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
115
116 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
117 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
118 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
119 @end ifset
120 Version @value{GDBVN}.
121
122 Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
123
124 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
125 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
126 software in general. We will miss him.
127
128 @menu
129 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
130 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
131
132 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
133 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
134 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
135 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
136 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
137 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
138 * Stack:: Examining the stack
139 * Source:: Examining source files
140 * Data:: Examining data
141 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
142 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
143 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
144 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
145
146 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
147
148 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
149 * Altering:: Altering execution
150 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
151 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
152 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
153 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
154 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
155 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
156 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
157 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
158 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
159 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
160 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
161 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
162 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
169 @end ifset
170 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
171 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
172 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
173 @end ifclear
174 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
175 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
176 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
177 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
178 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
179 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
180 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
181 @value{GDBN}
182 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
183 the operating system
184 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
185 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
186 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
187 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
188 how you can copy and share GDB
189 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
190 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
191 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
192 functions, and Python data types
193 @end menu
194
195 @end ifnottex
196
197 @contents
198
199 @node Summary
200 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
201
202 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
203 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
204 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
205
206 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
207 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
208
209 @itemize @bullet
210 @item
211 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
212
213 @item
214 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
215
216 @item
217 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
218
219 @item
220 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
221 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
222 @end itemize
223
224 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
225 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
226 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
227
228 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
229 @ref{D,,D}.
230
231 @cindex Modula-2
232 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
233 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
234
235 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
236 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
237
238 @cindex Pascal
239 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
240 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
241 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
242 syntax.
243
244 @cindex Fortran
245 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
246 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
247 underscore.
248
249 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
250 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
251
252 @menu
253 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
254 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
255 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
256 @end menu
257
258 @node Free Software
259 @unnumberedsec Free Software
260
261 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
262 General Public License
263 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
264 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
265 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
266 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
267 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
268 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
269
270 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
271 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
272 from anyone else.
273
274 @node Free Documentation
275 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
276
277 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
278 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
279 include with the free software. Many of our most important
280 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
281 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
282 when an important free software package does not come with a free
283 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
284 gaps today.
285
286 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
287 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
288 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
289 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
290 them from the free software world.
291
292 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
293 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
294 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
295 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
296 contract to make it non-free.
297
298 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
299 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
300 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
301 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
302 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
303 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
304 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
305
306 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
307 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
308 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
309 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
310
311 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
312 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
313 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
314 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
315 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
316 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
317 community.
318
319 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
320 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
321 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
322 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
323 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
324 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
325 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
326 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
327 of the manual.
328
329 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
330 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
331 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
332 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
333 manual to replace it.
334
335 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
336 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
337 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
338 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
339 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
340 the free software community.
341
342 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
343 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
344 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
345 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
346 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
347 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
348 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
349 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
350 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
351
352 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
353 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
354 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
355 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
356 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
357 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
358 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
359 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
360
361 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
362 published by other publishers, at
363 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
364
365 @node Contributors
366 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
367
368 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
369 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
370 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
371 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
372 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
373 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
374 blow-by-blow account.
375
376 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
377
378 @quotation
379 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
380 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
381 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
382 @end quotation
383
384 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
385 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
386 releases:
387 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
388 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
389 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
390 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
391 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
392 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
393 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
394 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
395 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
396
397 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
398 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
399
400 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
401 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
402 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
403 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
404 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
405
406 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
407 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
408 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
409
410 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
411 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
412
413 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
414
415 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
416 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
417 support.
418 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
419 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
420 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
421 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
422 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
423 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
424 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
425 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
426 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
427 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
428 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
429 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
430 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
431 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
432 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
433 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
434
435 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
436
437 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
438 libraries.
439
440 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
441 about several machine instruction sets.
442
443 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
444 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
445 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
446 and RDI targets, respectively.
447
448 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
449 command-line editing and command history.
450
451 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
452 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
453
454 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
455 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
456 symbols.
457
458 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
459 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
460
461 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
462
463 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
464 processors.
465
466 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
467
468 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
469
470 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
471
472 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
473 watchpoints.
474
475 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
476
477 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
478
479 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
480 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
481
482 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
483 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
484 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
485 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
486 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
487 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
488 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
489
490 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
491 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
492
493 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
494 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
495 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
496 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
497 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
498 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
499 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
500 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
501 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
502 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
503 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
504 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
505 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
506 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
507 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
508
509 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
510 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
511
512 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
513 Hat.
514
515 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
516 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
517 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
518 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
519 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
520 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
521
522 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
523 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
524 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
525 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
526 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
527 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
528 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
529 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
530 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
531 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
532 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
533 Weigand.
534
535 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
536 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
537 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
538 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
539
540 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
541 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
542
543 @node Sample Session
544 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
545
546 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
547 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
548 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
549
550 @iftex
551 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
552 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
553 @end iftex
554
555 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
556 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
557
558 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
559 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
560 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
561 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
562 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
563 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
564 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
565 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
566 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
567
568 @smallexample
569 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
570 $ @b{./m4}
571 @b{define(foo,0000)}
572
573 @b{foo}
574 0000
575 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
576
577 @b{bar}
578 0000
579 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
580
581 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
582 @b{baz}
583 @b{Ctrl-d}
584 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
585 @end smallexample
586
587 @noindent
588 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
589
590 @smallexample
591 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
592 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
593 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
594 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
595 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
596 the conditions.
597 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
598 for details.
599
600 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
601 (@value{GDBP})
602 @end smallexample
603
604 @noindent
605 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
606 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
607 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
608 that examples fit in this manual.
609
610 @smallexample
611 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
612 @end smallexample
613
614 @noindent
615 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
616 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
617 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
618 @code{break} command.
619
620 @smallexample
621 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
622 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
623 @end smallexample
624
625 @noindent
626 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
627 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
628 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
629
630 @smallexample
631 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
632 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
633 @b{define(foo,0000)}
634
635 @b{foo}
636 0000
637 @end smallexample
638
639 @noindent
640 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
641 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
642 context where it stops.
643
644 @smallexample
645 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
646
647 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
648 at builtin.c:879
649 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
650 @end smallexample
651
652 @noindent
653 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
654 the next line of the current function.
655
656 @smallexample
657 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
658 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
659 : nil,
660 @end smallexample
661
662 @noindent
663 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
664 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
665 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
666 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
667
668 @smallexample
669 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
670 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
671 at input.c:530
672 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
673 @end smallexample
674
675 @noindent
676 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
677 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
678 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
679 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
680 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
681 stack frame for each active subroutine.
682
683 @smallexample
684 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
685 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
686 at input.c:530
687 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
688 at builtin.c:882
689 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
690 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
691 at macro.c:71
692 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
693 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
694 @end smallexample
695
696 @noindent
697 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
698 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
699 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
700
701 @smallexample
702 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
703 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
704 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
705 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
706 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
707 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
708 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
709 : xstrdup(rq);
710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
711 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
712 @end smallexample
713
714 @noindent
715 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
716 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
717 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
718 (@code{print}) to see their values.
719
720 @smallexample
721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
722 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
723 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
724 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
725 @end smallexample
726
727 @noindent
728 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
729 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
730 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
731
732 @smallexample
733 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
734 533 xfree(rquote);
735 534
736 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
737 : xstrdup (lq);
738 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
739 : xstrdup (rq);
740 537
741 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
742 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
743 540 @}
744 541
745 542 void
746 @end smallexample
747
748 @noindent
749 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
750 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
751
752 @smallexample
753 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
754 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
755 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
756 540 @}
757 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
758 $3 = 9
759 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
760 $4 = 7
761 @end smallexample
762
763 @noindent
764 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
765 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
766 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
767 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
768 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
769 assignments.
770
771 @smallexample
772 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
773 $5 = 7
774 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
775 $6 = 9
776 @end smallexample
777
778 @noindent
779 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
780 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
781 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
782 example that caused trouble initially:
783
784 @smallexample
785 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
786 Continuing.
787
788 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
789
790 baz
791 0000
792 @end smallexample
793
794 @noindent
795 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
796 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
797 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
798
799 @smallexample
800 @b{Ctrl-d}
801 Program exited normally.
802 @end smallexample
803
804 @noindent
805 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
806 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
807 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
808
809 @smallexample
810 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
811 @end smallexample
812
813 @node Invocation
814 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
815
816 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
817 The essentials are:
818 @itemize @bullet
819 @item
820 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
821 @item
822 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
823 @end itemize
824
825 @menu
826 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
827 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
828 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
829 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
830 @end menu
831
832 @node Invoking GDB
833 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
834
835 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
836 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
837
838 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
839 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
840
841 The command-line options described here are designed
842 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
843 options may effectively be unavailable.
844
845 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
846 specifying an executable program:
847
848 @smallexample
849 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
850 @end smallexample
851
852 @noindent
853 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
854 specified:
855
856 @smallexample
857 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
858 @end smallexample
859
860 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
861 to debug a running process:
862
863 @smallexample
864 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
865 @end smallexample
866
867 @noindent
868 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
869 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
870
871 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
872 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
873 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
874 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
875 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
876
877 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
878 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
879 option processing.
880 @smallexample
881 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
882 @end smallexample
883 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
884 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
885
886 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
887 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
888
889 @smallexample
890 @value{GDBP} -silent
891 @end smallexample
892
893 @noindent
894 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
895 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
896
897 @noindent
898 Type
899
900 @smallexample
901 @value{GDBP} -help
902 @end smallexample
903
904 @noindent
905 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
906 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
907
908 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
909 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
910 @samp{-x} option is used.
911
912
913 @menu
914 * File Options:: Choosing files
915 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
916 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
917 @end menu
918
919 @node File Options
920 @subsection Choosing Files
921
922 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
923 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
924 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
925 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
926 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
927 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
928 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
929 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
930 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
931 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
932 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
933 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
934 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
935
936 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
937 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
938 argument and ignore it.
939
940 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
941 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
942 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
943 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
944 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
945
946 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
947 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
948 @c it.
949
950 @table @code
951 @item -symbols @var{file}
952 @itemx -s @var{file}
953 @cindex @code{--symbols}
954 @cindex @code{-s}
955 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
956
957 @item -exec @var{file}
958 @itemx -e @var{file}
959 @cindex @code{--exec}
960 @cindex @code{-e}
961 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
962 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
963
964 @item -se @var{file}
965 @cindex @code{--se}
966 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
967 file.
968
969 @item -core @var{file}
970 @itemx -c @var{file}
971 @cindex @code{--core}
972 @cindex @code{-c}
973 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
974
975 @item -pid @var{number}
976 @itemx -p @var{number}
977 @cindex @code{--pid}
978 @cindex @code{-p}
979 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
980
981 @item -command @var{file}
982 @itemx -x @var{file}
983 @cindex @code{--command}
984 @cindex @code{-x}
985 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
986 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
987 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
988
989 @item -eval-command @var{command}
990 @itemx -ex @var{command}
991 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
992 @cindex @code{-ex}
993 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
994
995 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
996 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
997
998 @smallexample
999 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1000 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1001 @end smallexample
1002
1003 @item -init-command @var{file}
1004 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1005 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1006 @cindex @code{-ix}
1007 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1008 after loading gdbinit files).
1009 @xref{Startup}.
1010
1011 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1012 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1013 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1014 @cindex @code{-iex}
1015 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1016 after loading gdbinit files).
1017 @xref{Startup}.
1018
1019 @item -directory @var{directory}
1020 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1021 @cindex @code{--directory}
1022 @cindex @code{-d}
1023 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1024
1025 @item -r
1026 @itemx -readnow
1027 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1028 @cindex @code{-r}
1029 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1030 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1031 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1032
1033 @end table
1034
1035 @node Mode Options
1036 @subsection Choosing Modes
1037
1038 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1039 batch mode or quiet mode.
1040
1041 @table @code
1042 @anchor{-nx}
1043 @item -nx
1044 @itemx -n
1045 @cindex @code{--nx}
1046 @cindex @code{-n}
1047 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1048 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1049
1050 @table @code
1051 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1052 This is the system-wide init file.
1053 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1054 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1055 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1056 have been processed.
1057 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1058 This is the init file in your home directory.
1059 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1060 command options have been processed.
1061 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1062 This is the init file in the current directory.
1063 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1064 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1065 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1066 @end table
1067
1068 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1069 For documentation on how to write command files,
1070 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1071
1072 @anchor{-nh}
1073 @item -nh
1074 @cindex @code{--nh}
1075 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1076 in your home directory.
1077 @xref{Startup}.
1078
1079 @item -quiet
1080 @itemx -silent
1081 @itemx -q
1082 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1083 @cindex @code{--silent}
1084 @cindex @code{-q}
1085 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1086 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1087
1088 @item -batch
1089 @cindex @code{--batch}
1090 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1091 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1092 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1093 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1094 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1095 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1096 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1097
1098 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1099 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1100 make this more useful, the message
1101
1102 @smallexample
1103 Program exited normally.
1104 @end smallexample
1105
1106 @noindent
1107 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1108 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1109 mode.
1110
1111 @item -batch-silent
1112 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1113 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1114 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1115 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1116 for an interactive session.
1117
1118 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1119 messages, for example.
1120
1121 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1122 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1123
1124 @item -return-child-result
1125 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1126 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1127 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1128
1129 @itemize @bullet
1130 @item
1131 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1132 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1133 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1134 @item
1135 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1136 @item
1137 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1138 the exit code will be -1.
1139 @end itemize
1140
1141 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1142 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1143 interface.
1144
1145 @item -nowindows
1146 @itemx -nw
1147 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1148 @cindex @code{-nw}
1149 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1150 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1151 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1152
1153 @item -windows
1154 @itemx -w
1155 @cindex @code{--windows}
1156 @cindex @code{-w}
1157 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1158 used if possible.
1159
1160 @item -cd @var{directory}
1161 @cindex @code{--cd}
1162 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1163 instead of the current directory.
1164
1165 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1166 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1167 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1168 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1169 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1170
1171 @item -fullname
1172 @itemx -f
1173 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1174 @cindex @code{-f}
1175 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1176 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1177 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1178 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1179 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1180 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1181 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1182 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1183 frame.
1184
1185 @item -annotate @var{level}
1186 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1187 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1188 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1189 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1190 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1191 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1192 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1193 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1194 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1195
1196 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1197 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1198
1199 @item --args
1200 @cindex @code{--args}
1201 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1202 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1203 This option stops option processing.
1204
1205 @item -baud @var{bps}
1206 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1207 @cindex @code{--baud}
1208 @cindex @code{-b}
1209 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1210 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1211
1212 @item -l @var{timeout}
1213 @cindex @code{-l}
1214 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1215 for remote debugging.
1216
1217 @item -tty @var{device}
1218 @itemx -t @var{device}
1219 @cindex @code{--tty}
1220 @cindex @code{-t}
1221 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1222 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1223
1224 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1225 @item -tui
1226 @cindex @code{--tui}
1227 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1228 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1229 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1230 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1231 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1232 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1233
1234 @c @item -xdb
1235 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1236 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1237 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1238 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1239 @c systems.
1240
1241 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1242 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1243 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1244 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1245 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1246 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1247
1248 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1249 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1250 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1251 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1252 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1253 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1254
1255 @item -write
1256 @cindex @code{--write}
1257 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1258 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1259 (@pxref{Patching}).
1260
1261 @item -statistics
1262 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1263 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1264 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1265
1266 @item -version
1267 @cindex @code{--version}
1268 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1269 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1270
1271 @item -configuration
1272 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1273 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1274 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1275 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1276
1277 @end table
1278
1279 @node Startup
1280 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1281 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1282
1283 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1284
1285 @enumerate
1286 @item
1287 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1288 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1289
1290 @item
1291 @cindex init file
1292 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1293 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1294 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1295 that file.
1296
1297 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1298 @item
1299 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1300 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1301 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1302 that file.
1303
1304 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1305 @item
1306 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1307 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1308 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1309 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1310 gets loaded.
1311
1312 @item
1313 Processes command line options and operands.
1314
1315 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1316 @item
1317 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1318 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1319 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1320 This is only done if the current directory is
1321 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1322 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1323 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1324 @value{GDBN}.
1325
1326 @item
1327 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1328 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1329 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1330 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1331
1332 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1333 you must do something like the following:
1334
1335 @smallexample
1336 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1337 @end smallexample
1338
1339 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1340 off too late.
1341
1342 @item
1343 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1344 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1345 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1346
1347 @item
1348 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1349 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1350 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1351 @end enumerate
1352
1353 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1354 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1355 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1356 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1357 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1358 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1359
1360 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1361 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1362
1363 @cindex init file name
1364 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1365 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1366 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1367 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1368 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1369 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1370 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1371 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1372
1373
1374 @node Quitting GDB
1375 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1376 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1377 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1378
1379 @table @code
1380 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1381 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1382 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1383 @itemx q
1384 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1385 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1386 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1387 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1388 error code.
1389 @end table
1390
1391 @cindex interrupt
1392 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1393 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1394 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1395 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1396 until a time when it is safe.
1397
1398 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1399 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1400 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1401
1402 @node Shell Commands
1403 @section Shell Commands
1404
1405 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1406 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1407 just use the @code{shell} command.
1408
1409 @table @code
1410 @kindex shell
1411 @kindex !
1412 @cindex shell escape
1413 @item shell @var{command-string}
1414 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1415 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1416 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1417 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1418 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1419 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1420 @end table
1421
1422 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1423 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1424 @value{GDBN}:
1425
1426 @table @code
1427 @kindex make
1428 @cindex calling make
1429 @item make @var{make-args}
1430 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1431 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1432 @end table
1433
1434 @node Logging Output
1435 @section Logging Output
1436 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1437 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1438
1439 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1440 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1441
1442 @table @code
1443 @kindex set logging
1444 @item set logging on
1445 Enable logging.
1446 @item set logging off
1447 Disable logging.
1448 @cindex logging file name
1449 @item set logging file @var{file}
1450 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1451 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1452 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1453 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1454 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1455 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1456 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1457 @kindex show logging
1458 @item show logging
1459 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1460 @end table
1461
1462 @node Commands
1463 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1464
1465 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1466 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1467 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1468 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1469 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1470
1471 @menu
1472 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1473 * Completion:: Command completion
1474 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1475 @end menu
1476
1477 @node Command Syntax
1478 @section Command Syntax
1479
1480 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1481 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1482 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1483 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1484 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1485 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1486
1487 @cindex abbreviation
1488 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1489 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1490 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1491 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1492 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1493 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1494 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1495
1496 @cindex repeating commands
1497 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1498 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1499 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1500 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1501 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1502 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1503 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1504
1505 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1506 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1507 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1508
1509 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1510 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1511 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1512 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1513 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1514
1515 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1516 @cindex comment
1517 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1518 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1519 Files,,Command Files}).
1520
1521 @cindex repeating command sequences
1522 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1523 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1524 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1525 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1526 for editing.
1527
1528 @node Completion
1529 @section Command Completion
1530
1531 @cindex completion
1532 @cindex word completion
1533 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1534 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1535 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1536 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1537
1538 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1539 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1540 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1541 enter it). For example, if you type
1542
1543 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1544 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1545 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1546 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1547 @smallexample
1548 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1549 @end smallexample
1550
1551 @noindent
1552 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1553 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1554
1555 @smallexample
1556 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1557 @end smallexample
1558
1559 @noindent
1560 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1561 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1562 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1563 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1564 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1565 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1566
1567 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1568 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1569 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1570 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1571 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1572 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1573 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1574 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1575 example:
1576
1577 @smallexample
1578 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1579 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1580 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1581 make_abs_section make_function_type
1582 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1583 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1584 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1585 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1586 @end smallexample
1587
1588 @noindent
1589 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1590 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1591 command.
1592
1593 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1594 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1595 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1596 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1597 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1598
1599 @cindex quotes in commands
1600 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1601 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1602 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1603 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1604 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1605 @value{GDBN} commands.
1606
1607 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1608 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1609 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1610 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1611 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1612 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1613 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1614 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1615 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1616 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1617 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1618
1619 @smallexample
1620 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1621 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1622 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1623 @end smallexample
1624
1625 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1626 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1627 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1628 place:
1629
1630 @smallexample
1631 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1632 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1633 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1634 @end smallexample
1635
1636 @noindent
1637 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1638 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1639 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1640
1641 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1642 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1643 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1644 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1645
1646 @cindex completion of structure field names
1647 @cindex structure field name completion
1648 @cindex completion of union field names
1649 @cindex union field name completion
1650 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1651 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1652 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1653 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1654 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1655 left-hand-side:
1656
1657 @smallexample
1658 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1659 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1660 to_data to_isatty to_write
1661 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1662 to_flush to_read
1663 @end smallexample
1664
1665 @noindent
1666 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1667 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1668 follows:
1669
1670 @smallexample
1671 struct ui_file
1672 @{
1673 int *magic;
1674 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1675 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1676 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1677 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1678 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1679 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1680 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1681 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1682 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1683 void *to_data;
1684 @}
1685 @end smallexample
1686
1687
1688 @node Help
1689 @section Getting Help
1690 @cindex online documentation
1691 @kindex help
1692
1693 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1694 using the command @code{help}.
1695
1696 @table @code
1697 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1698 @item help
1699 @itemx h
1700 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1701 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1702
1703 @smallexample
1704 (@value{GDBP}) help
1705 List of classes of commands:
1706
1707 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1708 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1709 data -- Examining data
1710 files -- Specifying and examining files
1711 internals -- Maintenance commands
1712 obscure -- Obscure features
1713 running -- Running the program
1714 stack -- Examining the stack
1715 status -- Status inquiries
1716 support -- Support facilities
1717 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1718 stopping the program
1719 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1720
1721 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1722 commands in that class.
1723 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1724 documentation.
1725 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1726 (@value{GDBP})
1727 @end smallexample
1728 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1729
1730 @item help @var{class}
1731 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1732 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1733 help display for the class @code{status}:
1734
1735 @smallexample
1736 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1737 Status inquiries.
1738
1739 List of commands:
1740
1741 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1742 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1743 info -- Generic command for showing things
1744 about the program being debugged
1745 show -- Generic command for showing things
1746 about the debugger
1747
1748 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1749 documentation.
1750 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1751 (@value{GDBP})
1752 @end smallexample
1753
1754 @item help @var{command}
1755 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1756 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1757
1758 @kindex apropos
1759 @item apropos @var{args}
1760 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1761 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1762 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1763
1764 @smallexample
1765 apropos alias
1766 @end smallexample
1767
1768 @noindent
1769 results in:
1770
1771 @smallexample
1772 @c @group
1773 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1774 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1775 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1776 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1777 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1778 @c @end group
1779 @end smallexample
1780
1781 @kindex complete
1782 @item complete @var{args}
1783 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1784 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1785 command you want completed. For example:
1786
1787 @smallexample
1788 complete i
1789 @end smallexample
1790
1791 @noindent results in:
1792
1793 @smallexample
1794 @group
1795 if
1796 ignore
1797 info
1798 inspect
1799 @end group
1800 @end smallexample
1801
1802 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1803 @end table
1804
1805 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1806 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1807 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1808 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1809 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1810 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1811 Index}.
1812
1813 @c @group
1814 @table @code
1815 @kindex info
1816 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1817 @item info
1818 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1819 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1820 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1821 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1822 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1823 @w{@code{help info}}.
1824
1825 @kindex set
1826 @item set
1827 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1828 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1829 @code{set prompt $}.
1830
1831 @kindex show
1832 @item show
1833 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1834 @value{GDBN} itself.
1835 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1836 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1837 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1838 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1839
1840 @kindex info set
1841 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1842 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1843 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1844 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1845 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1846 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1847 @end table
1848 @c @end group
1849
1850 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1851 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1852
1853 @table @code
1854 @kindex show version
1855 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1856 @item show version
1857 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1858 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1859 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1860 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1861 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1862 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1863 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1864 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1865 @value{GDBN}.
1866
1867 @kindex show copying
1868 @kindex info copying
1869 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1870 @item show copying
1871 @itemx info copying
1872 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1873
1874 @kindex show warranty
1875 @kindex info warranty
1876 @item show warranty
1877 @itemx info warranty
1878 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1879 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1880
1881 @kindex show configuration
1882 @item show configuration
1883 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1884 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1885 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1886 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1887 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1888 your report.
1889
1890 @end table
1891
1892 @node Running
1893 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1894
1895 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1896 debugging information when you compile it.
1897
1898 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1899 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1900 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1901 kill a child process.
1902
1903 @menu
1904 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1905 * Starting:: Starting your program
1906 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1907 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1908
1909 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1910 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1911 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1912 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1913
1914 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1915 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1916 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1917 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1918 @end menu
1919
1920 @node Compilation
1921 @section Compiling for Debugging
1922
1923 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1924 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1925 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1926 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1927 and addresses in the executable code.
1928
1929 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1930 the compiler.
1931
1932 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1933 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1934 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1935 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1936 executables containing debugging information.
1937
1938 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1939 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1940 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1941 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1942 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1943
1944 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1945 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1946 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1947
1948 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1949 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1950 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1951 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1952 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1953 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1954
1955 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1956 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1957 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1958
1959 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1960 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1961 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1962 format in @value{GDBN}.
1963
1964 @need 2000
1965 @node Starting
1966 @section Starting your Program
1967 @cindex starting
1968 @cindex running
1969
1970 @table @code
1971 @kindex run
1972 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1973 @item run
1974 @itemx r
1975 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1976 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1977 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1978 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1979 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1980
1981 @end table
1982
1983 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1984 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1985 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1986 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1987 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1988 message like this one:
1989
1990 @smallexample
1991 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1992 Try "help target" or "continue".
1993 @end smallexample
1994
1995 @noindent
1996 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1997 first (@pxref{load}).
1998
1999 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2000 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2001 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2002 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2003 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2004 divided into four categories:
2005
2006 @table @asis
2007 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2008 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2009 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2010 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2011 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2012 the arguments.
2013 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2014 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
2015 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
2016
2017 @item The @emph{environment.}
2018 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2019 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2020 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2021 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2022
2023 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2024 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2025 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2026 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2027
2028 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2029 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2030 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2031 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2032 set a different device for your program.
2033 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2034
2035 @cindex pipes
2036 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2037 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2038 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2039 wrong program.
2040 @end table
2041
2042 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2043 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2044 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2045 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2046 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2047
2048 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2049 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2050 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2051 your current breakpoints.
2052
2053 @table @code
2054 @kindex start
2055 @item start
2056 @cindex run to main procedure
2057 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2058 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2059 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2060 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2061 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2062 procedure, depending on the language used.
2063
2064 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2065 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2066 the @samp{run} command.
2067
2068 @cindex elaboration phase
2069 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2070 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2071 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2072 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2073 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2074 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2075 will remain to halt execution.
2076
2077 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2078 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2079 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2080 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2081 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2082
2083 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2084 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2085 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2086 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2087 elaboration code before running your program.
2088
2089 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2090 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2091 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2092 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2093 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2094 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2095 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2096 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2097 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2098 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2099 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2100
2101 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2102 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2103 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2104 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2105
2106 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2107 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2108 environment:
2109
2110 @smallexample
2111 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2112 (@value{GDBP}) run
2113 @end smallexample
2114
2115 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2116 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2117
2118 @kindex set disable-randomization
2119 @item set disable-randomization
2120 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2121 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2122 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2123 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2124 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2125
2126 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2127 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2128
2129 @smallexample
2130 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2131 @end smallexample
2132
2133 @item set disable-randomization off
2134 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2135 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2136 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2137 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2138 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2139 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2140
2141 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2142 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2143 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2144 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2145 a code at its expected addresses.
2146
2147 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2148 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2149 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2150 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2151 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2152 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2153 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2154 a randomly chosen address.
2155
2156 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2157 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2158 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2159 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2160 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2161
2162 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2163 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2164
2165 @item show disable-randomization
2166 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2167 the virtual address space of the started program.
2168
2169 @end table
2170
2171 @node Arguments
2172 @section Your Program's Arguments
2173
2174 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2175 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2176 @code{run} command.
2177 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2178 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2179 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2180 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2181 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2182
2183 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2184 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2185 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2186 the program, not by the shell.
2187
2188 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2189 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2190
2191 @table @code
2192 @kindex set args
2193 @item set args
2194 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2195 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2196 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2197 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2198 it again without arguments.
2199
2200 @kindex show args
2201 @item show args
2202 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2203 @end table
2204
2205 @node Environment
2206 @section Your Program's Environment
2207
2208 @cindex environment (of your program)
2209 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2210 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2211 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2212 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2213 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2214 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2215 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2216
2217 @table @code
2218 @kindex path
2219 @item path @var{directory}
2220 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2221 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2222 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2223 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2224 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2225 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2226 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2227
2228 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2229 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2230 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2231 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2232 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2233 @var{directory} to the search path.
2234 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2235 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2236
2237 @kindex show paths
2238 @item show paths
2239 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2240 environment variable).
2241
2242 @kindex show environment
2243 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2244 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2245 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2246 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2247 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2248
2249 @kindex set environment
2250 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2251 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2252 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2253 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2254 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2255 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2256 null value.
2257 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2258 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2259
2260 For example, this command:
2261
2262 @smallexample
2263 set env USER = foo
2264 @end smallexample
2265
2266 @noindent
2267 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2268 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2269 are not actually required.)
2270
2271 @kindex unset environment
2272 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2273 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2274 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2275 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2276 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2277 @end table
2278
2279 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2280 the shell indicated
2281 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2282 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2283 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2284 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2285 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2286 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2287 @file{.profile}.
2288
2289 @node Working Directory
2290 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2291
2292 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2293 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2294 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2295 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2296 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2297 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2298
2299 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2300 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2301 Specify Files}.
2302
2303 @table @code
2304 @kindex cd
2305 @cindex change working directory
2306 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2307 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2308 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2309
2310 @kindex pwd
2311 @item pwd
2312 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2313 @end table
2314
2315 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2316 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2317 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2318 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2319 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2320 current working directory of the debuggee.
2321
2322 @node Input/Output
2323 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2324
2325 @cindex redirection
2326 @cindex i/o
2327 @cindex terminal
2328 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2329 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2330 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2331 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2332 running your program.
2333
2334 @table @code
2335 @kindex info terminal
2336 @item info terminal
2337 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2338 program is using.
2339 @end table
2340
2341 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2342 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2343
2344 @smallexample
2345 run > outfile
2346 @end smallexample
2347
2348 @noindent
2349 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2350
2351 @kindex tty
2352 @cindex controlling terminal
2353 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2354 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2355 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2356 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2357 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2358
2359 @smallexample
2360 tty /dev/ttyb
2361 @end smallexample
2362
2363 @noindent
2364 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2365 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2366 that as their controlling terminal.
2367
2368 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2369 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2370 terminal.
2371
2372 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2373 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2374 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2375 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2376
2377 @cindex inferior tty
2378 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2379 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2380 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2381 program.
2382
2383 @table @code
2384 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2385 @kindex set inferior-tty
2386 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2387
2388 @item show inferior-tty
2389 @kindex show inferior-tty
2390 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2391 @end table
2392
2393 @node Attach
2394 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2395 @kindex attach
2396 @cindex attach
2397
2398 @table @code
2399 @item attach @var{process-id}
2400 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2401 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2402 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2403 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2404 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2405
2406 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2407 executing the command.
2408 @end table
2409
2410 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2411 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2412 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2413 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2414
2415 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2416 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2417 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2418 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2419 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2420 Specify Files}.
2421
2422 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2423 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2424 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2425 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2426 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2427 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2428 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2429
2430 @table @code
2431 @kindex detach
2432 @item detach
2433 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2434 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2435 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2436 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2437 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2438 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2439 executing the command.
2440 @end table
2441
2442 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2443 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2444 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2445 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2446 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2447 Messages}).
2448
2449 @node Kill Process
2450 @section Killing the Child Process
2451
2452 @table @code
2453 @kindex kill
2454 @item kill
2455 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2456 @end table
2457
2458 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2459 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2460 is running.
2461
2462 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2463 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2464 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2465 outside the debugger.
2466
2467 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2468 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2469 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2470 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2471 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2472 breakpoint settings).
2473
2474 @node Inferiors and Programs
2475 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2476
2477 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2478 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2479 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2480 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2481 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2482 from multiple executables.
2483
2484 @cindex inferior
2485 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2486 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2487 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2488 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2489 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2490 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2491 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2492 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2493 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2494 threads running in it.
2495
2496 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2497 inferiors}}:
2498
2499 @table @code
2500 @kindex info inferiors
2501 @item info inferiors
2502 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2503
2504 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2505
2506 @enumerate
2507 @item
2508 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2509
2510 @item
2511 the target system's inferior identifier
2512
2513 @item
2514 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2515
2516 @end enumerate
2517
2518 @noindent
2519 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2520 indicates the current inferior.
2521
2522 For example,
2523 @end table
2524 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2525
2526 @smallexample
2527 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2528 Num Description Executable
2529 2 process 2307 hello
2530 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2531 @end smallexample
2532
2533 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2534
2535 @table @code
2536 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2537 @item inferior @var{infno}
2538 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2539 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2540 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2541 @end table
2542
2543
2544 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2545 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2546 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2547 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2548 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2549 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2550
2551 @table @code
2552 @kindex add-inferior
2553 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2554 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2555 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2556 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2557 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2558 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2559
2560 @kindex clone-inferior
2561 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2562 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2563 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2564 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2565 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2566
2567 @smallexample
2568 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2569 Num Description Executable
2570 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2571 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2572 Added inferior 2.
2573 1 inferiors added.
2574 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2575 Num Description Executable
2576 2 <null> helloworld
2577 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2578 @end smallexample
2579
2580 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2581
2582 @kindex remove-inferiors
2583 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2584 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2585 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2586 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2587
2588 @end table
2589
2590 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2591 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2592 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2593 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2594
2595 @table @code
2596 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2597 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2598 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2599 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2600 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2601 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2602
2603 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2604 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2605 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2606 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2607 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2608 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2609 @end table
2610
2611 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2612 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2613 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2614 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2615
2616
2617 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2618 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2619
2620 @table @code
2621 @kindex set print inferior-events
2622 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2623 @item set print inferior-events
2624 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2625 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2626 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2627 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2628 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2629 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2630
2631 @kindex show print inferior-events
2632 @item show print inferior-events
2633 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2634 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2635 @end table
2636
2637 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2638 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2639 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2640
2641
2642 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2643 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2644 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2645 info program-spaces}} command.
2646
2647 @table @code
2648 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2649 @item maint info program-spaces
2650 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2651 @value{GDBN}.
2652
2653 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2654
2655 @enumerate
2656 @item
2657 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2658
2659 @item
2660 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2661 the @code{file} command.
2662
2663 @end enumerate
2664
2665 @noindent
2666 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2667 indicates the current program space.
2668
2669 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2670 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2671 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2672
2673 @smallexample
2674 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2675 Id Executable
2676 2 goodbye
2677 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2678 * 1 hello
2679 @end smallexample
2680
2681 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2682 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2683 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2684 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2685 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2686
2687 @smallexample
2688 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2689 Id Executable
2690 * 1 vfork-test
2691 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2692 @end smallexample
2693
2694 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2695 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2696 @end table
2697
2698 @node Threads
2699 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2700
2701 @cindex threads of execution
2702 @cindex multiple threads
2703 @cindex switching threads
2704 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2705 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2706 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2707 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2708 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2709 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2710 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2711
2712 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2713 programs:
2714
2715 @itemize @bullet
2716 @item automatic notification of new threads
2717 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2718 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2719 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2720 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2721 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2722 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2723 messages on thread start and exit.
2724 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2725 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2726 isn't compatible with the program.
2727 @end itemize
2728
2729 @quotation
2730 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2731 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2732 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2733 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2734 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2735 like this:
2736
2737 @smallexample
2738 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2739 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2740 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2741 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2742 @end smallexample
2743 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2744 @c doesn't support threads"?
2745 @end quotation
2746
2747 @cindex focus of debugging
2748 @cindex current thread
2749 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2750 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2751 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2752 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2753 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2754
2755 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2756 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2757 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2758 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2759 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2760 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2761 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2762 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2763 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2764 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2765
2766 @smallexample
2767 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2768 @end smallexample
2769
2770 @noindent
2771 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2772 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2773 further qualifier.
2774
2775 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2776 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2777 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2778 @c program?
2779 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2780 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2781 @c threads ab initio?
2782
2783 @cindex thread number
2784 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2785 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2786 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2787
2788 @table @code
2789 @kindex info threads
2790 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2791 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2792 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2793 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2794 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2795
2796 @enumerate
2797 @item
2798 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2799
2800 @item
2801 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2802
2803 @item
2804 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2805 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2806 program itself.
2807
2808 @item
2809 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2810 @end enumerate
2811
2812 @noindent
2813 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2814 indicates the current thread.
2815
2816 For example,
2817 @end table
2818 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2819
2820 @smallexample
2821 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2822 Id Target Id Frame
2823 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2824 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2825 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2826 at threadtest.c:68
2827 @end smallexample
2828
2829 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2830 Solaris-specific command:
2831
2832 @table @code
2833 @item maint info sol-threads
2834 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2835 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2836 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2837 @end table
2838
2839 @table @code
2840 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2841 @item thread @var{threadno}
2842 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2843 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2844 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2845 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2846 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2847
2848 @smallexample
2849 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2850 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2851 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2852 8 printf ("hello\n");
2853 @end smallexample
2854
2855 @noindent
2856 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2857 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2858 threads.
2859
2860 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2861 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2862 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2863 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2864 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2865 information on convenience variables.
2866
2867 @kindex thread apply
2868 @cindex apply command to several threads
2869 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2870 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2871 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2872 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2873 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2874 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2875 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2876 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2877
2878 @kindex thread name
2879 @cindex name a thread
2880 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2881 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2882 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2883 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2884
2885 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2886 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2887 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2888 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2889 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2890
2891 @kindex thread find
2892 @cindex search for a thread
2893 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2894 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2895 matches the supplied regular expression.
2896
2897 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2898 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2899 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2900 is the LWP id.
2901
2902 @smallexample
2903 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2904 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2905 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2906 Id Target Id Frame
2907 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2908 @end smallexample
2909
2910 @kindex set print thread-events
2911 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2912 @item set print thread-events
2913 @itemx set print thread-events on
2914 @itemx set print thread-events off
2915 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2916 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2917 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2918 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2919 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2920
2921 @kindex show print thread-events
2922 @item show print thread-events
2923 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2924 have started and exited.
2925 @end table
2926
2927 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2928 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2929 programs with multiple threads.
2930
2931 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2932 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2933
2934 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2935 @table @code
2936 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2937 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2938 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2939 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2940 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2941 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2942 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2943 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2944 macro.
2945
2946 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2947 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2948 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2949 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2950 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2951 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2952
2953 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2954 refers to the default system directories that are
2955 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2956 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2957 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2958
2959 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2960 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2961 was loaded in the inferior process.
2962
2963 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2964 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2965 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2966 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2967 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2968 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2969 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2970
2971 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2972 only on some platforms.
2973
2974 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2975 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2976 Display current libthread_db search path.
2977
2978 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2979 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2980 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2981 @item set debug libthread-db
2982 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2983 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2984 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2985 @end table
2986
2987 @node Forks
2988 @section Debugging Forks
2989
2990 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2991 @cindex multiple processes
2992 @cindex processes, multiple
2993 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2994 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2995 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2996 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2997 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2998 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2999 will cause it to terminate.
3000
3001 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3002 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3003 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3004 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3005 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3006 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3007 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3008 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3009 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3010 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3011
3012 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
3013 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
3014 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
3015 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
3016
3017 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3018 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3019
3020 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3021 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3022
3023 @table @code
3024 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3025 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3026 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3027 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3028 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3029
3030 @table @code
3031 @item parent
3032 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3033 unimpeded. This is the default.
3034
3035 @item child
3036 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3037 unimpeded.
3038
3039 @end table
3040
3041 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3042 @item show follow-fork-mode
3043 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3044 @end table
3045
3046 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3047 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3048 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3049
3050 @table @code
3051 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3052 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3053 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3054 retain debugger control over them both.
3055
3056 @table @code
3057 @item on
3058 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3059 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3060 independently. This is the default.
3061
3062 @item off
3063 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3064 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3065 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3066 is held suspended.
3067
3068 @end table
3069
3070 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3071 @item show detach-on-fork
3072 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3073 @end table
3074
3075 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3076 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3077 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3078 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3079 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3080 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3081
3082 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3083 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3084 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3085 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3086 and Programs}.
3087
3088 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3089 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3090 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3091 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3092 the child process's @code{main}.
3093
3094 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3095 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3096
3097 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3098 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3099 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3100 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3101 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3102 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3103 command.
3104
3105 @table @code
3106 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3107 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3108
3109 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3110 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3111
3112 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3113
3114 @table @code
3115 @item new
3116 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3117 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3118 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3119 original inferior.
3120
3121 For example:
3122
3123 @smallexample
3124 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3125 (gdb) info inferior
3126 Id Description Executable
3127 * 1 <null> prog1
3128 (@value{GDBP}) run
3129 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3130 Program exited normally.
3131 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3132 Id Description Executable
3133 * 2 <null> prog2
3134 1 <null> prog1
3135 @end smallexample
3136
3137 @item same
3138 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3139 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3140 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3141 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3142 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3143
3144 For example:
3145
3146 @smallexample
3147 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3148 Id Description Executable
3149 * 1 <null> prog1
3150 (@value{GDBP}) run
3151 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3152 Program exited normally.
3153 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3154 Id Description Executable
3155 * 1 <null> prog2
3156 @end smallexample
3157
3158 @end table
3159 @end table
3160
3161 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3162 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3163 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3164
3165 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3166 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3167
3168 @cindex checkpoint
3169 @cindex restart
3170 @cindex bookmark
3171 @cindex snapshot of a process
3172 @cindex rewind program state
3173
3174 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3175 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3176 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3177 later.
3178
3179 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3180 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3181 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3182 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3183 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3184
3185 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3186 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3187 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3188 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3189 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3190 start again from there.
3191
3192 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3193 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3194
3195 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3196
3197 @table @code
3198 @kindex checkpoint
3199 @item checkpoint
3200 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3201 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3202 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3203
3204 @kindex info checkpoints
3205 @item info checkpoints
3206 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3207 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3208 listed:
3209
3210 @table @code
3211 @item Checkpoint ID
3212 @item Process ID
3213 @item Code Address
3214 @item Source line, or label
3215 @end table
3216
3217 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3218 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3219 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3220 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3221 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3222 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3223 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3224
3225 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3226 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3227 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3228 the debugger.
3229
3230 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3231 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3232 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3233
3234 @end table
3235
3236 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3237 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3238 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3239 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3240 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3241 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3242 previously read data can be read again.
3243
3244 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3245 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3246 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3247 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3248 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3249 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3250
3251 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3252 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3253 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3254 different execution path this time.
3255
3256 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3257 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3258 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3259 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3260 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3261 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3262 potentially pose a problem.
3263
3264 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3265
3266 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3267 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3268 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3269 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3270 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3271 next.
3272
3273 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3274 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3275 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3276 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3277 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3278
3279 @node Stopping
3280 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3281
3282 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3283 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3284 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3285
3286 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3287 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3288 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3289 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3290 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3291 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3292 explicitly request this information at any time.
3293
3294 @table @code
3295 @kindex info program
3296 @item info program
3297 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3298 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3299 @end table
3300
3301 @menu
3302 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3303 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3304 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3305 Skipping over functions and files
3306 * Signals:: Signals
3307 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3308 @end menu
3309
3310 @node Breakpoints
3311 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3312
3313 @cindex breakpoints
3314 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3315 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3316 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3317 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3318 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3319 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3320 program.
3321
3322 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3323 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3324 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3325 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3326 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3327 call).
3328
3329 @cindex watchpoints
3330 @cindex data breakpoints
3331 @cindex memory tracing
3332 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3333 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3334 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3335 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3336 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3337 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3338 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3339 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3340 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3341 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3342 same commands.
3343
3344 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3345 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3346 Automatic Display}.
3347
3348 @cindex catchpoints
3349 @cindex breakpoint on events
3350 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3351 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3352 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3353 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3354 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3355 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3356 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3357
3358 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3359 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3360 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3361 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3362 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3363 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3364 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3365 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3366 enable it again.
3367
3368 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3369 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3370 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3371 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3372 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3373 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3374 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3375
3376 @menu
3377 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3378 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3379 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3380 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3381 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3382 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3383 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3384 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3385 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3386 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3387 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3388 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3389 @end menu
3390
3391 @node Set Breaks
3392 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3393
3394 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3395 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3396 @c
3397 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3398
3399 @kindex break
3400 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3401 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3402 @cindex latest breakpoint
3403 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3404 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3405 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3406 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3407 convenience variables.
3408
3409 @table @code
3410 @item break @var{location}
3411 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3412 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3413 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3414 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3415 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3416
3417 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3418 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3419 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3420 that situation.
3421
3422 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3423 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3424 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3425
3426 @item break
3427 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3428 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3429 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3430 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3431 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3432 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3433 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3434 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3435 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3436 inside loops.
3437
3438 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3439 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3440 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3441 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3442 existed when your program stopped.
3443
3444 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3445 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3446 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3447 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3448 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3449 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3450 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3451
3452 @kindex tbreak
3453 @item tbreak @var{args}
3454 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3455 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3456 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3457 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3458
3459 @kindex hbreak
3460 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3461 @item hbreak @var{args}
3462 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3463 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3464 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3465 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3466 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3467 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3468 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3469 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3470 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3471 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3472 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3473 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3474 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3475 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3476 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3477 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3478 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3479 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3480
3481 @kindex thbreak
3482 @item thbreak @var{args}
3483 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3484 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3485 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3486 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3487 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3488 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3489 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3490 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3491
3492 @kindex rbreak
3493 @cindex regular expression
3494 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3495 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3496 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3497 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3498 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3499 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3500 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3501 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3502 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3503
3504 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3505 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3506 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3507 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3508 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3509 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3510
3511 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3512 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3513 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3514 classes.
3515
3516 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3517 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3518 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3519
3520 @smallexample
3521 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3522 @end smallexample
3523
3524 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3525 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3526 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3527 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3528 every function in a given file:
3529
3530 @smallexample
3531 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3532 @end smallexample
3533
3534 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3535 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3536
3537 @kindex info breakpoints
3538 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3539 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3540 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3541 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3542 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3543 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3544 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3545
3546 @table @emph
3547 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3548 @item Type
3549 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3550 @item Disposition
3551 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3552 @item Enabled or Disabled
3553 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3554 that are not enabled.
3555 @item Address
3556 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3557 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3558 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3559 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3560 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3561 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3562 @item What
3563 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3564 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3565 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3566 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3567 @end table
3568
3569 @noindent
3570 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3571 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3572 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3573 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3574 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3575 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3576
3577 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3578 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3579 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3580 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3581
3582 @noindent
3583 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3584 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3585 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3586 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3587 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3588
3589 @noindent
3590 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3591 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3592 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3593 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3594 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3595 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3596
3597 @noindent
3598 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3599 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3600
3601 @end table
3602
3603 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3604 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3605 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3606 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3607
3608 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3609 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3610 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3611 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3612
3613 @itemize @bullet
3614 @item
3615 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3616
3617 @item
3618 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3619 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3620
3621 @item
3622 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3623 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3624
3625 @item
3626 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3627 several places where that function is inlined.
3628 @end itemize
3629
3630 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3631 the relevant locations.
3632
3633 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3634 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3635 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3636 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3637 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3638 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3639 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3640
3641 For example:
3642
3643 @smallexample
3644 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3645 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3646 stop only if i==1
3647 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3648 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3649 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3650 @end smallexample
3651
3652 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3653 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3654 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3655 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3656 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3657 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3658 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3659 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3660 that belong to that breakpoint.
3661
3662 @cindex pending breakpoints
3663 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3664 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3665 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3666 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3667 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3668 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3669 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3670 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3671 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3672 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3673 is not yet resolved.
3674
3675 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3676 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3677 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3678 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3679 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3680 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3681
3682 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3683 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3684 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3685 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3686
3687 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3688 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3689 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3690
3691 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3692 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3693 address specification to an address:
3694
3695 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3696 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3697 @table @code
3698 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3699 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3700 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3701
3702 @item set breakpoint pending on
3703 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3704 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3705
3706 @item set breakpoint pending off
3707 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3708 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3709 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3710
3711 @item show breakpoint pending
3712 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3713 @end table
3714
3715 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3716 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3717 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3718
3719 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3720 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3721 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3722 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3723 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3724 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3725 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3726 breakpoints.
3727
3728 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3729
3730 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3731 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3732 @table @code
3733 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3734 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3735 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3736 breakpoint must be used.
3737
3738 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3739 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3740 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3741 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3742 @end table
3743
3744 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3745 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3746 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3747 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3748 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3749 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3750 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3751 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3752 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3753
3754 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3755 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3756 @table @code
3757 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3758 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3759 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3760 removed from the target when it stops.
3761
3762 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3763 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3764 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3765 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3766 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3767
3768 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3769 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3770 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3771 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3772 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3773 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3774 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3775 @end table
3776
3777 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3778 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3779 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3780
3781 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3782 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3783
3784 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3785
3786 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3787 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3788 @table @code
3789 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3790 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3791 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3792 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3793 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3794
3795 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3796 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3797 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3798 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3799 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3800 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3801 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3802 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3803 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3804 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3805 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3806 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3807 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3808
3809 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3810 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3811 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3812 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3813 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3814 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3815 @end table
3816
3817
3818 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3819 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3820 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3821 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3822 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3823 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3824 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3825 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3826
3827
3828 @node Set Watchpoints
3829 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3830
3831 @cindex setting watchpoints
3832 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3833 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3834 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3835 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3836 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3837
3838 @itemize @bullet
3839 @item
3840 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3841
3842 @item
3843 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3844 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3845 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3846
3847 @item
3848 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3849 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3850 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3851 @end itemize
3852
3853 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3854 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3855 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3856 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3857 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3858 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3859 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3860 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3861 the expression changes.
3862
3863 @cindex software watchpoints
3864 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3865 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3866 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3867 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3868 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3869 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3870 culprit.)
3871
3872 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3873 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3874 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3875
3876 @table @code
3877 @kindex watch
3878 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3879 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3880 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3881 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3882 to watch the value of a single variable:
3883
3884 @smallexample
3885 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3886 @end smallexample
3887
3888 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3889 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3890 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3891 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3892 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3893 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3894
3895 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3896 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3897 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3898 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3899 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3900 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3901 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3902 error.
3903
3904 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3905 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3906 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3907 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3908 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3909 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3910 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3911 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3912 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3913 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3914 Examples:
3915
3916 @smallexample
3917 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3918 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3919 @end smallexample
3920
3921 @kindex rwatch
3922 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3923 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3924 by the program.
3925
3926 @kindex awatch
3927 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3928 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3929 or written into by the program.
3930
3931 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3932 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3933 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3934 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3935 @end table
3936
3937 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3938 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3939 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3940 a never-changing value:
3941
3942 @smallexample
3943 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3944 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3945 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3946 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3947 @end smallexample
3948
3949 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3950 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3951 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3952 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3953 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3954 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3955
3956 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3957 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3958 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3959 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3960 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3961 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3962 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3963 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3964
3965 @table @code
3966 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3967 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3968 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3969
3970 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3971 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3972 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3973 @end table
3974
3975 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3976 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3977 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3978
3979 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3980
3981 @smallexample
3982 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3983 @end smallexample
3984
3985 @noindent
3986 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3987
3988 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3989 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3990 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3991 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3992 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3993 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3994 will print a message like this:
3995
3996 @smallexample
3997 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3998 @end smallexample
3999
4000 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4001 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4002 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4003 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4004 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4005 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4006 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4007 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4008
4009 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4010 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4011 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4012 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4013 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4014 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4015
4016 @smallexample
4017 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4018 @end smallexample
4019
4020 @noindent
4021 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4022
4023 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4024 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4025 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4026 expression with separately allocated resources.
4027
4028 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4029 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4030 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4031
4032 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4033 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4034 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4035 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4036 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4037 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4038 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4039 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4040 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4041
4042 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4043 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4044 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4045 watched expression from every thread.
4046
4047 @quotation
4048 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4049 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4050 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4051 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4052 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4053 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4054 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4055 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4056 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4057 @end quotation
4058
4059 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4060
4061 @node Set Catchpoints
4062 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4063 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4064 @cindex exception handlers
4065 @cindex event handling
4066
4067 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4068 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4069 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4070
4071 @table @code
4072 @kindex catch
4073 @item catch @var{event}
4074 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4075
4076 @table @code
4077 @item throw
4078 @itemx rethrow
4079 @itemx catch
4080 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4081 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4082
4083 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4084 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4085 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4086 exception being thrown.
4087
4088 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4089 @value{GDBN}:
4090
4091 @itemize @bullet
4092 @item
4093 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4094 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4095 supported.
4096
4097 @item
4098 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable relies on the presence of
4099 some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}. If these probes are not present,
4100 then this variable cannot be used.
4101
4102 @item
4103 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4104 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4105
4106 @item
4107 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4108 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4109 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4110 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4111
4112 @item
4113 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4114 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4115 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4116 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4117 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4118 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4119 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4120 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4121 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4122
4123 @item
4124 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4125
4126 @item
4127 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4128 @end itemize
4129
4130 @item exception
4131 @cindex Ada exception catching
4132 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4133 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4134 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4135 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4136 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4137
4138 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4139 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4140 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4141 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4142 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4143 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4144 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4145 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4146
4147 @item exception unhandled
4148 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4149
4150 @item assert
4151 A failed Ada assertion.
4152
4153 @item exec
4154 @cindex break on fork/exec
4155 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4156 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4157
4158 @item syscall
4159 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4160 @cindex break on a system call.
4161 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4162 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4163 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4164 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4165 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4166 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4167 will be caught.
4168
4169 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4170 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4171 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4172 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4173
4174 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4175 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4176 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4177 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4178
4179 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4180 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4181 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4182 available choices.
4183
4184 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4185 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4186 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4187 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4188 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4189 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4190 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4191 behind the OS upgrades).
4192
4193 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4194 arguments to it:
4195
4196 @smallexample
4197 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4198 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4199 (@value{GDBP}) r
4200 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4201
4202 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4203 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4204 (@value{GDBP}) c
4205 Continuing.
4206
4207 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4208 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4209 (@value{GDBP})
4210 @end smallexample
4211
4212 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4213
4214 @smallexample
4215 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4216 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4217 (@value{GDBP}) r
4218 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4219
4220 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4221 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4222 (@value{GDBP}) c
4223 Continuing.
4224
4225 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4226 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4227 (@value{GDBP})
4228 @end smallexample
4229
4230 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4231 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4232 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4233
4234 @smallexample
4235 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4236 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4237 (@value{GDBP}) r
4238 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4239
4240 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4241 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4242 (@value{GDBP}) c
4243 Continuing.
4244
4245 Program exited normally.
4246 (@value{GDBP})
4247 @end smallexample
4248
4249 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4250 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4251 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4252 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4253
4254 @smallexample
4255 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4256 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4257 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4258 (@value{GDBP})
4259 @end smallexample
4260
4261 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4262 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4263 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4264 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4265 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4266 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4267
4268 @smallexample
4269 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4270 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4271 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4272 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4273 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4274 (@value{GDBP})
4275 @end smallexample
4276
4277 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4278
4279 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4280 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4281
4282 @smallexample
4283 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4284 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4285 @end smallexample
4286
4287 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4288
4289 @item fork
4290 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4291 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4292
4293 @item vfork
4294 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4295 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4296
4297 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4298 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4299 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4300 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4301 matches one of the affected libraries.
4302
4303 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4304 The delivery of a signal.
4305
4306 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4307 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4308 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4309
4310 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4311 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4312 signal names.
4313
4314 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4315 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4316 will be caught.
4317
4318 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4319 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4320 catchpoint.
4321
4322 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4323 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4324 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4325 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4326 commands.
4327
4328 @end table
4329
4330 @item tcatch @var{event}
4331 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4332 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4333
4334 @end table
4335
4336 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4337
4338
4339 @node Delete Breaks
4340 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4341
4342 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4343 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4344 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4345 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4346 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4347 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4348
4349 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4350 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4351 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4352 their breakpoint numbers.
4353
4354 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4355 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4356 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4357
4358 @table @code
4359 @kindex clear
4360 @item clear
4361 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4362 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4363 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4364 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4365
4366 @item clear @var{location}
4367 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4368 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4369 most useful ones are listed below:
4370
4371 @table @code
4372 @item clear @var{function}
4373 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4374 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4375
4376 @item clear @var{linenum}
4377 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4378 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4379 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4380 @end table
4381
4382 @cindex delete breakpoints
4383 @kindex delete
4384 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4385 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4386 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4387 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4388 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4389 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4390 @end table
4391
4392 @node Disabling
4393 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4394
4395 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4396 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4397 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4398 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4399 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4400
4401 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4402 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4403 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4404 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4405 do not know which numbers to use.
4406
4407 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4408 affects all of its locations.
4409
4410 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4411 different states of enablement:
4412
4413 @itemize @bullet
4414 @item
4415 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4416 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4417 @item
4418 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4419 @item
4420 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4421 disabled.
4422 @item
4423 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4424 N times, then becomes disabled.
4425 @item
4426 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4427 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4428 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4429 @end itemize
4430
4431 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4432 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4433
4434 @table @code
4435 @kindex disable
4436 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4437 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4438 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4439 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4440 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4441 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4442 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4443
4444 @kindex enable
4445 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4446 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4447 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4448
4449 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4450 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4451 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4452
4453 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4454 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4455 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4456 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4457 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4458 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4459 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4460
4461 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4462 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4463 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4464 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4465 @end table
4466
4467 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4468 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4469 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4470 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4471 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4472 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4473 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4474 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4475 Stepping}.)
4476
4477 @node Conditions
4478 @subsection Break Conditions
4479 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4480 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4481
4482 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4483 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4484 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4485 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4486 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4487 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4488 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4489 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4490
4491 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4492 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4493 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4494 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4495 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4496
4497 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4498 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4499 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4500 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4501 one.
4502
4503 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4504 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4505 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4506 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4507 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4508 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4509 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4510 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4511 conditions for the
4512 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4513 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4514
4515 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4516 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4517 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4518 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4519 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4520 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4521
4522 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4523 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4524 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4525 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4526 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4527
4528 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4529 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4530 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4531 with the @code{condition} command.
4532
4533 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4534 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4535 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4536 catchpoint.
4537
4538 @table @code
4539 @kindex condition
4540 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4541 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4542 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4543 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4544 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4545 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4546 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4547 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4548 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4549 prints an error message:
4550
4551 @smallexample
4552 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4553 @end smallexample
4554
4555 @noindent
4556 @value{GDBN} does
4557 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4558 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4559 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4560
4561 @item condition @var{bnum}
4562 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4563 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4564 @end table
4565
4566 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4567 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4568 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4569 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4570 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4571 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4572 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4573 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4574 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4575 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4576 your program reaches it.
4577
4578 @table @code
4579 @kindex ignore
4580 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4581 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4582 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4583 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4584 takes no action.
4585
4586 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4587 a count of zero.
4588
4589 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4590 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4591 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4592 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4593
4594 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4595 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4596 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4597
4598 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4599 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4600 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4601 Variables}.
4602 @end table
4603
4604 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4605
4606
4607 @node Break Commands
4608 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4609
4610 @cindex breakpoint commands
4611 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4612 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4613 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4614 enable other breakpoints.
4615
4616 @table @code
4617 @kindex commands
4618 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4619 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4620 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4621 @itemx end
4622 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4623 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4624 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4625
4626 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4627 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4628
4629 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4630 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4631 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4632 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4633 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4634 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4635 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4636 Expressions}).
4637 @end table
4638
4639 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4640 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4641
4642 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4643 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4644 that resumes execution.
4645
4646 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4647 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4648 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4649 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4650 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4651
4652 @kindex silent
4653 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4654 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4655 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4656 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4657 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4658 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4659
4660 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4661 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4662 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4663
4664 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4665 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4666
4667 @smallexample
4668 break foo if x>0
4669 commands
4670 silent
4671 printf "x is %d\n",x
4672 cont
4673 end
4674 @end smallexample
4675
4676 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4677 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4678 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4679 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4680 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4681 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4682 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4683
4684 @smallexample
4685 break 403
4686 commands
4687 silent
4688 set x = y + 4
4689 cont
4690 end
4691 @end smallexample
4692
4693 @node Dynamic Printf
4694 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4695
4696 @cindex dynamic printf
4697 @cindex dprintf
4698 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4699 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4700 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4701 having to recompile it.
4702
4703 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4704 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4705 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4706 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4707 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4708 redirects to files and so forth.
4709
4710 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4711 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4712 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4713 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4714 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4715 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4716 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4717
4718 @table @code
4719 @kindex dprintf
4720 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4721 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4722 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4723 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4724
4725 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4726 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4727 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4728 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4729 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4730 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4731
4732 @item gdb
4733 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4734 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4735
4736 @item call
4737 @kindex dprintf-style call
4738 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4739 @code{printf}).
4740
4741 @item agent
4742 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4743 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4744 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4745 support running commands on the target.
4746
4747 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4748 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4749 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4750 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4751 command.
4752
4753 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4754 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4755 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4756 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4757 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4758 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4759
4760 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4761 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4762 you could do the following:
4763
4764 @example
4765 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4766 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4767 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4768 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4769 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4770 (gdb) info break
4771 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4772 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4773 continue
4774 (gdb)
4775 @end example
4776
4777 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4778 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4779 the variable settings.
4780
4781 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4782 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4783 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4784 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4785 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4786 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4787
4788 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4789 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4790 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4791
4792 @end table
4793
4794 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4795 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4796 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4797 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4798 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4799 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4800
4801 @node Save Breakpoints
4802 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4803
4804 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4805 breakpoints}} command.
4806
4807 @table @code
4808 @kindex save breakpoints
4809 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4810 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4811 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4812 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4813 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4814 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4815 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4816 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4817 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4818 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4819 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4820 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4821 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4822 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4823 that can no longer be recreated.
4824 @end table
4825
4826 @node Static Probe Points
4827 @subsection Static Probe Points
4828
4829 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4830 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4831 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4832 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4833 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4834 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4835 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4836
4837 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4838 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4839 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4840 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4841 in your applications.
4842
4843 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4844 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4845 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4846 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4847 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4848 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4849 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4850 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4851
4852 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4853 probes}, with optional arguments:
4854
4855 @table @code
4856 @kindex info probes
4857 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4858 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4859 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4860 probes from all providers are listed.
4861
4862 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4863 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4864 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4865
4866 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4867 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4868 given, all object files are considered.
4869
4870 @item info probes all
4871 List the available static probes, from all types.
4872 @end table
4873
4874 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4875 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4876 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4877 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4878 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4879 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4880 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4881 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4882 at the current probe point.
4883
4884 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4885 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4886 an error message.
4887
4888
4889 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4890 @node Error in Breakpoints
4891 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4892
4893 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4894 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4895
4896 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4897 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4898 @smallexample
4899 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4900 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4901 @end smallexample
4902
4903 @noindent
4904 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4905 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4906 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4907
4908 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4909 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4910
4911 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4912 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4913 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4914
4915 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4916 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4917 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4918 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4919
4920 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4921 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4922 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4923 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4924 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4925 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4926 first in the bundle.
4927
4928 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4929 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4930 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4931 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4932 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4933 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4934 is hit.
4935
4936 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4937 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4938
4939 @smallexample
4940 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4941 @end smallexample
4942
4943 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4944 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4945 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4946 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4947 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4948 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4949 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4950 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4951
4952 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4953 adjusted breakpoints:
4954
4955 @smallexample
4956 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4957 to 0x00010410.
4958 @end smallexample
4959
4960 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4961 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4962 frequently than expected.
4963
4964 @node Continuing and Stepping
4965 @section Continuing and Stepping
4966
4967 @cindex stepping
4968 @cindex continuing
4969 @cindex resuming execution
4970 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4971 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4972 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4973 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4974 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4975 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4976 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4977 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4978
4979 @table @code
4980 @kindex continue
4981 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4982 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4983 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4984 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4985 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4986 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4987 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4988 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4989 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4990 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4991
4992 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4993 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4994 @code{continue} is ignored.
4995
4996 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4997 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4998 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4999 @code{continue}.
5000 @end table
5001
5002 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5003 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5004 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5005 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5006
5007 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5008 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5009 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5010 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5011 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5012 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5013
5014 @table @code
5015 @kindex step
5016 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5017 @item step
5018 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5019 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5020 abbreviated @code{s}.
5021
5022 @quotation
5023 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5024 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5025 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5026 @c distinction here.
5027 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5028 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5029 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5030 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5031 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5032 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5033 below.
5034 @end quotation
5035
5036 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5037 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5038 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5039 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5040 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5041 called within the line.
5042
5043 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5044 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5045 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5046 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5047 was any debugging information about the routine.
5048
5049 @item step @var{count}
5050 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5051 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5052 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5053
5054 @kindex next
5055 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5056 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5057 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5058 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5059 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5060 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5061 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5062 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5063
5064 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5065
5066
5067 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5068 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5069 @c
5070 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5071 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5072 @c function are executed without stopping.
5073
5074 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5075 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5076 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5077
5078 @kindex set step-mode
5079 @item set step-mode
5080 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5081 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5082 @itemx set step-mode on
5083 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5084 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5085 information rather than stepping over it.
5086
5087 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5088 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5089 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5090
5091 @item set step-mode off
5092 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5093 debug information. This is the default.
5094
5095 @item show step-mode
5096 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5097 source line debug information.
5098
5099 @kindex finish
5100 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5101 @item finish
5102 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5103 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5104 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5105
5106 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5107 ,Returning from a Function}).
5108
5109 @kindex until
5110 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5111 @cindex run until specified location
5112 @item until
5113 @itemx u
5114 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5115 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5116 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5117 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5118 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5119 than the address of the jump.
5120
5121 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5122 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5123 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5124 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5125 through the next iteration.
5126
5127 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5128 stack frame.
5129
5130 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5131 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5132 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5133 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5134 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5135
5136 @smallexample
5137 (@value{GDBP}) f
5138 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5139 206 expand_input();
5140 (@value{GDBP}) until
5141 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5142 @end smallexample
5143
5144 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5145 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5146 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5147 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5148 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5149 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5150 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5151
5152 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5153 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5154 argument.
5155
5156 @item until @var{location}
5157 @itemx u @var{location}
5158 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5159 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5160 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5161 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5162 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5163 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5164 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5165 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5166 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5167 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5168 invocations have returned.
5169
5170 @smallexample
5171 94 int factorial (int value)
5172 95 @{
5173 96 if (value > 1) @{
5174 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5175 98 @}
5176 99 return (value);
5177 100 @}
5178 @end smallexample
5179
5180
5181 @kindex advance @var{location}
5182 @item advance @var{location}
5183 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5184 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5185 @ref{Specify Location}.
5186 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5187 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5188 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5189 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5190
5191
5192 @kindex stepi
5193 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5194 @item stepi
5195 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5196 @itemx si
5197 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5198
5199 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5200 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5201 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5202 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5203
5204 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5205
5206 @need 750
5207 @kindex nexti
5208 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5209 @item nexti
5210 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5211 @itemx ni
5212 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5213 proceed until the function returns.
5214
5215 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5216 @end table
5217
5218 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5219 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5220 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5221
5222 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5223 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5224 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5225
5226 For example, consider the following C function:
5227
5228 @smallexample
5229 101 int func()
5230 102 @{
5231 103 foo(boring());
5232 104 bar(boring());
5233 105 @}
5234 @end smallexample
5235
5236 @noindent
5237 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5238 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5239 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5240 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5241
5242 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5243 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5244 is called from many places.
5245
5246 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5247 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5248 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5249 @code{foo}.
5250
5251 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5252 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5253
5254 @table @code
5255 @kindex skip function
5256 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5257 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5258 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5259 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5260 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5261
5262 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5263 will be skipped.
5264
5265 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5266 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5267
5268 @kindex skip file
5269 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5270 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5271 will be skipped over when stepping.
5272
5273 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5274 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5275 @end table
5276
5277 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5278 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5279
5280 @table @code
5281 @kindex info skip
5282 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5283 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5284 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5285 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5286
5287 @table @emph
5288 @item Identifier
5289 A number identifying this skip.
5290 @item Type
5291 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5292 @item Enabled or Disabled
5293 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5294 @item Address
5295 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5296 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5297 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5298 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5299 address here.
5300 @item What
5301 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5302 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5303 where it is defined.
5304 @end table
5305
5306 @kindex skip delete
5307 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5308 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5309 skips.
5310
5311 @kindex skip enable
5312 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5313 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5314 skips.
5315
5316 @kindex skip disable
5317 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5318 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5319 skips.
5320
5321 @end table
5322
5323 @node Signals
5324 @section Signals
5325 @cindex signals
5326
5327 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5328 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5329 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5330 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5331 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5332 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5333 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5334 requested an alarm).
5335
5336 @cindex fatal signals
5337 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5338 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5339 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5340 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5341 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5342 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5343
5344 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5345 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5346 signal.
5347
5348 @cindex handling signals
5349 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5350 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5351 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5352 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5353 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5354
5355 @table @code
5356 @kindex info signals
5357 @kindex info handle
5358 @item info signals
5359 @itemx info handle
5360 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5361 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5362 the defined types of signals.
5363
5364 @item info signals @var{sig}
5365 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5366
5367 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5368
5369 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5370 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5371 for details about this command.
5372
5373 @kindex handle
5374 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5375 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5376 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5377 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5378 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5379 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5380 say what change to make.
5381 @end table
5382
5383 @c @group
5384 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5385 Their full names are:
5386
5387 @table @code
5388 @item nostop
5389 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5390 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5391
5392 @item stop
5393 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5394 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5395
5396 @item print
5397 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5398
5399 @item noprint
5400 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5401 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5402
5403 @item pass
5404 @itemx noignore
5405 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5406 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5407 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5408
5409 @item nopass
5410 @itemx ignore
5411 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5412 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5413 @end table
5414 @c @end group
5415
5416 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5417 program until you
5418 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5419 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5420 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5421 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5422 program sees that signal when you continue.
5423
5424 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5425 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5426 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5427 erroneous signals.
5428
5429 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5430 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5431 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5432 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5433 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5434 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5435 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5436 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5437 Program a Signal}.
5438
5439 @cindex extra signal information
5440 @anchor{extra signal information}
5441
5442 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5443 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5444 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5445 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5446 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5447 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5448 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5449 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5450 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5451 system header.
5452
5453 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5454 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5455
5456 @smallexample
5457 @group
5458 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5459 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5460 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5461 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5462 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5463 type = struct @{
5464 int si_signo;
5465 int si_errno;
5466 int si_code;
5467 union @{
5468 int _pad[28];
5469 struct @{...@} _kill;
5470 struct @{...@} _timer;
5471 struct @{...@} _rt;
5472 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5473 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5474 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5475 @} _sifields;
5476 @}
5477 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5478 type = struct @{
5479 void *si_addr;
5480 @}
5481 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5482 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5483 @end group
5484 @end smallexample
5485
5486 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5487
5488 @node Thread Stops
5489 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5490
5491 @cindex stopped threads
5492 @cindex threads, stopped
5493
5494 @cindex continuing threads
5495 @cindex threads, continuing
5496
5497 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5498 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5499 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5500 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5501 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5502 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5503 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5504 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5505 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5506
5507 @menu
5508 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5509 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5510 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5511 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5512 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5513 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5514 @end menu
5515
5516 @node All-Stop Mode
5517 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5518
5519 @cindex all-stop mode
5520
5521 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5522 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5523 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5524 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5525 underfoot.
5526
5527 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5528 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5529 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5530
5531 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5532 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5533 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5534 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5535 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5536 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5537 stops.
5538
5539 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5540 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5541 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5542 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5543
5544 @cindex automatic thread selection
5545 @cindex switching threads automatically
5546 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5547 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5548 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5549 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5550 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5551 thread.
5552
5553 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5554 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5555
5556 @table @code
5557 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5558 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5559 @cindex lock scheduler
5560 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5561 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5562 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5563 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5564 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5565 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5566 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5567 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5568 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5569 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5570 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5571 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5572
5573 @item show scheduler-locking
5574 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5575 @end table
5576
5577 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5578 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5579 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5580 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5581 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5582 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5583 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5584 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5585 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5586 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5587 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5588 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5589 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5590 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5591
5592 @table @code
5593 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5594 @item set schedule-multiple
5595 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5596 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5597 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5598 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5599 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5600 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5601
5602 @item show schedule-multiple
5603 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5604 multiple processes.
5605 @end table
5606
5607 @node Non-Stop Mode
5608 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5609
5610 @cindex non-stop mode
5611
5612 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5613 @c with more details.
5614
5615 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5616 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5617 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5618 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5619 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5620 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5621
5622 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5623 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5624 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5625 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5626 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5627 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5628 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5629 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5630 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5631 independently and simultaneously.
5632
5633 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5634 or attach to your program:
5635
5636 @smallexample
5637 # Enable the async interface.
5638 set target-async 1
5639
5640 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5641 set pagination off
5642
5643 # Finally, turn it on!
5644 set non-stop on
5645 @end smallexample
5646
5647 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5648
5649 @table @code
5650 @kindex set non-stop
5651 @item set non-stop on
5652 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5653 @item set non-stop off
5654 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5655 @kindex show non-stop
5656 @item show non-stop
5657 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5658 @end table
5659
5660 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5661 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5662 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5663 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5664 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5665 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5666 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5667 default.
5668
5669 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5670 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5671 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5672
5673 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5674 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5675 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5676 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5677 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5678
5679 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5680 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5681 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5682 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5683 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5684
5685 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5686
5687 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5688 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5689 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5690 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5691 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5692 previously current thread.
5693
5694 @node Background Execution
5695 @subsection Background Execution
5696
5697 @cindex foreground execution
5698 @cindex background execution
5699 @cindex asynchronous execution
5700 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5701
5702 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5703 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5704 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5705 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5706 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5707 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5708
5709 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5710 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5711 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5712
5713 @table @code
5714 @kindex set target-async
5715 @item set target-async on
5716 Enable asynchronous mode.
5717 @item set target-async off
5718 Disable asynchronous mode.
5719 @kindex show target-async
5720 @item show target-async
5721 Show the current target-async setting.
5722 @end table
5723
5724 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5725 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5726
5727 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5728 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5729 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5730 are:
5731
5732 @table @code
5733 @kindex run&
5734 @item run
5735 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5736
5737 @item attach
5738 @kindex attach&
5739 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5740
5741 @item step
5742 @kindex step&
5743 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5744
5745 @item stepi
5746 @kindex stepi&
5747 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5748
5749 @item next
5750 @kindex next&
5751 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5752
5753 @item nexti
5754 @kindex nexti&
5755 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5756
5757 @item continue
5758 @kindex continue&
5759 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5760
5761 @item finish
5762 @kindex finish&
5763 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5764
5765 @item until
5766 @kindex until&
5767 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5768
5769 @end table
5770
5771 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5772 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5773 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5774 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5775 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5776 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5777
5778 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5779 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5780
5781 @table @code
5782 @kindex interrupt
5783 @item interrupt
5784 @itemx interrupt -a
5785
5786 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5787 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5788 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5789 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5790 @end table
5791
5792 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5793 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5794
5795 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5796 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5797 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5798
5799 @table @code
5800 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5801 @cindex thread breakpoints
5802 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5803 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5804 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5805 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5806 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5807 specify some source line.
5808
5809 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5810 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5811 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5812 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5813 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5814
5815 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5816 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5817 program.
5818
5819 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5820 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5821 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5822
5823 @smallexample
5824 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5825 @end smallexample
5826
5827 @end table
5828
5829 @node Interrupted System Calls
5830 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5831
5832 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5833 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5834 @cindex premature return from system calls
5835 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5836 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5837 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5838 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5839 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5840 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5841 stop execution.
5842
5843 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5844 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5845 style anyways.
5846
5847 For example, do not write code like this:
5848
5849 @smallexample
5850 sleep (10);
5851 @end smallexample
5852
5853 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5854 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5855
5856 Instead, write this:
5857
5858 @smallexample
5859 int unslept = 10;
5860 while (unslept > 0)
5861 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5862 @end smallexample
5863
5864 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5865 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5866 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5867 @value{GDBN}.
5868
5869 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5870 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5871 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5872 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5873
5874 @node Observer Mode
5875 @subsection Observer Mode
5876
5877 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5878 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5879 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5880 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5881 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5882
5883 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5884 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5885 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5886 mode.
5887
5888 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5889 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5890 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5891 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5892 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5893
5894 @table @code
5895
5896 @kindex observer
5897 @item set observer on
5898 @itemx set observer off
5899 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5900 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5901 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5902 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5903
5904 @item show observer
5905 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5906
5907 @kindex may-write-registers
5908 @item set may-write-registers on
5909 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5910 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5911 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5912 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5913
5914 @item show may-write-registers
5915 Show the current permission to write registers.
5916
5917 @kindex may-write-memory
5918 @item set may-write-memory on
5919 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5920 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5921 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5922 defaults to @code{on}.
5923
5924 @item show may-write-memory
5925 Show the current permission to write memory.
5926
5927 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5928 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5929 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5930 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5931 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5932 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5933
5934 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5935 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5936
5937 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5938 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5939 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5940 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5941 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5942 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5943 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5944
5945 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5946 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5947
5948 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5949 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5950 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5951 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5952 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5953 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5954 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5955
5956 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5957 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5958
5959 @kindex may-interrupt
5960 @item set may-interrupt on
5961 @itemx set may-interrupt off
5962 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5963 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5964 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5965 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5966
5967 @item show may-interrupt
5968 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5969
5970 @end table
5971
5972 @node Reverse Execution
5973 @chapter Running programs backward
5974 @cindex reverse execution
5975 @cindex running programs backward
5976
5977 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5978 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5979 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5980 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5981
5982 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5983 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5984 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5985 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5986 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5987 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5988
5989 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5990 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5991 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5992 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5993 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5994 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5995 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5996 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5997 prior values@footnote{
5998 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5999 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6000 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6001
6002 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6003 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6004 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6005 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6006 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6007 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6008 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6009 }.
6010
6011 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6012 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6013
6014 @table @code
6015 @kindex reverse-continue
6016 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6017 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6018 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6019 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6020 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6021 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6022 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6023
6024 @kindex reverse-step
6025 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6026 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6027 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6028 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6029
6030 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6031 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6032 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6033 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6034 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6035 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6036
6037 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6038 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6039
6040 @kindex reverse-stepi
6041 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6042 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6043 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6044 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6045 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6046 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6047 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6048
6049 @kindex reverse-next
6050 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6051 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6052 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6053 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6054 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6055 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6056 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6057 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6058 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6059 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6060
6061 @kindex reverse-nexti
6062 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6063 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6064 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6065 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6066 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6067 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6068 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6069 frame) is reached.
6070
6071 @kindex reverse-finish
6072 @item reverse-finish
6073 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6074 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6075 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6076 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6077
6078 @kindex set exec-direction
6079 @item set exec-direction
6080 Set the direction of target execution.
6081 @item set exec-direction reverse
6082 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6083 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6084 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6085 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6086 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6087 @item set exec-direction forward
6088 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6089 This is the default.
6090 @end table
6091
6092
6093 @node Process Record and Replay
6094 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6095 @cindex process record and replay
6096 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6097
6098 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6099 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6100 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6101
6102 @cindex replay mode
6103 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6104 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6105 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6106 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6107 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6108 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6109 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6110 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6111 execution log.
6112
6113 @cindex record mode
6114 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6115 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6116 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6117 for future replay.
6118
6119 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6120 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6121 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6122 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6123 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6124 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6125
6126 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6127 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6128 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6129 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6130
6131 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6132 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6133
6134 @table @code
6135 @kindex target record
6136 @kindex target record-full
6137 @kindex target record-btrace
6138 @kindex record
6139 @kindex record full
6140 @kindex record btrace
6141 @kindex rec
6142 @kindex rec full
6143 @kindex rec btrace
6144 @item record @var{method}
6145 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6146 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6147 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6148 recording methods are available:
6149
6150 @table @code
6151 @item full
6152 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6153 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6154 execution.
6155
6156 @item btrace
6157 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not allow
6158 replaying and reverse execution.
6159
6160 This recording method may not be available on all processors.
6161 @end table
6162
6163 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6164 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6165 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6166 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6167
6168 Both @code{record @var{method}} and @code{rec @var{method}} are
6169 aliases of @code{target record-@var{method}}.
6170
6171 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6172 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6173 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6174 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6175 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6176
6177 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6178 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6179 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6180 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6181 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6182 does not support these two modes.
6183
6184 @kindex record stop
6185 @kindex rec s
6186 @item record stop
6187 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6188 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6189 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6190
6191 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6192 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6193 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6194 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6195 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6196
6197 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6198 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6199 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6200 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6201 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6202
6203 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6204 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6205
6206 @kindex record save
6207 @item record save @var{filename}
6208 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6209 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6210 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6211
6212 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6213
6214 @kindex record restore
6215 @item record restore @var{filename}
6216 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6217 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6218
6219 @kindex set record full
6220 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6221 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6222 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6223 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6224
6225 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6226 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6227 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6228 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6229 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6230 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6231 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6232 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6233
6234 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6235 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6236 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6237
6238 @kindex show record full
6239 @item show record full insn-number-max
6240 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6241 recording method.
6242
6243 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6244 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6245 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6246 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6247 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6248 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6249 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6250 oldest one to be deleted.
6251
6252 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6253 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6254
6255 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6256 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6257
6258 @item set record full memory-query
6259 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6260 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6261 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6262 case.
6263
6264 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6265 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6266 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6267 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6268 results.
6269
6270 @item show record full memory-query
6271 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6272
6273 @kindex info record
6274 @item info record
6275 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6276 method:
6277
6278 @table @code
6279 @item full
6280 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6281 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6282
6283 @itemize @bullet
6284 @item
6285 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6286 @item
6287 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6288 @item
6289 Highest recorded instruction number.
6290 @item
6291 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6292 @item
6293 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6294 @item
6295 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6296 @end itemize
6297
6298 @item btrace
6299 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows the number of
6300 instructions that have been recorded and the number of blocks of
6301 sequential control-flow that is formed by the recorded instructions.
6302 @end table
6303
6304 @kindex record delete
6305 @kindex rec del
6306 @item record delete
6307 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6308 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6309 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6310 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6311
6312 @kindex record instruction-history
6313 @kindex rec instruction-history
6314 @item record instruction-history
6315 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
6316 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
6317 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
6318 are printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify
6319 what part of the execution log to disassemble:
6320
6321 @table @code
6322 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
6323 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
6324 @var{insn}.
6325
6326 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
6327 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
6328 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
6329 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
6330 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
6331 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
6332
6333 @item record instruction-history
6334 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
6335
6336 @item record instruction-history -
6337 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
6338
6339 @item record instruction-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6340 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
6341 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
6342 number @var{end} is not included.
6343 @end table
6344
6345 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6346
6347 @kindex set record
6348 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
6349 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
6350 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6351 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
6352 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
6353
6354 @kindex show record
6355 @item show record instruction-history-size
6356 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6357 instruction-history} command.
6358
6359 @kindex record function-call-history
6360 @kindex rec function-call-history
6361 @item record function-call-history
6362 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
6363 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
6364 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
6365 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
6366 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
6367 the @code{/i} modifier is specified).
6368
6369 @smallexample
6370 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
6371 1 void foo (void)
6372 2 @{
6373 3 @}
6374 4
6375 5 void bar (void)
6376 6 @{
6377 7 ...
6378 8 foo ();
6379 9 ...
6380 10 @}
6381 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /l}
6382 1 foo.c:6-8 bar
6383 2 foo.c:2-3 foo
6384 3 foo.c:9-10 bar
6385 @end smallexample
6386
6387 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
6388 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
6389 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
6390 to print:
6391
6392 @table @code
6393 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
6394 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
6395
6396 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
6397 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
6398 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
6399 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
6400 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
6401
6402 @item record function-call-history
6403 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
6404
6405 @item record function-call-history -
6406 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
6407
6408 @item record function-call-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6409 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
6410 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is not
6411 included.
6412 @end table
6413
6414 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6415
6416 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
6417 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
6418 Define how many lines to print in the
6419 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
6420 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
6421
6422 @item show record function-call-history-size
6423 Show how many lines to print in the
6424 @code{record function-call-history} command.
6425 @end table
6426
6427
6428 @node Stack
6429 @chapter Examining the Stack
6430
6431 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6432 stopped and how it got there.
6433
6434 @cindex call stack
6435 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6436 is generated.
6437 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6438 the arguments of the call,
6439 and the local variables of the function being called.
6440 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6441 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6442 stack}.
6443
6444 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6445 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6446
6447 @cindex selected frame
6448 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6449 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6450 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6451 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6452 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6453 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6454
6455 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6456 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6457 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6458
6459 @menu
6460 * Frames:: Stack frames
6461 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6462 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6463 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6464
6465 @end menu
6466
6467 @node Frames
6468 @section Stack Frames
6469
6470 @cindex frame, definition
6471 @cindex stack frame
6472 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6473 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6474 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6475 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6476 which the function is executing.
6477
6478 @cindex initial frame
6479 @cindex outermost frame
6480 @cindex innermost frame
6481 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6482 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6483 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6484 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6485 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6486 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6487 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6488 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6489
6490 @cindex frame pointer
6491 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6492 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6493 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6494 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6495 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6496 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6497
6498 @cindex frame number
6499 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6500 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6501 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6502 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6503 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6504
6505 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6506 @c underflow problems.
6507 @cindex frameless execution
6508 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6509 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6510 @smallexample
6511 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6512 @end smallexample
6513 generates functions without a frame.)
6514 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6515 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6516 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6517 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6518 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6519 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6520 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6521
6522 @table @code
6523 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6524 @cindex current stack frame
6525 @item frame @var{args}
6526 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6527 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6528 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6529 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6530
6531 @kindex select-frame
6532 @cindex selecting frame silently
6533 @item select-frame
6534 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6535 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6536 @code{frame}.
6537 @end table
6538
6539 @node Backtrace
6540 @section Backtraces
6541
6542 @cindex traceback
6543 @cindex call stack traces
6544 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6545 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6546 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6547 stack.
6548
6549 @table @code
6550 @kindex backtrace
6551 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6552 @item backtrace
6553 @itemx bt
6554 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6555 frames in the stack.
6556
6557 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6558 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6559
6560 @item backtrace @var{n}
6561 @itemx bt @var{n}
6562 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6563
6564 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6565 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6566 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6567
6568 @item backtrace full
6569 @itemx bt full
6570 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6571 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6572 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6573 number of frames to print, as described above.
6574 @end table
6575
6576 @kindex where
6577 @kindex info stack
6578 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6579 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6580
6581 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6582 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6583 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6584 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6585 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6586 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6587 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6588 multi-threaded program.
6589
6590 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6591 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6592 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6593 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6594 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6595 line number.
6596
6597 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6598 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6599
6600 @smallexample
6601 @group
6602 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6603 at builtin.c:993
6604 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6605 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6606 at macro.c:71
6607 (More stack frames follow...)
6608 @end group
6609 @end smallexample
6610
6611 @noindent
6612 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6613 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6614 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6615
6616 @noindent
6617 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6618 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6619 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6620 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6621 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6622
6623 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6624 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6625 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6626 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6627 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6628 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6629 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6630 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6631 such a backtrace might look like:
6632
6633 @smallexample
6634 @group
6635 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6636 at builtin.c:993
6637 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6638 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6639 at macro.c:71
6640 (More stack frames follow...)
6641 @end group
6642 @end smallexample
6643
6644 @noindent
6645 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6646 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6647
6648 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6649 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6650 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6651
6652 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6653 @cindex program entry point
6654 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6655 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6656 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6657 @code{main}@footnote{
6658 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6659 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6660 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6661 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6662 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6663 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6664
6665 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6666 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6667
6668 @table @code
6669 @item set backtrace past-main
6670 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6671 @kindex set backtrace
6672 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6673
6674 @item set backtrace past-main off
6675 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6676 default.
6677
6678 @item show backtrace past-main
6679 @kindex show backtrace
6680 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6681
6682 @item set backtrace past-entry
6683 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6684 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6685 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6686 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6687
6688 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6689 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6690 application. This is the default.
6691
6692 @item show backtrace past-entry
6693 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6694
6695 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6696 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6697 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
6698 @cindex backtrace limit
6699 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
6700 or zero means unlimited levels.
6701
6702 @item show backtrace limit
6703 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6704 @end table
6705
6706 You can control how file names are displayed.
6707
6708 @table @code
6709 @item set filename-display
6710 @itemx set filename-display relative
6711 @cindex filename-display
6712 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
6713
6714 @item set filename-display basename
6715 Display only basename of a filename.
6716
6717 @item set filename-display absolute
6718 Display an absolute filename.
6719
6720 @item show filename-display
6721 Show the current way to display filenames.
6722 @end table
6723
6724 @node Selection
6725 @section Selecting a Frame
6726
6727 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6728 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6729 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6730 of the stack frame just selected.
6731
6732 @table @code
6733 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6734 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6735 @item frame @var{n}
6736 @itemx f @var{n}
6737 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6738 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6739 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6740 @code{main}.
6741
6742 @item frame @var{addr}
6743 @itemx f @var{addr}
6744 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6745 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6746 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6747 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6748 switches between them.
6749
6750 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6751 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6752
6753 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6754 pointer and a program counter.
6755
6756 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6757 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6758
6759 @kindex up
6760 @item up @var{n}
6761 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6762 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6763 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6764
6765 @kindex down
6766 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6767 @item down @var{n}
6768 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6769 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6770 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6771 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6772 @end table
6773
6774 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6775 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6776 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6777 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6778
6779 @need 1000
6780 For example:
6781
6782 @smallexample
6783 @group
6784 (@value{GDBP}) up
6785 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6786 at env.c:10
6787 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6788 @end group
6789 @end smallexample
6790
6791 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6792 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6793 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6794 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6795 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6796 for details.
6797
6798 @table @code
6799 @kindex down-silently
6800 @kindex up-silently
6801 @item up-silently @var{n}
6802 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
6803 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6804 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6805 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6806 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6807 distracting.
6808 @end table
6809
6810 @node Frame Info
6811 @section Information About a Frame
6812
6813 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6814 stack frame.
6815
6816 @table @code
6817 @item frame
6818 @itemx f
6819 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6820 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6821 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6822 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6823 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6824
6825 @kindex info frame
6826 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6827 @item info frame
6828 @itemx info f
6829 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6830 including:
6831
6832 @itemize @bullet
6833 @item
6834 the address of the frame
6835 @item
6836 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6837 @item
6838 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6839 @item
6840 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6841 @item
6842 the address of the frame's arguments
6843 @item
6844 the address of the frame's local variables
6845 @item
6846 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6847 @item
6848 which registers were saved in the frame
6849 @end itemize
6850
6851 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6852 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6853 the usual conventions.
6854
6855 @item info frame @var{addr}
6856 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6857 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6858 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6859 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6860 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6861 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6862
6863 @kindex info args
6864 @item info args
6865 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6866
6867 @item info locals
6868 @kindex info locals
6869 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6870 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6871 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6872
6873 @end table
6874
6875
6876 @node Source
6877 @chapter Examining Source Files
6878
6879 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6880 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6881 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6882 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6883 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6884 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6885 source files by explicit command.
6886
6887 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6888 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6889 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6890
6891 @menu
6892 * List:: Printing source lines
6893 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6894 * Edit:: Editing source files
6895 * Search:: Searching source files
6896 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6897 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6898 @end menu
6899
6900 @node List
6901 @section Printing Source Lines
6902
6903 @kindex list
6904 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6905 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6906 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6907 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6908 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6909
6910 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6911
6912 @table @code
6913 @item list @var{linenum}
6914 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6915 current source file.
6916
6917 @item list @var{function}
6918 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6919 @var{function}.
6920
6921 @item list
6922 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6923 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6924 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6925 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6926 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6927
6928 @item list -
6929 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6930 @end table
6931
6932 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6933 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6934 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6935
6936 @table @code
6937 @kindex set listsize
6938 @item set listsize @var{count}
6939 @itemx set listsize unlimited
6940 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6941 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6942 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
6943
6944 @kindex show listsize
6945 @item show listsize
6946 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6947 @end table
6948
6949 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6950 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6951 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6952 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6953 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6954
6955 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6956 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6957 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6958 to specify some source line.
6959
6960 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6961
6962 @table @code
6963 @item list @var{linespec}
6964 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6965
6966 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6967 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6968 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6969 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6970 the same source file as the first linespec.
6971
6972 @item list ,@var{last}
6973 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6974
6975 @item list @var{first},
6976 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6977
6978 @item list +
6979 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6980
6981 @item list -
6982 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6983
6984 @item list
6985 As described in the preceding table.
6986 @end table
6987
6988 @node Specify Location
6989 @section Specifying a Location
6990 @cindex specifying location
6991 @cindex linespec
6992
6993 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6994 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6995 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6996 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6997
6998 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6999 @value{GDBN} understands:
7000
7001 @table @code
7002 @item @var{linenum}
7003 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7004
7005 @item -@var{offset}
7006 @itemx +@var{offset}
7007 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7008 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7009 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7010 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7011 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7012 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7013 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7014 linespec.
7015
7016 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7017 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7018 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7019 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7020 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7021 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7022 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7023
7024 @item @var{function}
7025 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7026 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7027
7028 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7029 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7030
7031 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7032 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7033 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7034 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7035 functions in different source files.
7036
7037 @item @var{label}
7038 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
7039 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
7040 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
7041 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
7042 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7043
7044 @item *@var{address}
7045 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
7046 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
7047 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
7048 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7049 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7050 source files.
7051
7052 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7053 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7054 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7055 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
7056 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
7057 of @var{address}:
7058
7059 @table @code
7060 @item @var{expression}
7061 Any expression valid in the current working language.
7062
7063 @item @var{funcaddr}
7064 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
7065 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
7066 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
7067 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
7068 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
7069 (although the Pascal form also works).
7070
7071 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
7072 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
7073
7074 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
7075 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
7076 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
7077 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
7078 functions with identical names in different source files.
7079 @end table
7080
7081 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7082 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7083 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7084 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7085 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7086 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7087
7088 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7089 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7090 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7091 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7092 each one of those probes.
7093
7094 @end table
7095
7096
7097 @node Edit
7098 @section Editing Source Files
7099 @cindex editing source files
7100
7101 @kindex edit
7102 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
7103 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
7104 The editing program of your choice
7105 is invoked with the current line set to
7106 the active line in the program.
7107 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
7108 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
7109
7110 @table @code
7111 @item edit @var{location}
7112 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
7113 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
7114 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
7115 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
7116 command most commonly used:
7117
7118 @table @code
7119 @item edit @var{number}
7120 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
7121
7122 @item edit @var{function}
7123 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
7124 @end table
7125
7126 @end table
7127
7128 @subsection Choosing your Editor
7129 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
7130 @footnote{
7131 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
7132 following command-line syntax:
7133 @smallexample
7134 ex +@var{number} file
7135 @end smallexample
7136 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
7137 the file where to start editing.}.
7138 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
7139 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
7140 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
7141 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
7142 @smallexample
7143 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
7144 export EDITOR
7145 gdb @dots{}
7146 @end smallexample
7147 or in the @code{csh} shell,
7148 @smallexample
7149 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
7150 gdb @dots{}
7151 @end smallexample
7152
7153 @node Search
7154 @section Searching Source Files
7155 @cindex searching source files
7156
7157 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
7158 regular expression.
7159
7160 @table @code
7161 @kindex search
7162 @kindex forward-search
7163 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
7164 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
7165 @itemx search @var{regexp}
7166 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
7167 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
7168 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
7169 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
7170 @code{fo}.
7171
7172 @kindex reverse-search
7173 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
7174 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
7175 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
7176 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
7177 this command as @code{rev}.
7178 @end table
7179
7180 @node Source Path
7181 @section Specifying Source Directories
7182
7183 @cindex source path
7184 @cindex directories for source files
7185 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
7186 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
7187 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
7188 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
7189 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
7190 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
7191 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
7192
7193 For example, suppose an executable references the file
7194 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
7195 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
7196 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
7197 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
7198 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
7199 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
7200 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
7201 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
7202 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
7203 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
7204
7205 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
7206 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
7207 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
7208 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
7209 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
7210 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
7211
7212 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
7213 source files.
7214
7215 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
7216 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
7217 each line is in the file.
7218
7219 @kindex directory
7220 @kindex dir
7221 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
7222 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
7223 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
7224
7225 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
7226 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
7227
7228 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
7229 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
7230 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
7231 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
7232 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
7233 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
7234 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7235 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7236 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7237 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7238 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7239 name to look up the sources.
7240
7241 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7242 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7243 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7244 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7245 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7246 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7247 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7248 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7249
7250 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7251 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7252 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7253 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7254 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7255 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7256 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7257
7258 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7259 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7260 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7261 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7262 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7263 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7264 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7265 command.
7266
7267 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7268 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7269 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7270 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7271 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7272 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7273 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7274
7275 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7276 @cindex default source path substitution
7277 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7278 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7279 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7280 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7281 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7282 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7283 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7284 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7285 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7286 together.
7287
7288 @table @code
7289 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7290 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7291 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7292 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7293 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7294 part of absolute file names) or
7295 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7296 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7297
7298 @kindex cdir
7299 @kindex cwd
7300 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7301 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7302 @cindex compilation directory
7303 @cindex current directory
7304 @cindex working directory
7305 @cindex directory, current
7306 @cindex directory, compilation
7307 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7308 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7309 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7310 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7311 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7312 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7313
7314 @item directory
7315 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7316
7317 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7318 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7319
7320 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7321 @kindex set directories
7322 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7323 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7324
7325 @item show directories
7326 @kindex show directories
7327 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7328
7329 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7330 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7331 @kindex set substitute-path
7332 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7333 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7334 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7335
7336 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7337 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7338
7339 @smallexample
7340 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7341 @end smallexample
7342
7343 @noindent
7344 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7345 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7346 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7347
7348 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7349 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7350 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7351 the substitution.
7352
7353 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7354
7355 @smallexample
7356 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7357 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7358 @end smallexample
7359
7360 @noindent
7361 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7362 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7363 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7364 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7365
7366
7367 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7368 @kindex unset substitute-path
7369 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7370 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7371 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7372
7373 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7374
7375 @item show substitute-path [path]
7376 @kindex show substitute-path
7377 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7378 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7379
7380 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7381 rules.
7382
7383 @end table
7384
7385 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7386 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7387 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7388
7389 @enumerate
7390 @item
7391 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7392
7393 @item
7394 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7395 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7396 directories in one command.
7397 @end enumerate
7398
7399 @node Machine Code
7400 @section Source and Machine Code
7401 @cindex source line and its code address
7402
7403 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7404 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7405 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7406 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7407 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7408 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7409 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7410 well as hex.
7411
7412 @table @code
7413 @kindex info line
7414 @item info line @var{linespec}
7415 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7416 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7417 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7418 @end table
7419
7420 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7421 the object code for the first line of function
7422 @code{m4_changequote}:
7423
7424 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7425 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7426 @smallexample
7427 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7428 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7429 @end smallexample
7430
7431 @noindent
7432 @cindex code address and its source line
7433 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7434 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7435 @smallexample
7436 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7437 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7438 @end smallexample
7439
7440 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7441 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7442 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7443 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7444 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7445 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7446 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7447 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7448 Variables}).
7449
7450 @table @code
7451 @kindex disassemble
7452 @cindex assembly instructions
7453 @cindex instructions, assembly
7454 @cindex machine instructions
7455 @cindex listing machine instructions
7456 @item disassemble
7457 @itemx disassemble /m
7458 @itemx disassemble /r
7459 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7460 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7461 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7462 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7463 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7464 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7465 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7466 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7467 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7468 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7469
7470 @table @code
7471 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7472 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7473 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7474 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7475 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7476 @end table
7477
7478 @noindent
7479 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7480 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7481
7482 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7483 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7484
7485 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7486 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7487 @end table
7488
7489 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7490 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7491
7492 @smallexample
7493 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7494 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7495 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7496 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7497 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7498 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7499 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7500 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7501 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7502 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7503 End of assembler dump.
7504 @end smallexample
7505
7506 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7507 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7508
7509 @smallexample
7510 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7511 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7512 5 @{
7513 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7514 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7515 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7516 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7517 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7518
7519 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7520 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7521 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7522
7523 7 return 0;
7524 8 @}
7525 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7526 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7527 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7528
7529 End of assembler dump.
7530 @end smallexample
7531
7532 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7533
7534 @smallexample
7535 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7536 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7537 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7538 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7539 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7540 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7541 End of assembler dump.
7542 @end smallexample
7543
7544 Addresses cannot be specified as a linespec (@pxref{Specify Location}).
7545 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
7546 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
7547 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
7548
7549 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7550 mnemonics or other syntax.
7551
7552 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7553 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7554 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7555 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7556 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7557
7558 @table @code
7559 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7560 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7561 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7562 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7563 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7564 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7565
7566 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7567 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7568 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7569 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7570
7571 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7572 @item show disassembly-flavor
7573 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7574 @end table
7575
7576 @table @code
7577 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7578 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7579 @item set disassemble-next-line
7580 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7581 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7582 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7583 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7584 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7585 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7586 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7587 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7588 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7589 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7590 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7591 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7592 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7593 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7594 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7595 instruction.
7596 @end table
7597
7598
7599 @node Data
7600 @chapter Examining Data
7601
7602 @cindex printing data
7603 @cindex examining data
7604 @kindex print
7605 @kindex inspect
7606 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7607 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7608 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7609 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7610 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7611 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7612
7613 @table @code
7614 @item print @var{expr}
7615 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7616 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7617 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7618 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7619 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7620 Formats}.
7621
7622 @item print
7623 @itemx print /@var{f}
7624 @cindex reprint the last value
7625 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7626 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7627 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7628 @end table
7629
7630 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7631 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7632 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7633
7634 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7635 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7636 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7637 Table}.
7638
7639 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7640 @kindex explore
7641 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7642 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7643 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7644 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7645 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7646 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7647 embedded in the higher level data types.
7648
7649 @table @code
7650 @item explore @var{arg}
7651 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7652 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7653 @end table
7654
7655 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7656 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7657 C program as
7658
7659 @smallexample
7660 struct SimpleStruct
7661 @{
7662 int i;
7663 double d;
7664 @};
7665
7666 struct ComplexStruct
7667 @{
7668 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7669 int arr[10];
7670 @};
7671 @end smallexample
7672
7673 @noindent
7674 followed by variable declarations as
7675
7676 @smallexample
7677 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7678 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7679 @end smallexample
7680
7681 @noindent
7682 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7683 @code{explore} command as follows.
7684
7685 @smallexample
7686 (gdb) explore cs
7687 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7688 the following fields:
7689
7690 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7691 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7692
7693 Enter the field number of choice:
7694 @end smallexample
7695
7696 @noindent
7697 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7698 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7699 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7700 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7701 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7702 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7703 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7704 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7705
7706 @smallexample
7707 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7708 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7709 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7710 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7711
7712 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7713 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7714
7715 Press enter to return to parent value:
7716 @end smallexample
7717
7718 @noindent
7719 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7720 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7721 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7722 to explore.
7723
7724 @smallexample
7725 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
7726 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
7727
7728 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
7729
7730 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
7731
7732 Press enter to return to parent value:
7733 @end smallexample
7734
7735 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
7736 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
7737 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
7738 level data structure).
7739
7740 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
7741 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
7742 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
7743 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
7744 same example as above, your can explore the type
7745 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
7746 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
7747
7748 @smallexample
7749 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
7750 @end smallexample
7751
7752 @noindent
7753 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
7754 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
7755 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
7756 example.
7757
7758 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
7759 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
7760 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
7761 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
7762 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
7763
7764 @table @code
7765 @item explore value @var{expr}
7766 @cindex explore value
7767 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
7768 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
7769 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
7770 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
7771 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
7772
7773 @item explore type @var{arg}
7774 @cindex explore type
7775 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
7776 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
7777 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
7778 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
7779 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
7780 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
7781 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
7782 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
7783 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
7784 @end table
7785
7786 @menu
7787 * Expressions:: Expressions
7788 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
7789 * Variables:: Program variables
7790 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
7791 * Output Formats:: Output formats
7792 * Memory:: Examining memory
7793 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
7794 * Print Settings:: Print settings
7795 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
7796 * Value History:: Value history
7797 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
7798 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
7799 * Registers:: Registers
7800 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
7801 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
7802 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
7803 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
7804 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
7805 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
7806 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
7807 character set than GDB does
7808 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
7809 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
7810 @end menu
7811
7812 @node Expressions
7813 @section Expressions
7814
7815 @cindex expressions
7816 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
7817 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
7818 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
7819 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
7820 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
7821 you compiled your program to include this information; see
7822 @ref{Compilation}.
7823
7824 @cindex arrays in expressions
7825 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
7826 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
7827 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
7828 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
7829 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
7830 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
7831
7832 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7833 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7834 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7835 languages.
7836
7837 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7838 expressions regardless of your programming language.
7839
7840 @cindex casts, in expressions
7841 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7842 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7843 at that address in memory.
7844 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7845
7846 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7847 to programming languages:
7848
7849 @table @code
7850 @item @@
7851 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7852 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7853
7854 @item ::
7855 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7856 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7857
7858 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
7859 @cindex type casting memory
7860 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7861 @cindex casts, to view memory
7862 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7863 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7864 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7865 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7866 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7867 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7868 @end table
7869
7870 @node Ambiguous Expressions
7871 @section Ambiguous Expressions
7872 @cindex ambiguous expressions
7873
7874 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7875 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7876 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7877 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7878 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7879 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7880 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7881
7882 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7883 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7884 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7885 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7886 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7887 as well.
7888
7889 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7890 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7891 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7892 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7893 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7894 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7895 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7896 choices.
7897
7898 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7899 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7900 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7901
7902 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7903 @smallexample
7904 @group
7905 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7906 [0] cancel
7907 [1] all
7908 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7909 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7910 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7911 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7912 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7913 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7914 > 2 4 6
7915 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7916 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7917 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7918 Multiple breakpoints were set.
7919 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7920 breakpoints.
7921 (@value{GDBP})
7922 @end group
7923 @end smallexample
7924
7925 @table @code
7926 @kindex set multiple-symbols
7927 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7928 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
7929
7930 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7931 is ambiguous.
7932
7933 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7934 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7935 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7936 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7937 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7938 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7939 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7940 in the use of the menu.
7941
7942 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7943 when an ambiguity is detected.
7944
7945 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7946 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7947
7948 @kindex show multiple-symbols
7949 @item show multiple-symbols
7950 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7951 @end table
7952
7953 @node Variables
7954 @section Program Variables
7955
7956 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7957 in your program.
7958
7959 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7960 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7961
7962 @itemize @bullet
7963 @item
7964 global (or file-static)
7965 @end itemize
7966
7967 @noindent or
7968
7969 @itemize @bullet
7970 @item
7971 visible according to the scope rules of the
7972 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7973 @end itemize
7974
7975 @noindent This means that in the function
7976
7977 @smallexample
7978 foo (a)
7979 int a;
7980 @{
7981 bar (a);
7982 @{
7983 int b = test ();
7984 bar (b);
7985 @}
7986 @}
7987 @end smallexample
7988
7989 @noindent
7990 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7991 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7992 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7993 the block where @code{b} is declared.
7994
7995 @cindex variable name conflict
7996 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7997 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7998 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7999 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
8000 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
8001 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
8002 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
8003
8004 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
8005 @ifnotinfo
8006 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
8007 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
8008 @end ifnotinfo
8009 @smallexample
8010 @var{file}::@var{variable}
8011 @var{function}::@var{variable}
8012 @end smallexample
8013
8014 @noindent
8015 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
8016 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
8017 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
8018 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
8019
8020 @smallexample
8021 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
8022 @end smallexample
8023
8024 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
8025 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
8026 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
8027 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
8028 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
8029
8030 @smallexample
8031 void
8032 foo (int a)
8033 @{
8034 if (a < 10)
8035 bar (a);
8036 else
8037 process (a); /* Stop here */
8038 @}
8039
8040 int
8041 bar (int a)
8042 @{
8043 foo (a + 5);
8044 @}
8045 @end smallexample
8046
8047 @noindent
8048 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
8049 here is what you might see
8050 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
8051
8052 @smallexample
8053 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8054 $1 = 10
8055 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8056 $2 = 5
8057 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
8058 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
8059 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8060 $3 = 5
8061 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8062 $4 = 0
8063 @end smallexample
8064
8065 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
8066 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very similar
8067 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
8068 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
8069 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
8070 @c conflict?? --mew
8071
8072 @cindex wrong values
8073 @cindex variable values, wrong
8074 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
8075 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
8076 @quotation
8077 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
8078 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
8079 scope, and just before exit.
8080 @end quotation
8081 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
8082 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
8083 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
8084 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
8085 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
8086 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
8087 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
8088 variable definitions may be gone.
8089
8090 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
8091 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
8092 when compiling.
8093
8094 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
8095 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
8096 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
8097 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
8098 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
8099 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
8100 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
8101
8102 @smallexample
8103 No symbol "foo" in current context.
8104 @end smallexample
8105
8106 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
8107 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
8108 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
8109 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
8110 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
8111
8112 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
8113 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
8114 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
8115 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
8116
8117 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
8118 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
8119 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
8120 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
8121 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
8122
8123 @smallexample
8124 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
8125 29 i++;
8126 (gdb) next
8127 30 e (i);
8128 (gdb) print i
8129 $1 = 31
8130 (gdb) print i@@entry
8131 $2 = 30
8132 @end smallexample
8133
8134 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
8135 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
8136 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
8137 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
8138 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
8139 For program code
8140
8141 @smallexample
8142 char var0[] = "A";
8143 signed char var1[] = "A";
8144 @end smallexample
8145
8146 You get during debugging
8147 @smallexample
8148 (gdb) print var0
8149 $1 = "A"
8150 (gdb) print var1
8151 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
8152 @end smallexample
8153
8154 @node Arrays
8155 @section Artificial Arrays
8156
8157 @cindex artificial array
8158 @cindex arrays
8159 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
8160 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
8161 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
8162 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
8163 program.
8164
8165 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
8166 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
8167 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
8168 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
8169 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
8170 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
8171 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
8172 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
8173 example. If a program says
8174
8175 @smallexample
8176 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
8177 @end smallexample
8178
8179 @noindent
8180 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
8181
8182 @smallexample
8183 p *array@@len
8184 @end smallexample
8185
8186 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
8187 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
8188 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
8189 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
8190 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
8191
8192 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
8193 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
8194 The value need not be in memory:
8195 @smallexample
8196 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
8197 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8198 @end smallexample
8199
8200 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
8201 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
8202 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
8203 @smallexample
8204 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
8205 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8206 @end smallexample
8207
8208 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
8209 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
8210 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
8211 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
8212 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8213 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
8214 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
8215 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
8216 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
8217 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
8218
8219 @smallexample
8220 set $i = 0
8221 p dtab[$i++]->fv
8222 @key{RET}
8223 @key{RET}
8224 @dots{}
8225 @end smallexample
8226
8227 @node Output Formats
8228 @section Output Formats
8229
8230 @cindex formatted output
8231 @cindex output formats
8232 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
8233 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
8234 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
8235 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
8236 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
8237
8238 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
8239 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
8240 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
8241 letters supported are:
8242
8243 @table @code
8244 @item x
8245 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
8246 hexadecimal.
8247
8248 @item d
8249 Print as integer in signed decimal.
8250
8251 @item u
8252 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
8253
8254 @item o
8255 Print as integer in octal.
8256
8257 @item t
8258 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
8259 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
8260 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
8261 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
8262
8263 @item a
8264 @cindex unknown address, locating
8265 @cindex locate address
8266 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8267 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8268 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8269
8270 @smallexample
8271 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8272 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8273 @end smallexample
8274
8275 @noindent
8276 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8277 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8278
8279 @item c
8280 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8281 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8282 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8283 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8284
8285 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8286 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8287 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8288 data.
8289
8290 @item f
8291 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8292 using typical floating point syntax.
8293
8294 @item s
8295 @cindex printing strings
8296 @cindex printing byte arrays
8297 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8298 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8299 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8300 natural types.
8301
8302 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8303 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8304 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8305 array.
8306
8307 @item r
8308 @cindex raw printing
8309 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8310 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8311 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8312 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8313 pretty-printer which might exist.
8314 @end table
8315
8316 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8317
8318 @smallexample
8319 p/x $pc
8320 @end smallexample
8321
8322 @noindent
8323 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8324 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8325
8326 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8327 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8328 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8329
8330 @node Memory
8331 @section Examining Memory
8332
8333 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8334 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8335
8336 @cindex examining memory
8337 @table @code
8338 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8339 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8340 @itemx x @var{addr}
8341 @itemx x
8342 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8343 @end table
8344
8345 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8346 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8347 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8348 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8349 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8350
8351 @table @r
8352 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8353 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8354 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8355 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8356 @c 4.1.2.
8357
8358 @item @var{f}, the display format
8359 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8360 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8361 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8362 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8363 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8364
8365 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8366 The unit size is any of
8367
8368 @table @code
8369 @item b
8370 Bytes.
8371 @item h
8372 Halfwords (two bytes).
8373 @item w
8374 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8375 @item g
8376 Giant words (eight bytes).
8377 @end table
8378
8379 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8380 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8381 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8382 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8383 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8384 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8385 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8386 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8387 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8388 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8389 be altered.
8390
8391 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8392 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8393 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8394 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8395 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8396 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8397 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8398 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8399 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8400 a value from memory).
8401 @end table
8402
8403 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8404 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8405 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8406 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8407 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8408
8409 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8410 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8411 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8412 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8413 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8414
8415 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8416 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8417 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8418 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8419 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8420 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8421 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8422 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8423 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8424
8425 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8426 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8427 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8428 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8429 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8430 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8431 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8432
8433 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8434 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8435
8436 @smallexample
8437 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8438 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8439 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8440 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8441 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8442 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8443 @end smallexample
8444
8445 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8446 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8447 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8448 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8449 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8450 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8451 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8452 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8453 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8454
8455 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8456 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8457 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8458
8459 @cindex remote memory comparison
8460 @cindex verify remote memory image
8461 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8462 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8463 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8464 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8465 situations.
8466
8467 @table @code
8468 @kindex compare-sections
8469 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8470 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8471 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8472 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8473 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8474 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8475 remote request.
8476 @end table
8477
8478 @node Auto Display
8479 @section Automatic Display
8480 @cindex automatic display
8481 @cindex display of expressions
8482
8483 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8484 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8485 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8486 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8487 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8488 The automatic display looks like this:
8489
8490 @smallexample
8491 2: foo = 38
8492 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8493 @end smallexample
8494
8495 @noindent
8496 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8497 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8498 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8499 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8500 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8501 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8502
8503 @table @code
8504 @kindex display
8505 @item display @var{expr}
8506 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8507 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8508
8509 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8510
8511 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8512 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8513 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8514 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8515 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8516
8517 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8518 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8519 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8520 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8521 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8522 @end table
8523
8524 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8525 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8526 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8527
8528 @table @code
8529 @kindex delete display
8530 @kindex undisplay
8531 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8532 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8533 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8534 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8535 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8536 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8537 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8538
8539 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8540 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8541
8542 @kindex disable display
8543 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8544 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8545 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8546 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8547 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8548 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8549 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8550 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8551
8552 @kindex enable display
8553 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8554 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8555 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8556 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8557 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8558 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8559 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8560
8561 @item display
8562 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8563 done when your program stops.
8564
8565 @kindex info display
8566 @item info display
8567 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8568 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8569 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8570 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8571 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8572 @end table
8573
8574 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8575 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8576 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8577 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8578 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8579 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8580 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8581 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8582 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8583 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8584 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8585
8586 @node Print Settings
8587 @section Print Settings
8588
8589 @cindex format options
8590 @cindex print settings
8591 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8592 and symbols are printed.
8593
8594 @noindent
8595 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8596
8597 @table @code
8598 @kindex set print
8599 @item set print address
8600 @itemx set print address on
8601 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8602 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8603 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8604 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8605 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8606 @code{set print address on}:
8607
8608 @smallexample
8609 @group
8610 (@value{GDBP}) f
8611 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8612 at input.c:530
8613 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8614 @end group
8615 @end smallexample
8616
8617 @item set print address off
8618 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8619 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8620
8621 @smallexample
8622 @group
8623 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8624 (@value{GDBP}) f
8625 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8626 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8627 @end group
8628 @end smallexample
8629
8630 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8631 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8632 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8633 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8634
8635 @kindex show print
8636 @item show print address
8637 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8638 @end table
8639
8640 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8641 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8642 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8643 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8644 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8645 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8646 it prints a symbolic address:
8647
8648 @table @code
8649 @item set print symbol-filename on
8650 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8651 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8652 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8653 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8654
8655 @item set print symbol-filename off
8656 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8657 default.
8658
8659 @item show print symbol-filename
8660 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8661 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8662 @end table
8663
8664 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8665 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8666 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8667
8668 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8669 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8670
8671 @table @code
8672 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8673 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
8674 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8675 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8676 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8677 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
8678 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
8679 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
8680
8681 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8682 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8683 symbolic address.
8684 @end table
8685
8686 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8687 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8688 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8689 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8690 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8691 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8692 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8693 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8694
8695 @smallexample
8696 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8697 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8698 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8699 @end smallexample
8700
8701 @quotation
8702 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8703 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8704 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8705 @end quotation
8706
8707 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
8708 @samp{set print symbol on}:
8709
8710 @table @code
8711 @item set print symbol on
8712 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
8713 one exists.
8714
8715 @item set print symbol off
8716 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
8717 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
8718 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
8719
8720 @item show print symbol
8721 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
8722 address.
8723 @end table
8724
8725 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
8726
8727 @table @code
8728 @item set print array
8729 @itemx set print array on
8730 @cindex pretty print arrays
8731 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
8732 but uses more space. The default is off.
8733
8734 @item set print array off
8735 Return to compressed format for arrays.
8736
8737 @item show print array
8738 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
8739 arrays.
8740
8741 @cindex print array indexes
8742 @item set print array-indexes
8743 @itemx set print array-indexes on
8744 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
8745 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
8746 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
8747
8748 @item set print array-indexes off
8749 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
8750
8751 @item show print array-indexes
8752 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
8753 arrays.
8754
8755 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
8756 @itemx set print elements unlimited
8757 @cindex number of array elements to print
8758 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
8759 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
8760 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
8761 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
8762 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
8763 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
8764 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
8765 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
8766
8767 @item show print elements
8768 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
8769 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
8770
8771 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
8772 @kindex set print frame-arguments
8773 @cindex printing frame argument values
8774 @cindex print all frame argument values
8775 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
8776 @cindex do not print frame argument values
8777 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
8778 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
8779 values are:
8780
8781 @table @code
8782 @item all
8783 The values of all arguments are printed.
8784
8785 @item scalars
8786 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
8787 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
8788 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
8789 only scalar arguments are shown:
8790
8791 @smallexample
8792 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
8793 at frame-args.c:23
8794 @end smallexample
8795
8796 @item none
8797 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
8798 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
8799
8800 @smallexample
8801 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
8802 at frame-args.c:23
8803 @end smallexample
8804 @end table
8805
8806 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
8807 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
8808 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
8809 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
8810 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
8811 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
8812 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
8813 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
8814 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
8815 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
8816
8817 @item show print frame-arguments
8818 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
8819
8820 @anchor{set print entry-values}
8821 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
8822 @kindex set print entry-values
8823 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
8824 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
8825 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
8826 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
8827 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
8828
8829 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
8830 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
8831 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
8832 @code{no} setting.
8833
8834 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
8835 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
8836 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
8837 this information.
8838
8839 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
8840
8841 @table @code
8842 @item no
8843 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
8844 point.
8845 @smallexample
8846 #0 equal (val=5)
8847 #0 different (val=6)
8848 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
8849 #0 born (val=10)
8850 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8851 @end smallexample
8852
8853 @item only
8854 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
8855 values are never printed.
8856 @smallexample
8857 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8858 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8859 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8860 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8861 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8862 @end smallexample
8863
8864 @item preferred
8865 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
8866 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
8867 value for such parameter.
8868 @smallexample
8869 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8870 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8871 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8872 #0 born (val=10)
8873 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8874 @end smallexample
8875
8876 @item if-needed
8877 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
8878 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
8879 parameter.
8880 @smallexample
8881 #0 equal (val=5)
8882 #0 different (val=6)
8883 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8884 #0 born (val=10)
8885 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8886 @end smallexample
8887
8888 @item both
8889 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
8890 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
8891 optimizations.
8892 @smallexample
8893 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
8894 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8895 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8896 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8897 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8898 @end smallexample
8899
8900 @item compact
8901 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
8902 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
8903 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
8904 values are known and identical, print the shortened
8905 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8906 @smallexample
8907 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8908 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8909 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8910 #0 born (val=10)
8911 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8912 @end smallexample
8913
8914 @item default
8915 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
8916 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
8917 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
8918 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8919 @smallexample
8920 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8921 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8922 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8923 #0 born (val=10)
8924 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8925 @end smallexample
8926 @end table
8927
8928 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
8929 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
8930
8931 @item show print entry-values
8932 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
8933 entry.
8934
8935 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
8936 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
8937 @cindex repeated array elements
8938 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
8939 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
8940 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
8941 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
8942 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
8943 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
8944 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
8945 is 10.
8946
8947 @item show print repeats
8948 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
8949 elements.
8950
8951 @item set print null-stop
8952 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
8953 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
8954 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
8955 contain only short strings.
8956 The default is off.
8957
8958 @item show print null-stop
8959 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
8960 @sc{null} character.
8961
8962 @item set print pretty on
8963 @cindex print structures in indented form
8964 @cindex indentation in structure display
8965 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
8966 per line, like this:
8967
8968 @smallexample
8969 @group
8970 $1 = @{
8971 next = 0x0,
8972 flags = @{
8973 sweet = 1,
8974 sour = 1
8975 @},
8976 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
8977 @}
8978 @end group
8979 @end smallexample
8980
8981 @item set print pretty off
8982 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
8983
8984 @smallexample
8985 @group
8986 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
8987 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
8988 @end group
8989 @end smallexample
8990
8991 @noindent
8992 This is the default format.
8993
8994 @item show print pretty
8995 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
8996
8997 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
8998 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
8999 @cindex octal escapes in strings
9000 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
9001 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
9002 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
9003 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
9004 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
9005
9006 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
9007 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
9008 international character sets, and is the default.
9009
9010 @item show print sevenbit-strings
9011 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
9012
9013 @item set print union on
9014 @cindex unions in structures, printing
9015 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
9016 and other unions. This is the default setting.
9017
9018 @item set print union off
9019 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
9020 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
9021 instead.
9022
9023 @item show print union
9024 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
9025 structures and other unions.
9026
9027 For example, given the declarations
9028
9029 @smallexample
9030 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
9031 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
9032 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
9033 Bug_forms;
9034
9035 struct thing @{
9036 Species it;
9037 union @{
9038 Tree_forms tree;
9039 Bug_forms bug;
9040 @} form;
9041 @};
9042
9043 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
9044 @end smallexample
9045
9046 @noindent
9047 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
9048
9049 @smallexample
9050 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
9051 @end smallexample
9052
9053 @noindent
9054 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
9055
9056 @smallexample
9057 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
9058 @end smallexample
9059
9060 @noindent
9061 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
9062 and in Pascal.
9063 @end table
9064
9065 @need 1000
9066 @noindent
9067 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
9068
9069 @table @code
9070 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
9071 @item set print demangle
9072 @itemx set print demangle on
9073 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
9074 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
9075 linkage. The default is on.
9076
9077 @item show print demangle
9078 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
9079
9080 @item set print asm-demangle
9081 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
9082 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
9083 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
9084 The default is off.
9085
9086 @item show print asm-demangle
9087 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
9088 or demangled form.
9089
9090 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
9091 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
9092 @kindex set demangle-style
9093 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
9094 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
9095 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
9096
9097 @table @code
9098 @item auto
9099 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
9100 This is the default.
9101
9102 @item gnu
9103 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
9104
9105 @item hp
9106 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
9107
9108 @item lucid
9109 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
9110
9111 @item arm
9112 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
9113 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
9114 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
9115 require further enhancement to permit that.
9116
9117 @end table
9118 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
9119
9120 @item show demangle-style
9121 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
9122
9123 @item set print object
9124 @itemx set print object on
9125 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
9126 @cindex display derived types
9127 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
9128 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
9129 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
9130 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
9131 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
9132 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
9133 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
9134
9135 @item set print object off
9136 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
9137 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
9138
9139 @item show print object
9140 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
9141
9142 @item set print static-members
9143 @itemx set print static-members on
9144 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
9145 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
9146
9147 @item set print static-members off
9148 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
9149
9150 @item show print static-members
9151 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
9152
9153 @item set print pascal_static-members
9154 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
9155 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
9156 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
9157 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
9158
9159 @item set print pascal_static-members off
9160 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
9161
9162 @item show print pascal_static-members
9163 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
9164
9165 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
9166 @item set print vtbl
9167 @itemx set print vtbl on
9168 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
9169 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
9170 @cindex VTBL display
9171 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
9172 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
9173 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
9174
9175 @item set print vtbl off
9176 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
9177
9178 @item show print vtbl
9179 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
9180 @end table
9181
9182 @node Pretty Printing
9183 @section Pretty Printing
9184
9185 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
9186 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
9187 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
9188
9189 @menu
9190 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
9191 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
9192 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
9193 @end menu
9194
9195 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
9196 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
9197
9198 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
9199 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
9200 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
9201
9202 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
9203 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
9204 pretty-printers with their names.
9205 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
9206 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
9207 Each such subprinter has its own name.
9208 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
9209
9210 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
9211 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
9212 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
9213 do anything special.
9214
9215 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
9216
9217 @itemize @bullet
9218 @item
9219 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
9220 all inferiors.
9221
9222 @item
9223 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
9224 when debugging that program.
9225 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
9226
9227 @item
9228 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
9229 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
9230 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
9231 @end itemize
9232
9233 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
9234 pretty-printers are selected,
9235
9236 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
9237 for new types.
9238
9239 @node Pretty-Printer Example
9240 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
9241
9242 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
9243
9244 @smallexample
9245 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9246 $1 = @{
9247 static npos = 4294967295,
9248 _M_dataplus = @{
9249 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
9250 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
9251 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
9252 @},
9253 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
9254 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
9255 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
9256 @}
9257 @}
9258 @end smallexample
9259
9260 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
9261
9262 @smallexample
9263 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9264 $2 = "abcd"
9265 @end smallexample
9266
9267 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
9268 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
9269 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9270
9271 @table @code
9272 @kindex info pretty-printer
9273 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9274 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9275 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9276
9277 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9278 whose pretty-printers to list.
9279 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9280 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9281 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9282 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9283 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9284
9285 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9286 to list.
9287
9288 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9289 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9290 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9291 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9292
9293 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9294 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9295 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9296 @end table
9297
9298 Example:
9299
9300 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9301 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9302 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9303 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9304
9305 @smallexample
9306 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9307 library1.so:
9308 foo
9309 library2.so:
9310 bar
9311 bar1
9312 bar2
9313 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9314 library2.so:
9315 bar
9316 bar1
9317 bar2
9318 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9319 1 printer disabled
9320 2 of 3 printers enabled
9321 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9322 library1.so:
9323 foo [disabled]
9324 library2.so:
9325 bar
9326 bar1
9327 bar2
9328 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9329 1 printer disabled
9330 1 of 3 printers enabled
9331 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9332 library1.so:
9333 foo [disabled]
9334 library2.so:
9335 bar
9336 bar1 [disabled]
9337 bar2
9338 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9339 1 printer disabled
9340 0 of 3 printers enabled
9341 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9342 library1.so:
9343 foo [disabled]
9344 library2.so:
9345 bar [disabled]
9346 bar1 [disabled]
9347 bar2
9348 @end smallexample
9349
9350 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9351 as can each individual subprinter.
9352
9353 @node Value History
9354 @section Value History
9355
9356 @cindex value history
9357 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9358 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9359 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9360 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9361 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9362 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9363 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9364 symbol table.
9365
9366 @cindex @code{$}
9367 @cindex @code{$$}
9368 @cindex history number
9369 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9370 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9371 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9372 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9373 history number.
9374
9375 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9376 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9377 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9378 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9379 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9380 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9381 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9382
9383 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9384 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9385
9386 @smallexample
9387 p *$
9388 @end smallexample
9389
9390 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9391 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9392
9393 @smallexample
9394 p *$.next
9395 @end smallexample
9396
9397 @noindent
9398 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9399 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9400
9401 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9402 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9403
9404 @smallexample
9405 print x
9406 set x=5
9407 @end smallexample
9408
9409 @noindent
9410 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9411 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9412
9413 @table @code
9414 @kindex show values
9415 @item show values
9416 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9417 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9418 values} does not change the history.
9419
9420 @item show values @var{n}
9421 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9422
9423 @item show values +
9424 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9425 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9426 @end table
9427
9428 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9429 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9430
9431 @node Convenience Vars
9432 @section Convenience Variables
9433
9434 @cindex convenience variables
9435 @cindex user-defined variables
9436 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9437 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9438 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9439 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9440 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9441
9442 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9443 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9444 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9445 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9446 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9447
9448 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9449 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9450 For example:
9451
9452 @smallexample
9453 set $foo = *object_ptr
9454 @end smallexample
9455
9456 @noindent
9457 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9458 @code{object_ptr}.
9459
9460 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9461 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9462 value with another assignment at any time.
9463
9464 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9465 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9466 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9467 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9468
9469 @table @code
9470 @kindex show convenience
9471 @cindex show all user variables and functions
9472 @item show convenience
9473 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
9474 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
9475 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9476
9477 @kindex init-if-undefined
9478 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9479 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9480 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9481 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9482 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9483 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9484 override default values used in a command script.
9485
9486 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9487 any side-effects do not occur.
9488 @end table
9489
9490 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9491 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9492 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9493
9494 @smallexample
9495 set $i = 0
9496 print bar[$i++]->contents
9497 @end smallexample
9498
9499 @noindent
9500 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9501
9502 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9503 values likely to be useful.
9504
9505 @table @code
9506 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9507 @item $_
9508 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9509 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9510 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9511 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9512 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9513 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9514 to the type of @code{$__}.
9515
9516 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9517 @item $__
9518 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9519 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9520 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9521
9522 @item $_exitcode
9523 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9524 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
9525 the program being debugged terminates.
9526
9527 @item $_exception
9528 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
9529 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
9530
9531 @item $_probe_argc
9532 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9533 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9534
9535 @item $_sdata
9536 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9537 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9538 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9539 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9540 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9541
9542 @item $_siginfo
9543 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9544 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9545 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9546 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9547 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9548
9549 @item $_tlb
9550 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9551 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9552 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9553 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9554 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9555 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9556
9557 @end table
9558
9559 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9560 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9561 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9562
9563 @node Convenience Funs
9564 @section Convenience Functions
9565
9566 @cindex convenience functions
9567 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9568 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9569 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9570 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9571 @value{GDBN}.
9572
9573 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9574 @code{Python} support.
9575
9576 @table @code
9577
9578 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
9579 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
9580 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
9581 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
9582 Otherwise it returns zero.
9583
9584 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
9585 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
9586 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
9587 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
9588 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
9589 regular expression support.
9590
9591 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
9592 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
9593 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
9594 Otherwise it returns zero.
9595
9596 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
9597 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
9598 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
9599
9600 @end table
9601
9602 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
9603 convenience functions.
9604
9605 @table @code
9606 @item help function
9607 @kindex help function
9608 @cindex show all convenience functions
9609 Print a list of all convenience functions.
9610 @end table
9611
9612 @node Registers
9613 @section Registers
9614
9615 @cindex registers
9616 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
9617 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
9618 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
9619 your machine.
9620
9621 @table @code
9622 @kindex info registers
9623 @item info registers
9624 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
9625 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9626
9627 @kindex info all-registers
9628 @cindex floating point registers
9629 @item info all-registers
9630 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
9631 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9632
9633 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
9634 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
9635 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
9636 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
9637 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
9638 @end table
9639
9640 @cindex stack pointer register
9641 @cindex program counter register
9642 @cindex process status register
9643 @cindex frame pointer register
9644 @cindex standard registers
9645 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
9646 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
9647 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
9648 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
9649 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
9650 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
9651 register that contains the processor status. For example,
9652 you could print the program counter in hex with
9653
9654 @smallexample
9655 p/x $pc
9656 @end smallexample
9657
9658 @noindent
9659 or print the instruction to be executed next with
9660
9661 @smallexample
9662 x/i $pc
9663 @end smallexample
9664
9665 @noindent
9666 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
9667 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
9668 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
9669 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
9670 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
9671 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
9672 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
9673
9674 @smallexample
9675 set $sp += 4
9676 @end smallexample
9677
9678 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
9679 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
9680 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
9681 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
9682 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
9683 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
9684 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
9685
9686 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
9687 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
9688 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
9689 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
9690 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
9691 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
9692 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
9693
9694 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
9695 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
9696 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
9697 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
9698 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
9699 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
9700 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
9701 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
9702 prints the data in both formats.
9703
9704 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
9705 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
9706 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
9707 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
9708 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
9709 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
9710 registers in @code{struct} notation:
9711
9712 @smallexample
9713 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
9714 $1 = @{
9715 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
9716 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
9717 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
9718 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
9719 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
9720 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
9721 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
9722 @}
9723 @end smallexample
9724
9725 @noindent
9726 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
9727 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
9728 value to a @code{struct} member:
9729
9730 @smallexample
9731 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
9732 @end smallexample
9733
9734 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
9735 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
9736 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
9737 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
9738 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
9739 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
9740
9741 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
9742 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
9743 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
9744 frame makes no difference.
9745
9746 @node Floating Point Hardware
9747 @section Floating Point Hardware
9748 @cindex floating point
9749
9750 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
9751 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
9752
9753 @table @code
9754 @kindex info float
9755 @item info float
9756 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
9757 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
9758 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
9759 the ARM and x86 machines.
9760 @end table
9761
9762 @node Vector Unit
9763 @section Vector Unit
9764 @cindex vector unit
9765
9766 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
9767 more information about the status of the vector unit.
9768
9769 @table @code
9770 @kindex info vector
9771 @item info vector
9772 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
9773 layout vary depending on the hardware.
9774 @end table
9775
9776 @node OS Information
9777 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
9778 @cindex OS information
9779
9780 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
9781 you debug your program.
9782
9783 @cindex auxiliary vector
9784 @cindex vector, auxiliary
9785 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
9786 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
9787 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
9788 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
9789 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
9790 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
9791 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
9792 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
9793 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
9794 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
9795 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
9796
9797 @table @code
9798 @kindex info auxv
9799 @item info auxv
9800 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
9801 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
9802 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
9803 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
9804 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
9805 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
9806 an unrecognized tag.
9807 @end table
9808
9809 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
9810 information and show it to you. The types of information available
9811 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
9812 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
9813 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
9814 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
9815 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
9816
9817 @table @code
9818 @kindex info os
9819 @item info os @var{infotype}
9820
9821 Display OS information of the requested type.
9822
9823 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
9824
9825 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
9826 @table @code
9827 @kindex info os processes
9828 @item processes
9829 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
9830 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
9831 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
9832 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
9833 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
9834 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
9835
9836 @kindex info os procgroups
9837 @item procgroups
9838 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
9839 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
9840 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
9841 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
9842 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
9843 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
9844 and the process group leader is listed first.
9845
9846 @kindex info os threads
9847 @item threads
9848 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
9849 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
9850 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
9851 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
9852 process is not listed.
9853
9854 @kindex info os files
9855 @item files
9856 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
9857 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
9858 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
9859 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
9860
9861 @kindex info os sockets
9862 @item sockets
9863 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
9864 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
9865 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
9866 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
9867 connection.
9868
9869 @kindex info os shm
9870 @item shm
9871 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
9872 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
9873 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
9874 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
9875 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
9876 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
9877 attached to, detach from, and changed.
9878
9879 @kindex info os semaphores
9880 @item semaphores
9881 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
9882 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
9883 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
9884 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
9885 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
9886
9887 @kindex info os msg
9888 @item msg
9889 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
9890 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
9891 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
9892 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
9893 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
9894 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
9895 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
9896 the message queue was last changed.
9897
9898 @kindex info os modules
9899 @item modules
9900 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
9901 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
9902 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
9903 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
9904 in memory.
9905 @end table
9906
9907 @item info os
9908 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
9909 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
9910 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
9911 types, this command will report an error.
9912 @end table
9913
9914 @node Memory Region Attributes
9915 @section Memory Region Attributes
9916 @cindex memory region attributes
9917
9918 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
9919 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
9920 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
9921 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
9922 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
9923 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
9924 user can override the fetched regions.
9925
9926 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
9927 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
9928 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
9929 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
9930 all memory.
9931
9932 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
9933 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
9934
9935 @table @code
9936 @kindex mem
9937 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
9938 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
9939 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
9940 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
9941 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
9942 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
9943
9944 @item mem auto
9945 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
9946 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
9947
9948 @kindex delete mem
9949 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9950 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
9951 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
9952
9953 @kindex disable mem
9954 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9955 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9956 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
9957 It may be enabled again later.
9958
9959 @kindex enable mem
9960 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9961 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9962
9963 @kindex info mem
9964 @item info mem
9965 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
9966 for each region:
9967
9968 @table @emph
9969 @item Memory Region Number
9970 @item Enabled or Disabled.
9971 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
9972 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
9973
9974 @item Lo Address
9975 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
9976
9977 @item Hi Address
9978 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
9979
9980 @item Attributes
9981 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
9982 @end table
9983 @end table
9984
9985
9986 @subsection Attributes
9987
9988 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
9989 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
9990 write accesses to a memory region.
9991
9992 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
9993 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
9994 etc.@: from accessing memory.
9995
9996 @table @code
9997 @item ro
9998 Memory is read only.
9999 @item wo
10000 Memory is write only.
10001 @item rw
10002 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
10003 @end table
10004
10005 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
10006 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
10007 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
10008 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
10009 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
10010
10011 @table @code
10012 @item 8
10013 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
10014 @item 16
10015 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
10016 @item 32
10017 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
10018 @item 64
10019 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
10020 @end table
10021
10022 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
10023 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10024 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
10025 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
10026 @c
10027 @c @table @code
10028 @c @item hwbreak
10029 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
10030 @c @item swbreak (default)
10031 @c @end table
10032
10033 @subsubsection Data Cache
10034 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
10035 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
10036 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
10037 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
10038 registers.
10039
10040 @table @code
10041 @item cache
10042 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
10043 @item nocache
10044 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
10045 @end table
10046
10047 @subsection Memory Access Checking
10048 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
10049 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
10050 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
10051 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
10052
10053 @table @code
10054 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
10055 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
10056 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
10057 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
10058 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
10059 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
10060 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
10061 The default value is @code{on}.
10062 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
10063 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
10064 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
10065 @end table
10066
10067
10068 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
10069 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10070 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
10071 @c
10072 @c @table @code
10073 @c @item verify
10074 @c @item noverify (default)
10075 @c @end table
10076
10077 @node Dump/Restore Files
10078 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
10079 @cindex dump/restore files
10080 @cindex append data to a file
10081 @cindex dump data to a file
10082 @cindex restore data from a file
10083
10084 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
10085 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
10086 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
10087 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
10088 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
10089 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
10090 files.
10091
10092 @table @code
10093
10094 @kindex dump
10095 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10096 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10097 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10098 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
10099
10100 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
10101 @table @code
10102 @item binary
10103 Raw binary form.
10104 @item ihex
10105 Intel hex format.
10106 @item srec
10107 Motorola S-record format.
10108 @item tekhex
10109 Tektronix Hex format.
10110 @end table
10111
10112 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
10113 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
10114 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
10115 form.
10116
10117 @kindex append
10118 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10119 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10120 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10121 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
10122 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
10123
10124 @kindex restore
10125 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
10126 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
10127 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
10128 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
10129 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
10130
10131 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
10132 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
10133 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
10134 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
10135 from that location.
10136
10137 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
10138 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
10139 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
10140 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
10141
10142 @end table
10143
10144 @node Core File Generation
10145 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
10146 @cindex dump core from inferior
10147
10148 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
10149 image of a running process and its process status (register values
10150 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
10151 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
10152 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
10153 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
10154 the post-mortem debugging mode.
10155
10156 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
10157 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
10158 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
10159
10160 @table @code
10161 @kindex gcore
10162 @kindex generate-core-file
10163 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
10164 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
10165 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
10166 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
10167 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
10168 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
10169
10170 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
10171 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
10172 @end table
10173
10174 @node Character Sets
10175 @section Character Sets
10176 @cindex character sets
10177 @cindex charset
10178 @cindex translating between character sets
10179 @cindex host character set
10180 @cindex target character set
10181
10182 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
10183 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
10184 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
10185 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
10186 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
10187 @dfn{target character set}.
10188
10189 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
10190 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
10191 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
10192 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
10193 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
10194 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
10195 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
10196 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
10197 character and string literals in expressions.
10198
10199 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
10200 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
10201 target-charset} command, described below.
10202
10203 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
10204 support:
10205
10206 @table @code
10207 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
10208 @kindex set target-charset
10209 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
10210 list of supported target character sets, type
10211 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10212
10213 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
10214 @kindex set host-charset
10215 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
10216
10217 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
10218 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
10219 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
10220 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
10221 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
10222
10223 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
10224 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10225 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
10226
10227 @item set charset @var{charset}
10228 @kindex set charset
10229 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
10230 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10231 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
10232 for both host and target.
10233
10234 @item show charset
10235 @kindex show charset
10236 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
10237
10238 @item show host-charset
10239 @kindex show host-charset
10240 Show the name of the current host character set.
10241
10242 @item show target-charset
10243 @kindex show target-charset
10244 Show the name of the current target character set.
10245
10246 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
10247 @kindex set target-wide-charset
10248 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
10249 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
10250 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
10251 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10252
10253 @item show target-wide-charset
10254 @kindex show target-wide-charset
10255 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
10256 @end table
10257
10258 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
10259 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
10260 @file{charset-test.c}:
10261
10262 @smallexample
10263 #include <stdio.h>
10264
10265 char ascii_hello[]
10266 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
10267 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
10268 char ibm1047_hello[]
10269 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
10270 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
10271
10272 main ()
10273 @{
10274 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10275 @}
10276 @end smallexample
10277
10278 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
10279 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
10280 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
10281
10282 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
10283
10284 @smallexample
10285 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
10286 $ gdb -nw charset-test
10287 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
10288 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10289 @dots{}
10290 (@value{GDBP})
10291 @end smallexample
10292
10293 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10294 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10295 strings:
10296
10297 @smallexample
10298 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10299 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10300 (@value{GDBP})
10301 @end smallexample
10302
10303 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10304 initial character set:
10305 @smallexample
10306 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10307 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10308 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10309 (@value{GDBP})
10310 @end smallexample
10311
10312 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10313 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10314 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10315 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10316 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10317
10318 @smallexample
10319 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10320 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10321 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10322 $2 = 72 'H'
10323 (@value{GDBP})
10324 @end smallexample
10325
10326 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10327 literals you use in expressions:
10328
10329 @smallexample
10330 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10331 $3 = 43 '+'
10332 (@value{GDBP})
10333 @end smallexample
10334
10335 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10336 character.
10337
10338 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10339 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10340 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10341
10342 @smallexample
10343 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10344 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10345 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10346 $5 = 200 '\310'
10347 (@value{GDBP})
10348 @end smallexample
10349
10350 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10351 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10352
10353 @smallexample
10354 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10355 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10356 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10357 @end smallexample
10358
10359 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10360 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10361 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10362 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10363 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10364
10365 @smallexample
10366 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10367 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10368 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10369 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10370 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10371 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10372 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10373 $7 = 72 '\110'
10374 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10375 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10376 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10377 $9 = 200 'H'
10378 (@value{GDBP})
10379 @end smallexample
10380
10381 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10382 string literals you use in expressions:
10383
10384 @smallexample
10385 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10386 $10 = 78 '+'
10387 (@value{GDBP})
10388 @end smallexample
10389
10390 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10391 character.
10392
10393 @node Caching Remote Data
10394 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
10395 @cindex caching data of remote targets
10396
10397 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
10398 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
10399 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
10400 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
10401 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
10402 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
10403 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
10404 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
10405 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10406 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10407 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10408 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10409 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
10410 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10411 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10412
10413 @table @code
10414 @kindex set remotecache
10415 @item set remotecache on
10416 @itemx set remotecache off
10417 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10418 with old scripts.
10419
10420 @kindex show remotecache
10421 @item show remotecache
10422 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10423
10424 @kindex set stack-cache
10425 @item set stack-cache on
10426 @itemx set stack-cache off
10427 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
10428 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
10429
10430 @kindex show stack-cache
10431 @item show stack-cache
10432 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10433
10434 @kindex info dcache
10435 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10436 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
10437 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
10438 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
10439 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
10440 operation.
10441
10442 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10443 printed in hex.
10444
10445 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10446 @cindex dcache size
10447 @kindex set dcache size
10448 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10449
10450 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10451 @cindex dcache line-size
10452 @kindex set dcache line-size
10453 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10454 Must be a power of 2.
10455
10456 @item show dcache size
10457 @kindex show dcache size
10458 Show maximum number of dcache entries. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10459
10460 @item show dcache line-size
10461 @kindex show dcache line-size
10462 Show default size of dcache lines. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10463
10464 @end table
10465
10466 @node Searching Memory
10467 @section Search Memory
10468 @cindex searching memory
10469
10470 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10471 @code{find} command.
10472
10473 @table @code
10474 @kindex find
10475 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10476 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10477 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10478 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10479 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10480 @end table
10481
10482 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10483 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10484
10485 @table @r
10486 @item @var{s}, search query size
10487 The size of each search query value.
10488
10489 @table @code
10490 @item b
10491 bytes
10492 @item h
10493 halfwords (two bytes)
10494 @item w
10495 words (four bytes)
10496 @item g
10497 giant words (eight bytes)
10498 @end table
10499
10500 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10501 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10502 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10503
10504 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10505 value's type in the current language.
10506 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10507 pattern as a mixture of types.
10508 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10509 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10510 which is typically four bytes.
10511
10512 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10513 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10514 @end table
10515
10516 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10517 (@code{"}).
10518 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10519 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10520
10521 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10522 number of matches found.
10523
10524 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10525 @samp{$_}.
10526 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10527
10528 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10529
10530 @smallexample
10531 void
10532 hello ()
10533 @{
10534 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10535 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
10536 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
10537 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
10538 printf ("%s\n", hello);
10539 @}
10540 @end smallexample
10541
10542 @noindent
10543 you get during debugging:
10544
10545 @smallexample
10546 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
10547 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10548 1 pattern found
10549 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
10550 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10551 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10552 2 patterns found
10553 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
10554 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10555 1 pattern found
10556 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
10557 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
10558 1 pattern found
10559 (gdb) print $numfound
10560 $1 = 1
10561 (gdb) print $_
10562 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
10563 @end smallexample
10564
10565 @node Optimized Code
10566 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
10567 @cindex optimized code, debugging
10568 @cindex debugging optimized code
10569
10570 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
10571 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
10572 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
10573 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
10574 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
10575 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
10576 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
10577
10578 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
10579 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
10580 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
10581 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
10582
10583 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
10584 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
10585 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
10586 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
10587 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
10588 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
10589
10590 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
10591 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
10592 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
10593 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
10594 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
10595
10596 @menu
10597 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
10598 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
10599 @end menu
10600
10601 @node Inline Functions
10602 @section Inline Functions
10603 @cindex inline functions, debugging
10604
10605 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
10606 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
10607 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
10608 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
10609 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
10610 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
10611 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
10612 @code{info frame} command.
10613
10614 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
10615 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
10616 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
10617 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
10618 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
10619 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
10620 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
10621 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
10622 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
10623 local variables in the caller.
10624
10625 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
10626 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
10627 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
10628 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
10629 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
10630 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
10631 instructions are executed.
10632
10633 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
10634 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
10635 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
10636 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
10637
10638 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
10639 function calls are the same as normal calls:
10640
10641 @itemize @bullet
10642 @item
10643 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
10644 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
10645 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
10646 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
10647 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
10648 or inside the inlined function instead.
10649
10650 @item
10651 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
10652 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
10653 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
10654 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
10655
10656 @end itemize
10657
10658 @node Tail Call Frames
10659 @section Tail Call Frames
10660 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
10661
10662 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
10663 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
10664 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
10665 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
10666 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
10667
10668 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
10669 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
10670 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
10671 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
10672 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
10673 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
10674 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
10675
10676 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10677 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
10678 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10679 this information.
10680
10681 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
10682 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
10683
10684 @smallexample
10685 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
10686 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
10687 (gdb) info frame
10688 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
10689 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
10690 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
10691 source language c++.
10692 Arglist at unknown address.
10693 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
10694 @end smallexample
10695
10696 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
10697 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
10698 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
10699 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
10700 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
10701 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
10702
10703 @table @code
10704 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
10705 @item set debug entry-values
10706 @kindex set debug entry-values
10707 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
10708 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
10709 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
10710 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
10711 result.
10712
10713 @item show debug entry-values
10714 @kindex show debug entry-values
10715 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
10716 values at function entry and tail calls.
10717 @end table
10718
10719 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
10720 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
10721 reference by variable @code{x}):
10722
10723 @smallexample
10724 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
10725 void (*x) (void) = c;
10726 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10727 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
10728 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
10729
10730 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
10731 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
10732 a () at t.c:3
10733 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10734 (gdb) bt
10735 #0 a () at t.c:3
10736 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
10737 @end smallexample
10738
10739 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
10740
10741 @smallexample
10742 int i;
10743 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
10744 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
10745 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
10746 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
10747 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
10748 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
10749 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
10750 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
10751
10752 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
10753 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
10754 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
10755 (gdb) bt
10756 #0 f () at t.c:2
10757 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
10758 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
10759 @end smallexample
10760
10761 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
10762 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
10763
10764 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
10765 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10766 @set ARROW @click{}
10767 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
10768 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
10769 @end ifset
10770 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10771 @set ARROW ->
10772 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
10773 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
10774 @end ifclear
10775
10776 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
10777 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
10778 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
10779
10780 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
10781 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
10782 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
10783 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
10784 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
10785 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
10786
10787 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
10788 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
10789 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
10790 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
10791 omitted.
10792
10793 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
10794 entry may fail:
10795
10796 @smallexample
10797 int v;
10798 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
10799 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
10800 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
10801 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
10802 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
10803 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
10804
10805 (gdb) bt
10806 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
10807 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
10808 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
10809 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
10810 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
10811 @end smallexample
10812
10813 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
10814 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
10815 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
10816 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
10817 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
10818
10819 @node Macros
10820 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
10821
10822 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
10823 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
10824 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
10825 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
10826 where it was defined.
10827
10828 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
10829 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
10830 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
10831 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
10832
10833 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
10834 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
10835 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
10836 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
10837 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
10838 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
10839 see @ref{List}.
10840
10841 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
10842 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
10843 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
10844
10845 @table @code
10846
10847 @kindex macro expand
10848 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
10849 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
10850 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
10851 @item macro expand @var{expression}
10852 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
10853 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
10854 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
10855 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
10856 it can be any string of tokens.
10857
10858 @kindex macro exp1
10859 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
10860 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
10861 @cindex expand macro once
10862 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
10863 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
10864 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
10865 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
10866 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
10867 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
10868 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
10869 can be any string of tokens.
10870
10871 @kindex info macro
10872 @cindex macro definition, showing
10873 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
10874 @cindex macros, from debug info
10875 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
10876 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
10877 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
10878 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
10879 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
10880 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
10881
10882 @kindex info macros
10883 @item info macros @var{linespec}
10884 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
10885 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
10886 command-line where those definitions were established.
10887
10888 @kindex macro define
10889 @cindex user-defined macros
10890 @cindex defining macros interactively
10891 @cindex macros, user-defined
10892 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
10893 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
10894 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
10895 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
10896 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
10897 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
10898 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
10899 @var{arglist}.
10900
10901 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
10902 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
10903 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
10904 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
10905 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
10906
10907 @kindex macro undef
10908 @item macro undef @var{macro}
10909 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
10910 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
10911 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
10912 in the program being debugged.
10913
10914 @kindex macro list
10915 @item macro list
10916 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
10917 @end table
10918
10919 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
10920 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
10921 show our source files:
10922
10923 @smallexample
10924 $ cat sample.c
10925 #include <stdio.h>
10926 #include "sample.h"
10927
10928 #define M 42
10929 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10930
10931 main ()
10932 @{
10933 #define N 28
10934 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10935 #undef N
10936 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10937 #define N 1729
10938 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
10939 @}
10940 $ cat sample.h
10941 #define Q <
10942 $
10943 @end smallexample
10944
10945 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
10946 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
10947 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
10948 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
10949 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
10950 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
10951 information.
10952
10953 @smallexample
10954 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
10955 $
10956 @end smallexample
10957
10958 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
10959
10960 @smallexample
10961 $ gdb -nw sample
10962 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
10963 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10964 GDB is free software, @dots{}
10965 (@value{GDBP})
10966 @end smallexample
10967
10968 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
10969 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
10970 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
10971
10972 @smallexample
10973 (@value{GDBP}) list main
10974 3
10975 4 #define M 42
10976 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10977 6
10978 7 main ()
10979 8 @{
10980 9 #define N 28
10981 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10982 11 #undef N
10983 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10984 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
10985 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
10986 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10987 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
10988 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
10989 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
10990 #define Q <
10991 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
10992 expands to: (42 + 1)
10993 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
10994 expands to: once (M + 1)
10995 (@value{GDBP})
10996 @end smallexample
10997
10998 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
10999 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
11000 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
11001 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
11002
11003 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
11004 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
11005
11006 @smallexample
11007 (@value{GDBP}) break main
11008 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
11009 (@value{GDBP}) run
11010 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
11011
11012 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
11013 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11014 (@value{GDBP})
11015 @end smallexample
11016
11017 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
11018
11019 @smallexample
11020 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11021 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
11022 #define N 28
11023 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11024 expands to: 28 < 42
11025 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11026 $1 = 1
11027 (@value{GDBP})
11028 @end smallexample
11029
11030 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
11031 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
11032 thereof) in force at each point:
11033
11034 @smallexample
11035 (@value{GDBP}) next
11036 Hello, world!
11037 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11038 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11039 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
11040 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
11041 (@value{GDBP}) next
11042 We're so creative.
11043 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11044 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11045 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
11046 #define N 1729
11047 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11048 expands to: 1729 < 42
11049 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11050 $2 = 0
11051 (@value{GDBP})
11052 @end smallexample
11053
11054 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
11055 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
11056 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
11057 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
11058
11059 @smallexample
11060 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
11061 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
11062 -D__STDC__=1
11063 (@value{GDBP})
11064 @end smallexample
11065
11066
11067 @node Tracepoints
11068 @chapter Tracepoints
11069 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
11070 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
11071
11072 @cindex tracepoints
11073 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
11074 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
11075 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
11076 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
11077 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
11078 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
11079 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
11080
11081 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
11082 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
11083 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
11084 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
11085 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
11086 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
11087 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
11088 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
11089 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
11090 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
11091 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
11092
11093 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
11094 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
11095 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
11096 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
11097 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
11098 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
11099 Packets}.
11100
11101 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
11102 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
11103 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
11104
11105 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
11106
11107 @menu
11108 * Set Tracepoints::
11109 * Analyze Collected Data::
11110 * Tracepoint Variables::
11111 * Trace Files::
11112 @end menu
11113
11114 @node Set Tracepoints
11115 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
11116
11117 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
11118 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
11119 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
11120 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
11121 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
11122 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
11123 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
11124
11125 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
11126 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
11127 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
11128 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
11129 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
11130 tracepoint was hit.
11131
11132 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
11133 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
11134 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
11135 either.
11136
11137 @cindex fast tracepoints
11138 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
11139 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
11140 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
11141
11142 @cindex static tracepoints
11143 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
11144 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
11145 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
11146 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
11147 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
11148 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
11149 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
11150 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
11151 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
11152 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
11153 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
11154 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
11155 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
11156 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
11157 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
11158 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
11159 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
11160 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
11161 static tracepoint marker.
11162
11163 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
11164 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
11165
11166 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
11167 conditions and actions.
11168
11169 @menu
11170 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
11171 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
11172 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
11173 * Tracepoint Conditions::
11174 * Trace State Variables::
11175 * Tracepoint Actions::
11176 * Listing Tracepoints::
11177 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
11178 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
11179 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
11180 @end menu
11181
11182 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
11183 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
11184
11185 @table @code
11186 @cindex set tracepoint
11187 @kindex trace
11188 @item trace @var{location}
11189 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
11190 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
11191 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
11192 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
11193 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
11194 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
11195 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
11196 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
11197 in tracing}).
11198 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
11199 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
11200 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
11201 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
11202 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
11203 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
11204 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
11205 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
11206 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
11207 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
11208 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
11209 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
11210
11211 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
11212
11213 @smallexample
11214 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
11215
11216 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
11217
11218 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
11219
11220 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
11221
11222 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
11223 @end smallexample
11224
11225 @noindent
11226 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
11227
11228 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
11229 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
11230 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
11231 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
11232 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
11233 information on tracepoint conditions.
11234
11235 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11236 @cindex set fast tracepoint
11237 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
11238 @kindex ftrace
11239 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
11240 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
11241 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
11242 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
11243 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
11244 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
11245 message.
11246
11247 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
11248 @code{trace}.
11249
11250 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
11251 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
11252 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
11253 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
11254 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
11255 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
11256 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
11257 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
11258
11259 @example
11260 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
11261 @end example
11262
11263 @noindent
11264 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
11265 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
11266
11267 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11268 @cindex set static tracepoint
11269 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
11270 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
11271 @kindex strace
11272 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
11273 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
11274 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
11275 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
11276 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
11277
11278 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
11279 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
11280 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
11281 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
11282 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
11283 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
11284 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
11285 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
11286 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
11287 tracing engine:
11288
11289 @smallexample
11290 main ()
11291 @{
11292 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11293 @}
11294 @end smallexample
11295
11296 @noindent
11297 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11298 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11299
11300 @smallexample
11301 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11302 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11303 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11304 Data: "str %s"
11305 [etc...]
11306 @end smallexample
11307
11308 @noindent
11309 so you may probe the marker above with:
11310
11311 @smallexample
11312 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11313 @end smallexample
11314
11315 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11316 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11317 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11318 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11319 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11320 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11321 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11322 the @samp{Data:} field.
11323
11324 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11325 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11326 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11327
11328 @vindex $tpnum
11329 @cindex last tracepoint number
11330 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11331 @cindex tracepoint number
11332 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11333 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11334
11335 @kindex delete tracepoint
11336 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11337 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11338 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11339 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11340 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11341
11342 Examples:
11343
11344 @smallexample
11345 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11346
11347 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11348 @end smallexample
11349
11350 @noindent
11351 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11352 @end table
11353
11354 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11355 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11356
11357 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11358
11359 @table @code
11360 @kindex disable tracepoint
11361 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11362 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11363 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11364 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11365 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11366 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11367 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11368 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11369 next trace experiment.
11370
11371 @kindex enable tracepoint
11372 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11373 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11374 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11375 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11376 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11377 next time a trace experiment is run.
11378 @end table
11379
11380 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11381 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11382
11383 @table @code
11384 @kindex passcount
11385 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11386 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11387 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11388 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11389 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11390 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11391 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11392 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11393 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11394 user.
11395
11396 Examples:
11397
11398 @smallexample
11399 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11400 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11401
11402 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11403 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11404 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11405 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11406 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11407 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11408 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11409 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11410 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11411 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11412 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11413 @end smallexample
11414 @end table
11415
11416 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11417 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11418 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11419 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11420
11421 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11422 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11423 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11424 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11425 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11426 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11427 is true.
11428
11429 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11430 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11431 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11432 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11433 just as with breakpoints.
11434
11435 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11436 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11437 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11438 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11439 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11440 accesses, and so forth.
11441
11442 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11443 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11444 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11445 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11446 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11447 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11448 search through.
11449
11450 @smallexample
11451 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11452 @end smallexample
11453
11454 @node Trace State Variables
11455 @subsection Trace State Variables
11456 @cindex trace state variables
11457
11458 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11459 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11460 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11461 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11462 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11463 integers.
11464
11465 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11466 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11467 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11468 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11469
11470 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11471 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11472 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11473 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11474 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11475 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11476 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11477 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11478 variable with the same name.
11479
11480 @table @code
11481
11482 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11483 @kindex tvariable
11484 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11485 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11486 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11487 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11488 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11489 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11490 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11491 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11492 value. The default initial value is 0.
11493
11494 @item info tvariables
11495 @kindex info tvariables
11496 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11497 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11498 currently running.
11499
11500 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11501 @kindex delete tvariable
11502 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11503 are specified.
11504
11505 @end table
11506
11507 @node Tracepoint Actions
11508 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11509
11510 @table @code
11511 @kindex actions
11512 @cindex tracepoint actions
11513 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11514 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11515 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11516 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11517 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11518 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11519 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11520 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11521 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11522 @code{while-stepping}.
11523
11524 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11525 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11526 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11527
11528 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11529 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11530 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11531
11532 @smallexample
11533 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11534
11535 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
11536
11537 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
11538 @end smallexample
11539
11540 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
11541 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
11542 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
11543 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
11544 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
11545 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
11546 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
11547 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
11548
11549 @smallexample
11550 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11551 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11552 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
11553 > collect bar,baz
11554 > collect $regs
11555 > while-stepping 12
11556 > collect $pc, arr[i]
11557 > end
11558 end
11559 @end smallexample
11560
11561 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
11562 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11563 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
11564 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
11565 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
11566 special arguments are supported:
11567
11568 @table @code
11569 @item $regs
11570 Collect all registers.
11571
11572 @item $args
11573 Collect all function arguments.
11574
11575 @item $locals
11576 Collect all local variables.
11577
11578 @item $_ret
11579 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
11580 of a backtrace.
11581
11582 @item $_probe_argc
11583 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
11584 tracepoint is located.
11585 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11586
11587 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
11588 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
11589 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
11590 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11591
11592 @item $_sdata
11593 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
11594 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
11595 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
11596 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
11597 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
11598 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
11599 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
11600 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
11601 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
11602
11603 @smallexample
11604 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
11605 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
11606 @end smallexample
11607
11608 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
11609 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
11610 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
11611 @value{GDBN}.
11612 @end table
11613
11614 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
11615 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
11616 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
11617
11618 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
11619 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
11620 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
11621 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
11622 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
11623 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
11624 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
11625 @samp{mystr}.
11626
11627 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
11628 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
11629
11630 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
11631 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11632 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
11633 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
11634 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
11635 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
11636 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
11637 action were used.
11638
11639 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
11640 @item while-stepping @var{n}
11641 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
11642 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
11643 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
11644 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
11645
11646 @smallexample
11647 > while-stepping 12
11648 > collect $regs, myglobal
11649 > end
11650 >
11651 @end smallexample
11652
11653 @noindent
11654 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
11655 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
11656 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
11657 @code{stepping}.
11658
11659 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11660 @kindex set default-collect
11661 @cindex default collection action
11662 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
11663 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
11664 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
11665 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
11666 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
11667 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
11668
11669 @item show default-collect
11670 @kindex show default-collect
11671 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
11672 tracepoint hit.
11673
11674 @end table
11675
11676 @node Listing Tracepoints
11677 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
11678
11679 @table @code
11680 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11681 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11682 @cindex information about tracepoints
11683 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
11684 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
11685 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
11686 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
11687 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
11688 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
11689
11690 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
11691 tracing:
11692
11693 @itemize @bullet
11694 @item
11695 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
11696
11697 @item
11698 the state about installed on target of each location
11699 @end itemize
11700
11701 @smallexample
11702 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
11703 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
11704 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
11705 while-stepping 20
11706 collect globfoo, $regs
11707 end
11708 collect globfoo2
11709 end
11710 pass count 1200
11711 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
11712 collect $eip
11713 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
11714 installed on target
11715 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
11716 installed on target
11717 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
11718 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
11719 not installed on target
11720 (@value{GDBP})
11721 @end smallexample
11722
11723 @noindent
11724 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
11725 @end table
11726
11727 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11728 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11729
11730 @table @code
11731 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
11732 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
11733 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
11734 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
11735 program.
11736
11737 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
11738
11739 @table @emph
11740 @item Count
11741 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
11742 stable identifier.
11743 @item ID
11744 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
11745 @item Enabled or Disabled
11746 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
11747 that are not enabled.
11748 @item Address
11749 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
11750 @item What
11751 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
11752 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
11753 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
11754 will be left blank.
11755 @end table
11756
11757 @noindent
11758 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
11759
11760 @table @emph
11761 @item Data
11762 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
11763 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
11764 marker call.
11765 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
11766 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
11767 @end table
11768
11769 @smallexample
11770 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11771 Cnt ID Enb Address What
11772 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
11773 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
11774 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
11775 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
11776 Data: str %s
11777 (@value{GDBP})
11778 @end smallexample
11779 @end table
11780
11781 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11782 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11783
11784 @table @code
11785 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
11786 @cindex start a new trace experiment
11787 @cindex collected data discarded
11788 @item tstart
11789 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
11790 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
11791 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
11792 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
11793 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
11794 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
11795 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
11796 information, and so forth.
11797
11798 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
11799 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
11800 @item tstop
11801 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
11802 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
11803 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
11804 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
11805 needs to be stopped quickly.
11806
11807 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
11808 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
11809 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
11810
11811 @kindex tstatus
11812 @cindex status of trace data collection
11813 @cindex trace experiment, status of
11814 @item tstatus
11815 This command displays the status of the current trace data
11816 collection.
11817 @end table
11818
11819 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
11820
11821 @smallexample
11822 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
11823 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11824 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
11825 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
11826 > while-stepping 11
11827 > collect $regs
11828 > end
11829 > end
11830 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
11831 [time passes @dots{}]
11832 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
11833 @end smallexample
11834
11835 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
11836 @cindex disconnected tracing
11837 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
11838 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
11839 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
11840 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
11841 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
11842 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
11843 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
11844 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
11845
11846 @table @code
11847 @item set disconnected-tracing on
11848 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
11849 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
11850 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
11851 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
11852 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
11853 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
11854 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
11855
11856 @item show disconnected-tracing
11857 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
11858 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
11859
11860 @end table
11861
11862 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
11863 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
11864 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
11865 it will continue after reconnection.
11866
11867 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
11868 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
11869 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
11870 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
11871 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
11872 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
11873 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
11874 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
11875 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
11876 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
11877
11878 @cindex circular trace buffer
11879 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
11880 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
11881 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
11882 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
11883 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
11884 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
11885 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
11886 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
11887 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
11888 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
11889 the next run.
11890
11891 @table @code
11892 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
11893 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
11894 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
11895 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
11896 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
11897 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
11898 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
11899
11900 @item show circular-trace-buffer
11901 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
11902 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
11903 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
11904 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
11905 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
11906
11907 @end table
11908
11909 @table @code
11910 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
11911 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
11912 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
11913 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
11914 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
11915 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
11916 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
11917 likes. This is also the default.
11918
11919 @item show trace-buffer-size
11920 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
11921 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
11922 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
11923 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
11924 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
11925 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
11926 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
11927 @end table
11928
11929 @table @code
11930 @item set trace-user @var{text}
11931 @kindex set trace-user
11932
11933 @item show trace-user
11934 @kindex show trace-user
11935
11936 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
11937 @kindex set trace-notes
11938 Set the trace run's notes.
11939
11940 @item show trace-notes
11941 @kindex show trace-notes
11942 Show the trace run's notes.
11943
11944 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
11945 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
11946 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
11947 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
11948 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
11949
11950 @item show trace-stop-notes
11951 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
11952 Show the trace run's stop notes.
11953
11954 @end table
11955
11956 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
11957 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
11958
11959 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
11960 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
11961 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
11962 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
11963 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
11964 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
11965 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
11966 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
11967 mentioned here.
11968
11969 @itemize @bullet
11970
11971 @item
11972 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
11973 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
11974 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
11975 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
11976 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
11977 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
11978 cannot be collected either.
11979
11980 @item
11981 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
11982 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
11983 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
11984 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
11985 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
11986 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
11987 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
11988 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
11989 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
11990 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
11991
11992 @item
11993 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
11994 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
11995 in a misleading way.
11996
11997 @item
11998 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
11999 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
12000 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
12001 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
12002 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
12003 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
12004 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
12005 by @code{ptr}.
12006
12007 @item
12008 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
12009 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
12010 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
12011 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
12012 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
12013 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
12014 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
12015 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
12016 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
12017 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
12018 invalid address.
12019
12020 @item
12021 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
12022 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
12023 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
12024 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
12025 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
12026 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
12027 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
12028 it to zero.
12029
12030 @end itemize
12031
12032 @node Analyze Collected Data
12033 @section Using the Collected Data
12034
12035 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
12036 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
12037 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
12038 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
12039 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
12040 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
12041 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
12042 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
12043 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
12044 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
12045 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
12046 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
12047 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
12048 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
12049 the buffer will fail.
12050
12051 @menu
12052 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
12053 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
12054 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
12055 @end menu
12056
12057 @node tfind
12058 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
12059
12060 @kindex tfind
12061 @cindex select trace snapshot
12062 @cindex find trace snapshot
12063 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
12064 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
12065 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
12066 snapshot is selected.
12067
12068 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
12069
12070 @table @code
12071 @item tfind start
12072 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
12073 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
12074
12075 @item tfind none
12076 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
12077
12078 @item tfind end
12079 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
12080
12081 @item tfind
12082 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
12083
12084 @item tfind -
12085 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
12086 retracing earlier steps.
12087
12088 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
12089 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
12090 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
12091 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
12092 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
12093
12094 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
12095 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
12096 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
12097 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
12098 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
12099
12100 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12101 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
12102 addresses (exclusive).
12103
12104 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12105 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
12106 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
12107
12108 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
12109 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
12110 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
12111 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
12112 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
12113 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
12114 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
12115 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
12116 @end table
12117
12118 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
12119 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
12120 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
12121 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
12122 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
12123 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
12124 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
12125 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
12126 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
12127 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
12128 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
12129 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
12130 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
12131 tracepoint as the current one.
12132
12133 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
12134 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
12135 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
12136 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
12137 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
12138
12139 @smallexample
12140 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12141 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12142 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
12143 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
12144 > tfind
12145 > end
12146
12147 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
12148 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
12149 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
12150 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
12151 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
12152 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
12153 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
12154 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
12155 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
12156 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
12157 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
12158 @end smallexample
12159
12160 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
12161 the buffer:
12162
12163 @smallexample
12164 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12165 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12166 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
12167 > tfind line
12168 > end
12169
12170 Frame 0, X = 1
12171 Frame 7, X = 2
12172 Frame 13, X = 255
12173 @end smallexample
12174
12175 @node tdump
12176 @subsection @code{tdump}
12177 @kindex tdump
12178 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
12179 @cindex tracepoint data, display
12180
12181 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
12182 the current trace snapshot.
12183
12184 @smallexample
12185 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
12186 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12187 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
12188 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
12189 > end
12190
12191 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12192
12193 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
12194 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
12195 at gdb_test.c:444
12196 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
12197
12198 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
12199 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
12200 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
12201 d1 0x18 24
12202 d2 0x80 128
12203 d3 0x33 51
12204 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
12205 d5 0x22 34
12206 d6 0xe0 224
12207 d7 0x380035 3670069
12208 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
12209 a1 0x3000668 50333288
12210 a2 0x100 256
12211 a3 0x322000 3284992
12212 a4 0x3000698 50333336
12213 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
12214 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
12215 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
12216 ps 0x0 0
12217 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
12218 fpcontrol 0x0 0
12219 fpstatus 0x0 0
12220 fpiaddr 0x0 0
12221 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
12222 p1 = (void *) 0x11
12223 p2 = (void *) 0x22
12224 p3 = (void *) 0x33
12225 p4 = (void *) 0x44
12226 p5 = (void *) 0x55
12227 p6 = (void *) 0x66
12228 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
12229
12230 (@value{GDBP})
12231 @end smallexample
12232
12233 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
12234 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
12235 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
12236 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
12237
12238 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
12239 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
12240 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
12241 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
12242 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
12243 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
12244 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
12245 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
12246 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
12247 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
12248
12249 @node save tracepoints
12250 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
12251 @kindex save tracepoints
12252 @kindex save-tracepoints
12253 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
12254
12255 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
12256 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
12257 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
12258 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
12259 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
12260 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
12261
12262 @node Tracepoint Variables
12263 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
12264 @cindex tracepoint variables
12265 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
12266
12267 @table @code
12268 @vindex $trace_frame
12269 @item (int) $trace_frame
12270 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
12271 snapshot is selected.
12272
12273 @vindex $tracepoint
12274 @item (int) $tracepoint
12275 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
12276
12277 @vindex $trace_line
12278 @item (int) $trace_line
12279 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
12280
12281 @vindex $trace_file
12282 @item (char []) $trace_file
12283 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
12284
12285 @vindex $trace_func
12286 @item (char []) $trace_func
12287 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
12288 @end table
12289
12290 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
12291 use @code{output} instead.
12292
12293 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
12294 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
12295 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
12296 which are managed by the target.
12297
12298 @smallexample
12299 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12300
12301 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
12302 > output $trace_file
12303 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
12304 > tfind
12305 > end
12306 @end smallexample
12307
12308 @node Trace Files
12309 @section Using Trace Files
12310 @cindex trace files
12311
12312 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
12313 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
12314 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
12315 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
12316 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
12317
12318 @table @code
12319
12320 @kindex tsave
12321 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
12322 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
12323 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
12324 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12325 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12326 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12327 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12328 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12329 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12330 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12331 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
12332 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save date in CTF
12333 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
12334 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
12335 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
12336
12337 @kindex target tfile
12338 @kindex tfile
12339 @kindex target ctf
12340 @kindex ctf
12341 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12342 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
12343 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
12344 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
12345 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
12346 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
12347 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
12348 @var{filename} or @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
12349 the host.
12350
12351 @smallexample
12352 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
12353 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
12354 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
12355 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
12356 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
12357 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
12358 i = 0
12359 a = 0
12360 b = 1 '\001'
12361 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
12362 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
12363 (@value{GDBP}) p b
12364 $1 = 1
12365 @end smallexample
12366
12367 @end table
12368
12369 @node Overlays
12370 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12371 @cindex overlays
12372
12373 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12374 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12375 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12376 use overlays.
12377
12378 @menu
12379 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12380 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12381 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12382 mapped by asking the inferior.
12383 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12384 @end menu
12385
12386 @node How Overlays Work
12387 @section How Overlays Work
12388 @cindex mapped overlays
12389 @cindex unmapped overlays
12390 @cindex load address, overlay's
12391 @cindex mapped address
12392 @cindex overlay area
12393
12394 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12395 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12396 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12397 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12398 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12399
12400 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12401 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12402 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12403 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12404 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12405 largest overlay as well.
12406
12407 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12408 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12409 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12410 there.
12411
12412 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12413 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12414 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12415
12416 @smallexample
12417 @group
12418 Data Instruction Larger
12419 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12420 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12421 | | | | | |
12422 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12423 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12424 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12425 | and heap | | | | | |
12426 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12427 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12428 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12429 | | | | | |
12430 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12431 address | | | | | |
12432 | overlay | <-' | | |
12433 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12434 | | <---. | | load address
12435 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12436 | | | |
12437 +-----------+ | |
12438 +-----------+
12439 | |
12440 +-----------+
12441
12442 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12443 @end group
12444 @end smallexample
12445
12446 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12447 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12448 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12449 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12450 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12451 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12452 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12453 program and the overlay area.
12454
12455 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12456 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12457 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12458 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12459 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12460 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12461 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12462
12463 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12464 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12465 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12466
12467 @itemize @bullet
12468
12469 @item
12470 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12471 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12472 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12473 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12474
12475 @item
12476 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12477 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12478 your program's performance.
12479
12480 @item
12481 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12482 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12483 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12484 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12485 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12486 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12487 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12488
12489 @item
12490 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12491 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12492 instruction and data spaces.
12493
12494 @end itemize
12495
12496 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12497 improved in many ways:
12498
12499 @itemize @bullet
12500
12501 @item
12502 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12503 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12504 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12505 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12506 area in the usual way.
12507
12508 @item
12509 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12510 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12511
12512 @item
12513 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12514 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12515 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12516 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12517 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12518 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12519 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12520
12521 @end itemize
12522
12523
12524 @node Overlay Commands
12525 @section Overlay Commands
12526
12527 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12528 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12529 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12530 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12531 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12532 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12533
12534 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12535 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
12536
12537 @table @code
12538 @item overlay off
12539 @kindex overlay
12540 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
12541 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
12542 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
12543 overlay support is disabled.
12544
12545 @item overlay manual
12546 @cindex manual overlay debugging
12547 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12548 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
12549 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
12550 commands described below.
12551
12552 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
12553 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
12554 @cindex map an overlay
12555 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
12556 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
12557 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
12558 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
12559 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
12560 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
12561
12562 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
12563 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
12564 @cindex unmap an overlay
12565 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
12566 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
12567 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
12568 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
12569
12570 @item overlay auto
12571 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12572 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
12573 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
12574 Overlay Debugging}.
12575
12576 @item overlay load-target
12577 @itemx overlay load
12578 @cindex reloading the overlay table
12579 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
12580 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
12581 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
12582 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
12583 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
12584
12585 @item overlay list-overlays
12586 @itemx overlay list
12587 @cindex listing mapped overlays
12588 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
12589 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
12590
12591 @end table
12592
12593 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
12594 of the function the address falls in:
12595
12596 @smallexample
12597 (@value{GDBP}) print main
12598 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
12599 @end smallexample
12600 @noindent
12601 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
12602 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
12603 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
12604 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
12605
12606 @smallexample
12607 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12608 No sections are mapped.
12609 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12610 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
12611 @end smallexample
12612 @noindent
12613 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
12614 name normally:
12615
12616 @smallexample
12617 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12618 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
12619 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
12620 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12621 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
12622 @end smallexample
12623
12624 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
12625 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
12626 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
12627 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
12628 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
12629
12630 @itemize @bullet
12631 @item
12632 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
12633 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
12634 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
12635 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
12636 @item
12637 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
12638 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
12639 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
12640 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
12641 breakpoints properly.
12642 @end itemize
12643
12644
12645 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
12646 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
12647 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
12648
12649 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
12650 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
12651 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
12652 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
12653 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
12654 current state of the overlays.
12655
12656 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
12657 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
12658
12659 @table @asis
12660
12661 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
12662 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
12663
12664 @smallexample
12665 struct
12666 @{
12667 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
12668 unsigned long vma;
12669
12670 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
12671 unsigned long size;
12672
12673 /* The overlay's load address. */
12674 unsigned long lma;
12675
12676 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
12677 zero otherwise. */
12678 unsigned long mapped;
12679 @}
12680 @end smallexample
12681
12682 @item @code{_novlys}:
12683 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
12684 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
12685
12686 @end table
12687
12688 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
12689 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
12690 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
12691 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
12692 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
12693 currently mapped.
12694
12695 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
12696 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
12697 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
12698 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
12699 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
12700 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
12701 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
12702 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
12703 are not being executed.
12704
12705 @node Overlay Sample Program
12706 @section Overlay Sample Program
12707 @cindex overlay example program
12708
12709 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
12710 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
12711 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
12712 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
12713 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
12714 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
12715 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
12716
12717 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
12718 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
12719 suite. The program consists of the following files from
12720 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
12721
12722 @table @file
12723 @item overlays.c
12724 The main program file.
12725 @item ovlymgr.c
12726 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
12727 @item foo.c
12728 @itemx bar.c
12729 @itemx baz.c
12730 @itemx grbx.c
12731 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
12732 @item d10v.ld
12733 @itemx m32r.ld
12734 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
12735 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
12736 @end table
12737
12738 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
12739 cross-compiler like this:
12740
12741 @smallexample
12742 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
12743 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
12744 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
12745 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
12746 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
12747 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
12748 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
12749 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
12750 @end smallexample
12751
12752 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
12753 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
12754 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
12755
12756
12757 @node Languages
12758 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
12759 @cindex languages
12760
12761 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
12762 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
12763 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
12764 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
12765 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
12766 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
12767
12768 @cindex working language
12769 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
12770 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
12771 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
12772 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
12773 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
12774 language}.
12775
12776 @menu
12777 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
12778 * Show:: Displaying the language
12779 * Checks:: Type and range checks
12780 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
12781 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
12782 @end menu
12783
12784 @node Setting
12785 @section Switching Between Source Languages
12786
12787 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
12788 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
12789 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
12790 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
12791 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
12792 are printed, etc.
12793
12794 In addition to the working language, every source file that
12795 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
12796 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
12797 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
12798 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
12799 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
12800 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
12801 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
12802 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
12803 Displaying the Language}.
12804
12805 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
12806 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
12807 another language. In that case, make the
12808 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
12809 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
12810 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
12811
12812 @menu
12813 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
12814 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
12815 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
12816 @end menu
12817
12818 @node Filenames
12819 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
12820
12821 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
12822 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
12823
12824 @table @file
12825 @item .ada
12826 @itemx .ads
12827 @itemx .adb
12828 @itemx .a
12829 Ada source file.
12830
12831 @item .c
12832 C source file
12833
12834 @item .C
12835 @itemx .cc
12836 @itemx .cp
12837 @itemx .cpp
12838 @itemx .cxx
12839 @itemx .c++
12840 C@t{++} source file
12841
12842 @item .d
12843 D source file
12844
12845 @item .m
12846 Objective-C source file
12847
12848 @item .f
12849 @itemx .F
12850 Fortran source file
12851
12852 @item .mod
12853 Modula-2 source file
12854
12855 @item .s
12856 @itemx .S
12857 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
12858 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
12859 @end table
12860
12861 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
12862 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
12863
12864 @node Manually
12865 @subsection Setting the Working Language
12866
12867 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
12868 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
12869 your program.
12870
12871 @kindex set language
12872 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
12873 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
12874 a language, such as
12875 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
12876 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
12877
12878 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
12879 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
12880 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
12881 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
12882 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
12883 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
12884 command such as:
12885
12886 @smallexample
12887 print a = b + c
12888 @end smallexample
12889
12890 @noindent
12891 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
12892 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
12893 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
12894 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
12895
12896 @node Automatically
12897 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
12898
12899 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
12900 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
12901 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
12902 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
12903 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
12904 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
12905 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
12906 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
12907 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
12908
12909 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
12910 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
12911 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
12912 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
12913 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
12914
12915 @node Show
12916 @section Displaying the Language
12917
12918 The following commands help you find out which language is the
12919 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
12920
12921 @table @code
12922 @item show language
12923 @kindex show language
12924 Display the current working language. This is the
12925 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
12926 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
12927
12928 @item info frame
12929 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
12930 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
12931 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
12932 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
12933 information listed here.
12934
12935 @item info source
12936 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
12937 Display the source language of this source file.
12938 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
12939 information listed here.
12940 @end table
12941
12942 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
12943 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
12944 with a language explicitly:
12945
12946 @table @code
12947 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
12948 @kindex set extension-language
12949 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
12950 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
12951
12952 @item info extensions
12953 @kindex info extensions
12954 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
12955 @end table
12956
12957 @node Checks
12958 @section Type and Range Checking
12959
12960 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
12961 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
12962 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
12963 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
12964 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
12965 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
12966 errors when your program is running.
12967
12968 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
12969 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
12970 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
12971 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
12972
12973 @menu
12974 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
12975 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
12976 @end menu
12977
12978 @cindex type checking
12979 @cindex checks, type
12980 @node Type Checking
12981 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
12982
12983 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
12984 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
12985 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
12986 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
12987
12988 @smallexample
12989 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
12990
12991 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
12992 $1 = 2
12993 @exdent but
12994 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
12995 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
12996 @end smallexample
12997
12998 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
12999 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
13000
13001 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13002 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
13003 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
13004 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
13005 expressions like the second example above.
13006
13007 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
13008 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
13009 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
13010 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
13011 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
13012 little sense to evaluate anyway.
13013
13014 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
13015
13016 @kindex set check type
13017 @kindex show check type
13018 @table @code
13019 @item set check type on
13020 @itemx set check type off
13021 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
13022 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
13023 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
13024
13025 @item show check type
13026 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
13027 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
13028 @end table
13029
13030 @cindex range checking
13031 @cindex checks, range
13032 @node Range Checking
13033 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
13034
13035 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
13036 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
13037 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
13038 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
13039 not exceed the bounds of the array.
13040
13041 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13042 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
13043 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
13044 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
13045
13046 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
13047 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
13048 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
13049 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
13050 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
13051 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
13052
13053 @smallexample
13054 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
13055 @end smallexample
13056
13057 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
13058 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
13059 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
13060
13061 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
13062
13063 @kindex set check range
13064 @kindex show check range
13065 @table @code
13066 @item set check range auto
13067 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
13068 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
13069 each language.
13070
13071 @item set check range on
13072 @itemx set check range off
13073 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
13074 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
13075 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
13076 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
13077
13078 @item set check range warn
13079 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
13080 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
13081 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
13082 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
13083 systems).
13084
13085 @item show range
13086 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
13087 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
13088 @end table
13089
13090 @node Supported Languages
13091 @section Supported Languages
13092
13093 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
13094 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
13095 @c This is false ...
13096 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
13097 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
13098 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
13099 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
13100 language.
13101
13102 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
13103 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
13104 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
13105 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
13106 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
13107 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
13108 language reference or tutorial.
13109
13110 @menu
13111 * C:: C and C@t{++}
13112 * D:: D
13113 * Go:: Go
13114 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
13115 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
13116 * Fortran:: Fortran
13117 * Pascal:: Pascal
13118 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
13119 * Ada:: Ada
13120 @end menu
13121
13122 @node C
13123 @subsection C and C@t{++}
13124
13125 @cindex C and C@t{++}
13126 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
13127
13128 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
13129 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
13130 together.
13131
13132 @cindex C@t{++}
13133 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
13134 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
13135 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
13136 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
13137 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
13138 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
13139 compiler (@code{aCC}).
13140
13141 @menu
13142 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
13143 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
13144 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
13145 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
13146 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
13147 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
13148 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
13149 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
13150 @end menu
13151
13152 @node C Operators
13153 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
13154
13155 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
13156
13157 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13158 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13159 often defined on groups of types.
13160
13161 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
13162
13163 @itemize @bullet
13164
13165 @item
13166 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
13167 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
13168
13169 @item
13170 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
13171 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
13172
13173 @item
13174 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
13175
13176 @item
13177 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
13178
13179 @end itemize
13180
13181 @noindent
13182 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
13183 in order of increasing precedence:
13184
13185 @table @code
13186 @item ,
13187 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
13188 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
13189 expression being the last expression evaluated.
13190
13191 @item =
13192 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
13193 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
13194
13195 @item @var{op}=
13196 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
13197 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
13198 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
13199 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
13200 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
13201
13202 @item ?:
13203 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
13204 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
13205 integral type.
13206
13207 @item ||
13208 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13209
13210 @item &&
13211 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13212
13213 @item |
13214 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13215
13216 @item ^
13217 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13218
13219 @item &
13220 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13221
13222 @item ==@r{, }!=
13223 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
13224 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
13225
13226 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
13227 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
13228 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
13229 and non-zero for true.
13230
13231 @item <<@r{, }>>
13232 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
13233
13234 @item @@
13235 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13236
13237 @item +@r{, }-
13238 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
13239 pointer types.
13240
13241 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
13242 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
13243 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
13244 integral types.
13245
13246 @item ++@r{, }--
13247 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
13248 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
13249 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
13250 operation takes place.
13251
13252 @item *
13253 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
13254 @code{++}.
13255
13256 @item &
13257 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
13258
13259 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
13260 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
13261 to examine the address
13262 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
13263 stored.
13264
13265 @item -
13266 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
13267 precedence as @code{++}.
13268
13269 @item !
13270 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13271 @code{++}.
13272
13273 @item ~
13274 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13275 @code{++}.
13276
13277
13278 @item .@r{, }->
13279 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
13280 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
13281 pointer based on the stored type information.
13282 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
13283
13284 @item .*@r{, }->*
13285 Dereferences of pointers to members.
13286
13287 @item []
13288 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
13289 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13290
13291 @item ()
13292 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13293
13294 @item ::
13295 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
13296 and @code{class} types.
13297
13298 @item ::
13299 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
13300 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
13301 above.
13302 @end table
13303
13304 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
13305 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
13306 predefined meaning.
13307
13308 @node C Constants
13309 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
13310
13311 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
13312
13313 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
13314 following ways:
13315
13316 @itemize @bullet
13317 @item
13318 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
13319 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
13320 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13321 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13322 @code{long} value.
13323
13324 @item
13325 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13326 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13327 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13328 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13329 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13330 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13331 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13332 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13333 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13334 constant.
13335
13336 @item
13337 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13338 integral equivalents.
13339
13340 @item
13341 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13342 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13343 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13344 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13345 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13346 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13347 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13348 @samp{\n} for newline.
13349
13350 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13351 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13352 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13353 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13354
13355 @item
13356 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13357 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13358 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13359 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13360 characters.
13361
13362 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13363 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13364 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13365
13366 @item
13367 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13368 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13369
13370 @item
13371 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13372 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13373 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13374 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13375 @end itemize
13376
13377 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13378 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13379
13380 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13381 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13382
13383 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13384 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13385 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13386 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13387 @quotation
13388 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13389 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13390 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13391 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13392 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13393 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13394 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13395 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13396 @end quotation
13397
13398 @enumerate
13399
13400 @cindex member functions
13401 @item
13402 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13403
13404 @smallexample
13405 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13406 @end smallexample
13407
13408 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13409 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13410 @item
13411 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13412 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13413 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13414 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13415 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13416
13417 @cindex call overloaded functions
13418 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13419 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13420 @item
13421 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13422 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13423 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13424 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13425 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13426 default arguments.
13427
13428 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13429 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13430 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13431 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13432 number of function arguments.
13433
13434 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13435 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13436 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13437
13438 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13439 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13440 @smallexample
13441 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13442 @end smallexample
13443
13444 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13445 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13446
13447 @cindex reference declarations
13448 @item
13449 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13450 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13451 dereferenced.
13452
13453 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13454 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13455 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13456 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13457 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13458
13459 @item
13460 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13461 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13462 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13463 necessary, for example in an expression like
13464 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13465 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13466 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13467
13468 @item
13469 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13470 specification.
13471 @end enumerate
13472
13473 @node C Defaults
13474 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13475
13476 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13477
13478 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
13479 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13480 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13481 selects the working language.
13482
13483 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13484 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13485 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13486 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13487 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13488 for further details.
13489
13490 @node C Checks
13491 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13492
13493 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13494
13495 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
13496 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
13497 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
13498 constants to pointers.
13499
13500 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13501 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13502 that is not itself an array.
13503
13504 @node Debugging C
13505 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13506
13507 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13508 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13509 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13510 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13511
13512 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13513 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13514 ,Expressions}.
13515
13516 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13517 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13518
13519 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13520
13521 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13522 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13523
13524 @table @code
13525 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13526 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13527 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13528 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13529 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13530 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13531
13532 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13533 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13534 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
13535 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
13536 classes.
13537 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13538
13539 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
13540 @item catch throw
13541 @itemx catch rethrow
13542 @itemx catch catch
13543 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
13544 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
13545
13546 @cindex inheritance
13547 @item ptype @var{typename}
13548 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
13549 @var{typename}.
13550 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
13551
13552 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
13553 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
13554 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
13555 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
13556 multiple inheritance is in use.
13557
13558 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
13559 @item set print demangle
13560 @itemx show print demangle
13561 @itemx set print asm-demangle
13562 @itemx show print asm-demangle
13563 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
13564 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
13565 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13566
13567 @item set print object
13568 @itemx show print object
13569 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
13570 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13571
13572 @item set print vtbl
13573 @itemx show print vtbl
13574 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
13575 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13576 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
13577 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
13578
13579 @kindex set overload-resolution
13580 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
13581 @item set overload-resolution on
13582 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
13583 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
13584 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
13585 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
13586 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
13587 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
13588
13589 @item set overload-resolution off
13590 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
13591 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13592 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
13593 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
13594 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13595 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
13596 argument types.
13597
13598 @kindex show overload-resolution
13599 @item show overload-resolution
13600 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
13601
13602 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
13603 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
13604 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
13605 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
13606 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
13607 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
13608 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
13609 @end table
13610
13611 @node Decimal Floating Point
13612 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
13613 @cindex decimal floating point format
13614
13615 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
13616 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
13617 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
13618 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
13619
13620 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
13621 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
13622 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
13623 target.
13624
13625 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
13626 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
13627 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
13628
13629 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
13630 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
13631 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
13632
13633 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
13634 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
13635 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
13636
13637 @node D
13638 @subsection D
13639
13640 @cindex D
13641 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
13642 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
13643 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
13644
13645 @node Go
13646 @subsection Go
13647
13648 @cindex Go (programming language)
13649 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
13650 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
13651
13652 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
13653
13654 @table @code
13655 @cindex current Go package
13656 @item The current Go package
13657 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
13658 specifying global variables and functions.
13659
13660 For example, given the program:
13661
13662 @example
13663 package main
13664 var myglob = "Shall we?"
13665 func main () @{
13666 // ...
13667 @}
13668 @end example
13669
13670 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
13671
13672 @example
13673 (gdb) p myglob
13674 (gdb) p main.myglob
13675 @end example
13676
13677 @cindex builtin Go types
13678 @item Builtin Go types
13679 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
13680 as a string.
13681
13682 @cindex builtin Go functions
13683 @item Builtin Go functions
13684 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
13685 function and handles it internally.
13686
13687 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
13688 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
13689 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
13690 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
13691 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
13692 @end table
13693
13694 @node Objective-C
13695 @subsection Objective-C
13696
13697 @cindex Objective-C
13698 This section provides information about some commands and command
13699 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
13700 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
13701 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
13702
13703 @menu
13704 * Method Names in Commands::
13705 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
13706 @end menu
13707
13708 @node Method Names in Commands
13709 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
13710
13711 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
13712 names as line specifications:
13713
13714 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
13715 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
13716 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
13717 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
13718 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
13719 @itemize
13720 @item @code{clear}
13721 @item @code{break}
13722 @item @code{info line}
13723 @item @code{jump}
13724 @item @code{list}
13725 @end itemize
13726
13727 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
13728
13729 @smallexample
13730 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
13731 @end smallexample
13732
13733 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
13734 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
13735 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
13736 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
13737 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
13738 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
13739 debugged, enter:
13740
13741 @smallexample
13742 break -[Fruit create]
13743 @end smallexample
13744
13745 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
13746 enter:
13747
13748 @smallexample
13749 list +[NSText initialize]
13750 @end smallexample
13751
13752 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
13753 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
13754 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
13755 is also possible to specify just a method name:
13756
13757 @smallexample
13758 break create
13759 @end smallexample
13760
13761 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
13762 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
13763 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
13764 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
13765 none apply.
13766
13767 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
13768 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
13769
13770 @smallexample
13771 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
13772 @end smallexample
13773
13774 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
13775 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
13776 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
13777 @kindex print-object
13778 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
13779
13780 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
13781
13782 @smallexample
13783 print -[@var{object} hash]
13784 @end smallexample
13785
13786 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
13787 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
13788 @noindent
13789 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
13790 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
13791 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
13792 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
13793 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
13794 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
13795
13796 @node OpenCL C
13797 @subsection OpenCL C
13798
13799 @cindex OpenCL C
13800 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
13801
13802 @menu
13803 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
13804 * OpenCL C Expressions::
13805 * OpenCL C Operators::
13806 @end menu
13807
13808 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
13809 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
13810
13811 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
13812 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
13813 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
13814 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
13815 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
13816
13817 @node OpenCL C Expressions
13818 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
13819
13820 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
13821 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
13822 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
13823 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
13824
13825 @node OpenCL C Operators
13826 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
13827
13828 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
13829 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
13830 vector data types.
13831
13832 @node Fortran
13833 @subsection Fortran
13834 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
13835
13836 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
13837 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
13838
13839 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
13840 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
13841 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
13842 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
13843 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
13844 underscore.
13845
13846 @menu
13847 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
13848 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
13849 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
13850 @end menu
13851
13852 @node Fortran Operators
13853 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
13854
13855 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
13856
13857 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13858 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
13859 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
13860
13861 @table @code
13862 @item **
13863 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
13864 of the second one.
13865
13866 @item :
13867 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
13868 represent a section of array.
13869
13870 @item %
13871 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
13872 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
13873 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
13874 union type.
13875 @end table
13876
13877 @node Fortran Defaults
13878 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
13879
13880 @cindex Fortran Defaults
13881
13882 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
13883 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
13884 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
13885 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
13886
13887 @node Special Fortran Commands
13888 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
13889
13890 @cindex Special Fortran commands
13891
13892 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
13893 such as displaying common blocks.
13894
13895 @table @code
13896 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
13897 @kindex info common
13898 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
13899 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
13900 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
13901 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
13902 printed.
13903 @end table
13904
13905 @node Pascal
13906 @subsection Pascal
13907
13908 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
13909 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
13910 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
13911 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
13912 syntax.
13913
13914 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
13915 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
13916 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
13917
13918 @node Modula-2
13919 @subsection Modula-2
13920
13921 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
13922
13923 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
13924 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
13925 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
13926 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13927 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
13928 table.
13929
13930 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
13931 @menu
13932 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
13933 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
13934 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
13935 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
13936 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
13937 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
13938 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
13939 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
13940 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13941 @end menu
13942
13943 @node M2 Operators
13944 @subsubsection Operators
13945 @cindex Modula-2 operators
13946
13947 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13948 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13949 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
13950 following definitions hold:
13951
13952 @itemize @bullet
13953
13954 @item
13955 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
13956 their subranges.
13957
13958 @item
13959 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
13960
13961 @item
13962 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
13963
13964 @item
13965 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
13966 @var{type}}.
13967
13968 @item
13969 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
13970
13971 @item
13972 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
13973
13974 @item
13975 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
13976 @end itemize
13977
13978 @noindent
13979 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
13980 increasing precedence:
13981
13982 @table @code
13983 @item ,
13984 Function argument or array index separator.
13985
13986 @item :=
13987 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
13988 @var{value}.
13989
13990 @item <@r{, }>
13991 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
13992 types.
13993
13994 @item <=@r{, }>=
13995 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
13996 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
13997 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
13998
13999 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
14000 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
14001 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
14002 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
14003 comment character.
14004
14005 @item IN
14006 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
14007 Same precedence as @code{<}.
14008
14009 @item OR
14010 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14011
14012 @item AND@r{, }&
14013 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14014
14015 @item @@
14016 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14017
14018 @item +@r{, }-
14019 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
14020 and difference on set types.
14021
14022 @item *
14023 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
14024 on set types.
14025
14026 @item /
14027 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
14028 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
14029
14030 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
14031 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
14032 precedence as @code{*}.
14033
14034 @item -
14035 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
14036
14037 @item ^
14038 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
14039
14040 @item NOT
14041 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
14042 @code{^}.
14043
14044 @item .
14045 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
14046 precedence as @code{^}.
14047
14048 @item []
14049 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
14050
14051 @item ()
14052 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
14053 as @code{^}.
14054
14055 @item ::@r{, }.
14056 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
14057 @end table
14058
14059 @quotation
14060 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
14061 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
14062 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
14063 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
14064 @end quotation
14065
14066
14067 @node Built-In Func/Proc
14068 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
14069 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
14070
14071 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
14072 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
14073
14074 @table @var
14075
14076 @item a
14077 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
14078
14079 @item c
14080 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
14081
14082 @item i
14083 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
14084
14085 @item m
14086 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
14087 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
14088 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
14089
14090 @item n
14091 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
14092
14093 @item r
14094 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
14095
14096 @item t
14097 represents a type.
14098
14099 @item v
14100 represents a variable.
14101
14102 @item x
14103 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
14104 explanation of the function for details.
14105 @end table
14106
14107 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
14108
14109 @table @code
14110 @item ABS(@var{n})
14111 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
14112
14113 @item CAP(@var{c})
14114 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
14115 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
14116
14117 @item CHR(@var{i})
14118 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14119
14120 @item DEC(@var{v})
14121 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14122
14123 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
14124 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14125 new value.
14126
14127 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14128 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
14129 set.
14130
14131 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
14132 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
14133
14134 @item HIGH(@var{a})
14135 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
14136
14137 @item INC(@var{v})
14138 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14139
14140 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
14141 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14142 new value.
14143
14144 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14145 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
14146 there. Returns the new set.
14147
14148 @item MAX(@var{t})
14149 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
14150
14151 @item MIN(@var{t})
14152 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
14153
14154 @item ODD(@var{i})
14155 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
14156
14157 @item ORD(@var{x})
14158 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
14159 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
14160 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
14161 integral, character and enumerated types.
14162
14163 @item SIZE(@var{x})
14164 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14165
14166 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
14167 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
14168
14169 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
14170 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14171
14172 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
14173 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14174 @end table
14175
14176 @quotation
14177 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
14178 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
14179 an error.
14180 @end quotation
14181
14182 @cindex Modula-2 constants
14183 @node M2 Constants
14184 @subsubsection Constants
14185
14186 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
14187 ways:
14188
14189 @itemize @bullet
14190
14191 @item
14192 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
14193 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
14194 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
14195 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
14196
14197 @item
14198 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
14199 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
14200 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
14201 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
14202 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
14203 digits.
14204
14205 @item
14206 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
14207 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
14208 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
14209 followed by a @samp{C}.
14210
14211 @item
14212 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
14213 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
14214 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
14215 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
14216 sequences.
14217
14218 @item
14219 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
14220
14221 @item
14222 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
14223 @code{FALSE}.
14224
14225 @item
14226 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
14227
14228 @item
14229 Set constants are not yet supported.
14230 @end itemize
14231
14232 @node M2 Types
14233 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
14234 @cindex Modula-2 types
14235
14236 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
14237 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
14238 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
14239 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
14240 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
14241 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
14242
14243 The first example contains the following section of code:
14244
14245 @smallexample
14246 VAR
14247 s: SET OF CHAR ;
14248 r: [20..40] ;
14249 @end smallexample
14250
14251 @noindent
14252 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
14253 @code{r} and @code{s}.
14254
14255 @smallexample
14256 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14257 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
14258 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14259 SET OF CHAR
14260 (@value{GDBP}) print r
14261 21
14262 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
14263 [20..40]
14264 @end smallexample
14265
14266 @noindent
14267 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
14268
14269 @smallexample
14270 VAR
14271 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
14272 @end smallexample
14273
14274 @noindent
14275 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
14276
14277 @smallexample
14278 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14279 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
14280 @end smallexample
14281
14282 @noindent
14283 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
14284 expressions using the debugger.
14285
14286 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
14287 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
14288
14289 @smallexample
14290 VAR
14291 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
14292 @end smallexample
14293
14294 @smallexample
14295 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14296 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
14297 @end smallexample
14298
14299 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14300 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14301 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14302 above.
14303
14304 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14305
14306 @smallexample
14307 TYPE
14308 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14309 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14310 VAR
14311 s: t ;
14312 BEGIN
14313 s := blue ;
14314 @end smallexample
14315
14316 @noindent
14317 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14318 and value of a variable.
14319
14320 @smallexample
14321 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14322 $1 = blue
14323 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14324 type = [blue..yellow]
14325 @end smallexample
14326
14327 @noindent
14328 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14329 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14330 their @code{C} counterparts.
14331
14332 @smallexample
14333 VAR
14334 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14335 BEGIN
14336 s[1] := 1 ;
14337 @end smallexample
14338
14339 @smallexample
14340 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14341 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14342 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14343 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14344 @end smallexample
14345
14346 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14347 pointer types as shown in this example:
14348
14349 @smallexample
14350 VAR
14351 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14352 BEGIN
14353 NEW(s) ;
14354 s^[1] := 1 ;
14355 @end smallexample
14356
14357 @noindent
14358 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14359
14360 @smallexample
14361 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14362 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14363 @end smallexample
14364
14365 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14366 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14367 types:
14368
14369 @smallexample
14370 TYPE
14371 foo = RECORD
14372 f1: CARDINAL ;
14373 f2: CHAR ;
14374 f3: myarray ;
14375 END ;
14376
14377 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14378 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14379 VAR
14380 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14381 @end smallexample
14382
14383 @noindent
14384 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14385 below.
14386
14387 @smallexample
14388 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14389 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14390 f1 : CARDINAL;
14391 f2 : CHAR;
14392 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14393 END
14394 @end smallexample
14395
14396 @node M2 Defaults
14397 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14398 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14399
14400 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14401 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14402 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14403 selected the working language.
14404
14405 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14406 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14407 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14408 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14409
14410 @node Deviations
14411 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14412 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14413
14414 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14415 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14416
14417 @itemize @bullet
14418 @item
14419 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14420 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14421 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14422 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14423 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14424 returned a pointer.)
14425
14426 @item
14427 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14428 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14429 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14430 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14431
14432 @item
14433 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14434 argument.
14435
14436 @item
14437 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14438 @end itemize
14439
14440 @node M2 Checks
14441 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14442 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14443
14444 @quotation
14445 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14446 range checking.
14447 @end quotation
14448 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14449
14450 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14451
14452 @itemize @bullet
14453 @item
14454 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14455 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14456
14457 @item
14458 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14459 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14460 @end itemize
14461
14462 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14463 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14464
14465 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14466 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14467
14468 @node M2 Scope
14469 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14470 @cindex scope
14471 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14472 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14473 @ifinfo
14474 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14475 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14476 @end ifinfo
14477 @ifnotinfo
14478 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14479 @end ifnotinfo
14480
14481 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14482 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14483 similar syntax:
14484
14485 @smallexample
14486
14487 @var{module} . @var{id}
14488 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14489 @end smallexample
14490
14491 @noindent
14492 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14493 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14494 identifier within your program, except another module.
14495
14496 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14497 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14498 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14499 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14500
14501 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14502 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14503 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14504 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14505 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14506 @var{module}.
14507
14508 @node GDB/M2
14509 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14510
14511 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14512 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14513 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14514 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14515 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14516 analogue in Modula-2.
14517
14518 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14519 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14520 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14521 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14522 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14523 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14524
14525 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14526 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14527 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14528
14529 @node Ada
14530 @subsection Ada
14531 @cindex Ada
14532
14533 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14534 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
14535 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
14536 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14537 to be difficult.
14538
14539
14540 @cindex expressions in Ada
14541 @menu
14542 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
14543 and semantics supported by Ada mode
14544 in @value{GDBN}.
14545 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
14546 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
14547 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
14548 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
14549 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14550 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
14551 Profile
14552 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
14553 @end menu
14554
14555 @node Ada Mode Intro
14556 @subsubsection Introduction
14557 @cindex Ada mode, general
14558
14559 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
14560 syntax, with some extensions.
14561 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
14562
14563 @itemize @bullet
14564 @item
14565 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
14566 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
14567 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
14568 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
14569
14570 @item
14571 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
14572 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14573
14574 @item
14575 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14576 @end itemize
14577
14578 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
14579 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
14580 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
14581 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
14582 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
14583
14584 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
14585 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
14586 was translated from an Ada source file.
14587
14588 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
14589 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
14590 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
14591 middle (to allow based literals).
14592
14593 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
14594 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
14595 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
14596 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
14597 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
14598 functions to procedures elsewhere.
14599
14600 @node Omissions from Ada
14601 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
14602 @cindex Ada, omissions from
14603
14604 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
14605
14606 @itemize @bullet
14607 @item
14608 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
14609
14610 @itemize @minus
14611 @item
14612 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
14613 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
14614
14615 @item
14616 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
14617
14618 @item
14619 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
14620
14621 @item
14622 @t{'Tag}.
14623
14624 @item
14625 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
14626 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
14627
14628 @item
14629 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
14630 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
14631
14632 @item
14633 @t{'Address}.
14634 @end itemize
14635
14636 @item
14637 The names in
14638 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
14639 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
14640 not currently available.
14641
14642 @item
14643 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
14644 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
14645 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
14646 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
14647 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
14648 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
14649 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
14650 indeterminate values.
14651
14652 @item
14653 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
14654 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
14655 are not implemented.
14656
14657 @item
14658 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
14659 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
14660 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
14661 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
14662 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
14663
14664 @smallexample
14665 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
14666 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
14667 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
14668 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
14669 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
14670 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
14671 @end smallexample
14672
14673 Changing a
14674 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
14675 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
14676 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
14677 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
14678 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
14679 declared to have a type such as:
14680
14681 @smallexample
14682 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
14683 Id : Integer;
14684 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
14685 end record;
14686 @end smallexample
14687
14688 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
14689 assignments:
14690
14691 @smallexample
14692 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
14693 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
14694 @end smallexample
14695
14696 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
14697 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
14698 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
14699 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
14700 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
14701 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
14702 redundant component associations, although which component values are
14703 assigned in such cases is not defined.
14704
14705 @item
14706 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
14707
14708 @item
14709 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
14710 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
14711 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
14712 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
14713 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
14714 the proper resolution.
14715
14716 @item
14717 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
14718
14719 @item
14720 Entry calls are not implemented.
14721
14722 @item
14723 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
14724 formats are not supported.
14725
14726 @item
14727 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
14728
14729 @item
14730 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
14731 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
14732 context.
14733 Should your program
14734 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
14735 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
14736 @end itemize
14737
14738 @node Additions to Ada
14739 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
14740 @cindex Ada, deviations from
14741
14742 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
14743 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
14744
14745 @itemize @bullet
14746 @item
14747 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
14748 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
14749 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
14750 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
14751 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
14752 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
14753 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
14754 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
14755
14756 @item
14757 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
14758 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
14759 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
14760
14761 @item
14762 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
14763 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
14764
14765 @item
14766 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
14767 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
14768 @end itemize
14769
14770 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
14771 additions specific to Ada:
14772
14773 @itemize @bullet
14774 @item
14775 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
14776 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
14777
14778 @smallexample
14779 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
14780 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
14781 @end smallexample
14782
14783 @item
14784 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
14785 the value of its right-hand operand.
14786 This allows, for example,
14787 complex conditional breaks:
14788
14789 @smallexample
14790 (@value{GDBP}) break f
14791 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
14792 @end smallexample
14793
14794 @item
14795 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
14796 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
14797 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
14798 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
14799 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
14800 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
14801 in strings. For example,
14802 @smallexample
14803 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
14804 @end smallexample
14805 @noindent
14806 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
14807 after each period.
14808
14809 @item
14810 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
14811 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
14812 to write
14813
14814 @smallexample
14815 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
14816 @end smallexample
14817
14818 @item
14819 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
14820 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
14821 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
14822 of 3 might print as
14823
14824 @smallexample
14825 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
14826 @end smallexample
14827
14828 @noindent
14829 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
14830 clause.
14831
14832 @item
14833 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
14834 multi-character subsequence of
14835 their names (an exact match gets preference).
14836 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
14837 in place of @t{a'length}.
14838
14839 @item
14840 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
14841 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
14842 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
14843 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
14844 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
14845 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
14846 For example,
14847 @smallexample
14848 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
14849 @end smallexample
14850
14851 @item
14852 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
14853 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
14854 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
14855 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
14856 object.
14857
14858 @end itemize
14859
14860 @node Stopping Before Main Program
14861 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
14862
14863 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
14864 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
14865 before reaching the main procedure.
14866 As defined in the Ada Reference
14867 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
14868 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
14869 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
14870 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
14871
14872 @node Ada Tasks
14873 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
14874 @cindex Ada, tasking
14875
14876 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
14877 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
14878
14879 @table @code
14880 @kindex info tasks
14881 @item info tasks
14882 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
14883
14884
14885 @smallexample
14886 @iftex
14887 @leftskip=0.5cm
14888 @end iftex
14889 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14890 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14891 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14892 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
14893 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
14894 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
14895
14896 @end smallexample
14897
14898 @noindent
14899 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
14900 task currently being inspected.
14901
14902 @table @asis
14903 @item ID
14904 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
14905
14906 @item TID
14907 The Ada task ID.
14908
14909 @item P-ID
14910 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
14911
14912 @item Pri
14913 The base priority of the task.
14914
14915 @item State
14916 Current state of the task.
14917
14918 @table @code
14919 @item Unactivated
14920 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
14921 executing.
14922
14923 @item Runnable
14924 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
14925 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
14926
14927 @item Terminated
14928 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
14929 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
14930 terminated themselves.
14931
14932 @item Child Activation Wait
14933 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
14934
14935 @item Accept Statement
14936 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
14937
14938 @item Waiting on entry call
14939 The task is waiting on an entry call.
14940
14941 @item Async Select Wait
14942 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
14943 select statement.
14944
14945 @item Delay Sleep
14946 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
14947 alternative open.
14948
14949 @item Child Termination Wait
14950 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
14951 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
14952 waiting on a terminate Phase.
14953
14954 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
14955 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
14956 finish terminating.
14957
14958 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
14959 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
14960 @end table
14961
14962 @item Name
14963 Name of the task in the program.
14964
14965 @end table
14966
14967 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
14968 @item info task @var{taskno}
14969 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
14970 the following example:
14971 @smallexample
14972 @iftex
14973 @leftskip=0.5cm
14974 @end iftex
14975 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14976 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14977 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14978 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
14979 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
14980 Ada Task: 0x807c468
14981 Name: task_1
14982 Thread: 0x807f378
14983 Parent: 1 (main_task)
14984 Base Priority: 15
14985 State: Runnable
14986 @end smallexample
14987
14988 @item task
14989 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
14990 @cindex current Ada task ID
14991 This command prints the ID of the current task.
14992
14993 @smallexample
14994 @iftex
14995 @leftskip=0.5cm
14996 @end iftex
14997 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14998 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14999 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15000 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15001 (@value{GDBP}) task
15002 [Current task is 2]
15003 @end smallexample
15004
15005 @item task @var{taskno}
15006 @cindex Ada task switching
15007 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
15008 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
15009 from the current task to the given task.
15010
15011 @smallexample
15012 @iftex
15013 @leftskip=0.5cm
15014 @end iftex
15015 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15016 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15017 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15018 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15019 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
15020 [Switching to task 1]
15021 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15022 (@value{GDBP}) bt
15023 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15024 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
15025 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
15026 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
15027 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
15028 @end smallexample
15029
15030 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
15031 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
15032 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
15033 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
15034 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
15035 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
15036 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
15037 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
15038 in @ref{Specify Location}.
15039
15040 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
15041 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
15042 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
15043 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
15044 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
15045
15046 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
15047 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
15048 program.
15049
15050 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
15051 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
15052 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
15053
15054 For example,
15055
15056 @smallexample
15057 @iftex
15058 @leftskip=0.5cm
15059 @end iftex
15060 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15061 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15062 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15063 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
15064 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15065 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
15066 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
15067 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
15068 (@value{GDBP}) cont
15069 Continuing.
15070 task # 1 running
15071 task # 2 running
15072
15073 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
15074 15 flush;
15075 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15076 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15077 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15078 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
15079 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15080 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
15081 @end smallexample
15082 @end table
15083
15084 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
15085 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15086 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
15087
15088 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
15089 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
15090 the platform being used.
15091 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
15092 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
15093 as usual.
15094
15095 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
15096 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
15097 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
15098 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
15099 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
15100 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
15101
15102 @node Ravenscar Profile
15103 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
15104 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
15105
15106 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
15107 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
15108 requirements.
15109
15110 @table @code
15111 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
15112 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
15113 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
15114 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15115 Profile. This is the default.
15116
15117 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
15118 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
15119 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15120 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
15121 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
15122 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
15123 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
15124
15125 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
15126 @item show ravenscar task-switching
15127 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
15128 using the Ravenscar Profile.
15129
15130 @end table
15131
15132 @node Ada Glitches
15133 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
15134 @cindex Ada, problems
15135
15136 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
15137 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
15138 @value{GDBN},
15139 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
15140 and the GNU Ada compiler.
15141
15142 @itemize @bullet
15143 @item
15144 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
15145 storage are invisible to the debugger.
15146
15147 @item
15148 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
15149 argument lists are treated as positional).
15150
15151 @item
15152 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
15153
15154 @item
15155 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
15156 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
15157 the host machine.
15158
15159 @item
15160 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
15161 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
15162 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
15163 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
15164 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
15165 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
15166 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
15167 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
15168 you can usually resolve the confusion
15169 by qualifying the problematic names with package
15170 @code{Standard} explicitly.
15171 @end itemize
15172
15173 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
15174 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
15175 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
15176 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
15177 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
15178 enabled.
15179
15180 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15181 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15182 @table @code
15183
15184 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
15185 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
15186 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
15187 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
15188 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
15189 This is the default.
15190
15191 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
15192 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
15193 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
15194 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
15195 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
15196 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
15197 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
15198
15199 @end table
15200
15201 @node Unsupported Languages
15202 @section Unsupported Languages
15203
15204 @cindex unsupported languages
15205 @cindex minimal language
15206 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
15207 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
15208 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
15209 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
15210 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
15211 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
15212
15213 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
15214 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
15215 language.
15216
15217 @node Symbols
15218 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
15219
15220 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
15221 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
15222 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
15223 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
15224 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
15225 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
15226 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15227
15228 @cindex symbol names
15229 @cindex names of symbols
15230 @cindex quoting names
15231 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
15232 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
15233 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
15234 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
15235 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
15236 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
15237 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
15238 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
15239
15240 @smallexample
15241 p 'foo.c'::x
15242 @end smallexample
15243
15244 @noindent
15245 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
15246
15247 @table @code
15248 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
15249 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
15250 @kindex set case-sensitive
15251 @item set case-sensitive on
15252 @itemx set case-sensitive off
15253 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
15254 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
15255 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
15256 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
15257 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
15258 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
15259 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
15260 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
15261 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
15262 case-insensitive matches.
15263
15264 @kindex show case-sensitive
15265 @item show case-sensitive
15266 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
15267 lookups.
15268
15269 @kindex set print type methods
15270 @item set print type methods
15271 @itemx set print type methods on
15272 @itemx set print type methods off
15273 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
15274 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15275 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15276 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15277 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
15278 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
15279
15280 @kindex show print type methods
15281 @item show print type methods
15282 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
15283 classes.
15284
15285 @kindex set print type typedefs
15286 @item set print type typedefs
15287 @itemx set print type typedefs on
15288 @itemx set print type typedefs off
15289
15290 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
15291 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15292 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15293 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15294 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
15295 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
15296 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
15297 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
15298 types.
15299
15300 @kindex show print type typedefs
15301 @item show print type typedefs
15302 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
15303 printing classes.
15304
15305 @kindex info address
15306 @cindex address of a symbol
15307 @item info address @var{symbol}
15308 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
15309 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
15310 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
15311 is always stored.
15312
15313 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
15314 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
15315 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
15316
15317 @kindex info symbol
15318 @cindex symbol from address
15319 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
15320 @item info symbol @var{addr}
15321 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
15322 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
15323 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
15324
15325 @smallexample
15326 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
15327 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
15328 @end smallexample
15329
15330 @noindent
15331 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
15332 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
15333
15334 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
15335 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15336
15337 @smallexample
15338 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15339 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15340 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15341 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15342 @end smallexample
15343
15344 @kindex whatis
15345 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15346 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15347 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15348 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15349
15350 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15351 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15352 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15353
15354 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15355 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15356 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15357 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15358 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15359 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15360 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15361 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15362 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15363
15364 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15365 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15366 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15367 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15368 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15369 unroll it.
15370
15371 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15372 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15373 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15374
15375 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
15376 Available flags are:
15377
15378 @table @code
15379 @item r
15380 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
15381 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
15382 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
15383
15384 @item m
15385 Do not print methods defined in the class.
15386
15387 @item M
15388 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15389 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
15390
15391 @item t
15392 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
15393 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
15394 names are substituted when printing other types.
15395
15396 @item T
15397 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15398 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
15399 @end table
15400
15401 @kindex ptype
15402 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15403 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15404 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15405 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15406
15407 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15408 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15409 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15410 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15411 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15412 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15413 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15414 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15415
15416 For example, for this variable declaration:
15417
15418 @smallexample
15419 typedef double real_t;
15420 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15421 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15422 complex_t var;
15423 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15424 @end smallexample
15425
15426 @noindent
15427 the two commands give this output:
15428
15429 @smallexample
15430 @group
15431 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15432 type = complex_t
15433 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15434 type = struct complex @{
15435 real_t real;
15436 double imag;
15437 @}
15438 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15439 type = struct complex
15440 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15441 type = struct complex
15442 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15443 type = struct complex @{
15444 real_t real;
15445 double imag;
15446 @}
15447 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15448 type = real_t *
15449 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15450 type = double *
15451 @end group
15452 @end smallexample
15453
15454 @noindent
15455 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15456 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15457
15458 @cindex incomplete type
15459 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15460 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15461 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15462 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15463 given these declarations:
15464
15465 @smallexample
15466 struct foo;
15467 struct foo *fooptr;
15468 @end smallexample
15469
15470 @noindent
15471 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15472
15473 @smallexample
15474 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15475 $1 = <incomplete type>
15476 @end smallexample
15477
15478 @noindent
15479 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15480 completely specified.
15481
15482 @kindex info types
15483 @item info types @var{regexp}
15484 @itemx info types
15485 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15486 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15487 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15488 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15489 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15490 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15491 name is @code{value}.
15492
15493 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15494 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15495 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15496
15497 @kindex info type-printers
15498 @item info type-printers
15499 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
15500 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
15501 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
15502 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
15503 type printers.
15504
15505 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
15506
15507 @kindex enable type-printer
15508 @kindex disable type-printer
15509 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15510 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15511 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
15512
15513 @kindex info scope
15514 @cindex local variables
15515 @item info scope @var{location}
15516 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
15517 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
15518 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
15519 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
15520 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
15521
15522 @smallexample
15523 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
15524 Scope for command_line_handler:
15525 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
15526 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
15527 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
15528 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
15529 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
15530 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
15531 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
15532 @end smallexample
15533
15534 @noindent
15535 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
15536 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
15537 collect}.
15538
15539 @kindex info source
15540 @item info source
15541 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
15542 the function containing the current point of execution:
15543 @itemize @bullet
15544 @item
15545 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
15546 @item
15547 the directory it was compiled in,
15548 @item
15549 its length, in lines,
15550 @item
15551 which programming language it is written in,
15552 @item
15553 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
15554 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
15555 @item
15556 whether the debugging information includes information about
15557 preprocessor macros.
15558 @end itemize
15559
15560
15561 @kindex info sources
15562 @item info sources
15563 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
15564 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
15565 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
15566
15567 @kindex info functions
15568 @item info functions
15569 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
15570
15571 @item info functions @var{regexp}
15572 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
15573 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
15574 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
15575 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
15576 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
15577 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
15578 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
15579
15580 @kindex info variables
15581 @item info variables
15582 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
15583 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
15584
15585 @item info variables @var{regexp}
15586 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
15587 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
15588 @var{regexp}.
15589
15590 @kindex info classes
15591 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
15592 @item info classes
15593 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
15594 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
15595 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15596 expression.
15597
15598 @kindex info selectors
15599 @item info selectors
15600 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
15601 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
15602 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15603 expression.
15604
15605 @ignore
15606 This was never implemented.
15607 @kindex info methods
15608 @item info methods
15609 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
15610 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
15611 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
15612 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
15613 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
15614 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
15615 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
15616 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
15617 @end ignore
15618
15619 @cindex opaque data types
15620 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
15621 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
15622 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
15623 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
15624 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
15625 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
15626 another source file. The default is on.
15627
15628 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
15629 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
15630
15631 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
15632 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
15633 is printed as follows:
15634 @smallexample
15635 @{<no data fields>@}
15636 @end smallexample
15637
15638 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
15639 @item show opaque-type-resolution
15640 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
15641
15642 @kindex maint print symbols
15643 @cindex symbol dump
15644 @kindex maint print psymbols
15645 @cindex partial symbol dump
15646 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
15647 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
15648 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
15649 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
15650 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
15651 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
15652 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
15653 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
15654 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
15655 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
15656 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
15657 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
15658 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
15659 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
15660 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
15661 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
15662 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
15663
15664 @kindex maint info symtabs
15665 @kindex maint info psymtabs
15666 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
15667 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15668 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15669 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15670 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15671 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15672
15673 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
15674 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
15675 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
15676 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
15677 structure in more detail. For example:
15678
15679 @smallexample
15680 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
15681 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15682 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15683 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15684 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
15685 readin no
15686 fullname (null)
15687 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
15688 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
15689 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
15690 dependencies (none)
15691 @}
15692 @}
15693 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15694 (@value{GDBP})
15695 @end smallexample
15696 @noindent
15697 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
15698 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
15699 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
15700 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
15701 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
15702
15703 @smallexample
15704 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
15705 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
15706 line 1574.
15707 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15708 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15709 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15710 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15711 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
15712 dirname (null)
15713 fullname (null)
15714 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
15715 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
15716 debugformat DWARF 2
15717 @}
15718 @}
15719 (@value{GDBP})
15720 @end smallexample
15721 @end table
15722
15723
15724 @node Altering
15725 @chapter Altering Execution
15726
15727 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
15728 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
15729 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
15730 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
15731 program.
15732
15733 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
15734 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
15735 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
15736
15737 @menu
15738 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
15739 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
15740 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
15741 * Returning:: Returning from a function
15742 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
15743 * Patching:: Patching your program
15744 @end menu
15745
15746 @node Assignment
15747 @section Assignment to Variables
15748
15749 @cindex assignment
15750 @cindex setting variables
15751 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
15752 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
15753
15754 @smallexample
15755 print x=4
15756 @end smallexample
15757
15758 @noindent
15759 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
15760 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
15761 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
15762 information on operators in supported languages.
15763
15764 @kindex set variable
15765 @cindex variables, setting
15766 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
15767 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
15768 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
15769 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
15770 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
15771
15772 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
15773 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
15774 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
15775 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
15776 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
15777 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
15778 command @code{set width}:
15779
15780 @smallexample
15781 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
15782 type = double
15783 (@value{GDBP}) p width
15784 $4 = 13
15785 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
15786 Invalid syntax in expression.
15787 @end smallexample
15788
15789 @noindent
15790 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
15791 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
15792
15793 @smallexample
15794 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
15795 @end smallexample
15796
15797 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
15798 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
15799 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
15800 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
15801 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
15802 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
15803
15804 @smallexample
15805 @group
15806 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
15807 type = double
15808 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15809 $1 = 1
15810 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
15811 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15812 $2 = 1
15813 (@value{GDBP}) r
15814 The program being debugged has been started already.
15815 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
15816 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
15817 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
15818 Invalid bfd target.
15819 (@value{GDBP}) show g
15820 The current BFD target is "=4".
15821 @end group
15822 @end smallexample
15823
15824 @noindent
15825 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
15826 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
15827 @code{g}, use
15828
15829 @smallexample
15830 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
15831 @end smallexample
15832
15833 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
15834 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
15835 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
15836 same length or shorter.
15837 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
15838 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
15839
15840 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
15841 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
15842 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
15843 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
15844 and representation in memory), and
15845
15846 @smallexample
15847 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
15848 @end smallexample
15849
15850 @noindent
15851 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
15852
15853 @node Jumping
15854 @section Continuing at a Different Address
15855
15856 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
15857 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
15858 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
15859
15860 @table @code
15861 @kindex jump
15862 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
15863 @item jump @var{linespec}
15864 @itemx j @var{linespec}
15865 @itemx jump @var{location}
15866 @itemx j @var{location}
15867 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
15868 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
15869 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
15870 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
15871 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
15872 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15873
15874 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
15875 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
15876 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
15877 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
15878 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
15879 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
15880 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
15881 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
15882 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
15883 @end table
15884
15885 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
15886 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
15887 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
15888 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
15889 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
15890 example,
15891
15892 @smallexample
15893 set $pc = 0x485
15894 @end smallexample
15895
15896 @noindent
15897 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
15898 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
15899 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
15900
15901 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
15902 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
15903 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
15904 detail.
15905
15906 @c @group
15907 @node Signaling
15908 @section Giving your Program a Signal
15909 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
15910
15911 @table @code
15912 @kindex signal
15913 @item signal @var{signal}
15914 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
15915 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
15916 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
15917 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
15918
15919 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
15920 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
15921 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
15922 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
15923 signal.
15924
15925 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
15926 after executing the command.
15927 @end table
15928 @c @end group
15929
15930 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
15931 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
15932 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
15933 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
15934 passes the signal directly to your program.
15935
15936
15937 @node Returning
15938 @section Returning from a Function
15939
15940 @table @code
15941 @cindex returning from a function
15942 @kindex return
15943 @item return
15944 @itemx return @var{expression}
15945 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
15946 command. If you give an
15947 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
15948 value.
15949 @end table
15950
15951 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
15952 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
15953 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
15954 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
15955
15956 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
15957 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
15958 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
15959 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
15960 of functions.
15961
15962 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
15963 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
15964 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
15965 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
15966 selected stack frame returns naturally.
15967
15968 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
15969 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
15970 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
15971 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
15972 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
15973 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
15974 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
15975 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
15976 assignment into the right register(s).
15977
15978 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
15979 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
15980 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
15981 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
15982 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
15983 into a @code{long long int}:
15984
15985 @smallexample
15986 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
15987 29 return 31;
15988 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
15989 Make func return now? (y or n) y
15990 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
15991 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
15992 (@value{GDBP})
15993 @end smallexample
15994
15995 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
15996 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
15997 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
15998 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
15999 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
16000 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
16001 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
16002 an appropriate cast explicitly:
16003
16004 @smallexample
16005 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
16006 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16007 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
16008 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
16009 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
16010 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
16011 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
16012 (@value{GDBP})
16013 @end smallexample
16014
16015 @node Calling
16016 @section Calling Program Functions
16017
16018 @table @code
16019 @cindex calling functions
16020 @cindex inferior functions, calling
16021 @item print @var{expr}
16022 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
16023 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
16024 debugged.
16025
16026 @kindex call
16027 @item call @var{expr}
16028 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
16029 returned values.
16030
16031 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
16032 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
16033 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
16034 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
16035 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
16036 value history.
16037 @end table
16038
16039 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
16040 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
16041 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
16042 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
16043
16044 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
16045 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
16046 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
16047 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
16048 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
16049 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
16050 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
16051 in that case is controlled by the
16052 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
16053
16054 @table @code
16055 @item set unwindonsignal
16056 @kindex set unwindonsignal
16057 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
16058 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
16059 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
16060 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
16061 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
16062 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
16063 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
16064 received.
16065
16066 @item show unwindonsignal
16067 @kindex show unwindonsignal
16068 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16069 @value{GDBN}.
16070
16071 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16072 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16073 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
16074 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
16075 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
16076 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
16077 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
16078 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
16079 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
16080 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
16081
16082 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16083 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16084 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16085 @value{GDBN}.
16086
16087 @end table
16088
16089 @cindex weak alias functions
16090 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
16091 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
16092 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
16093 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
16094 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
16095 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
16096 function instead.
16097
16098 @node Patching
16099 @section Patching Programs
16100
16101 @cindex patching binaries
16102 @cindex writing into executables
16103 @cindex writing into corefiles
16104
16105 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
16106 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
16107 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
16108 patching your program's binary.
16109
16110 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
16111 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
16112 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
16113 repairs.
16114
16115 @table @code
16116 @kindex set write
16117 @item set write on
16118 @itemx set write off
16119 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
16120 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
16121 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
16122
16123 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
16124 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
16125 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
16126
16127 @item show write
16128 @kindex show write
16129 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
16130 as well as reading.
16131 @end table
16132
16133 @node GDB Files
16134 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
16135
16136 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
16137 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
16138 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
16139 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
16140
16141 @menu
16142 * Files:: Commands to specify files
16143 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
16144 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
16145 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
16146 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
16147 * Data Files:: GDB data files
16148 @end menu
16149
16150 @node Files
16151 @section Commands to Specify Files
16152
16153 @cindex symbol table
16154 @cindex core dump file
16155
16156 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
16157 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
16158 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
16159 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
16160
16161 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
16162 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
16163 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
16164 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
16165 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
16166 new files are useful.
16167
16168 @table @code
16169 @cindex executable file
16170 @kindex file
16171 @item file @var{filename}
16172 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
16173 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
16174 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
16175 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
16176 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
16177 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
16178 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
16179 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
16180
16181 @cindex unlinked object files
16182 @cindex patching object files
16183 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
16184 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
16185 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
16186 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
16187 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
16188 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
16189 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
16190 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
16191
16192 @item file
16193 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
16194 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
16195
16196 @kindex exec-file
16197 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16198 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
16199 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
16200 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
16201 discard information on the executable file.
16202
16203 @kindex symbol-file
16204 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16205 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
16206 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
16207 table and program to run from the same file.
16208
16209 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
16210 program's symbol table.
16211
16212 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
16213 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
16214 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
16215 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
16216 @value{GDBN}.
16217
16218 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
16219 executing it once.
16220
16221 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
16222 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
16223 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
16224 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
16225 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
16226 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
16227 optimized code.
16228
16229 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
16230 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
16231 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
16232 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
16233 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
16234
16235 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
16236 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
16237 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
16238 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
16239 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
16240 Warnings and Messages}.)
16241
16242 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
16243 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
16244 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
16245 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
16246 in stabs format.
16247
16248 @kindex readnow
16249 @cindex reading symbols immediately
16250 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
16251 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16252 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16253 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
16254 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
16255 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
16256 entire symbol table available.
16257
16258 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
16259 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
16260 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
16261 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
16262 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
16263 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
16264 @c files.
16265
16266 @kindex core-file
16267 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
16268 @itemx core
16269 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
16270 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
16271 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
16272 executable file itself for other parts.
16273
16274 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
16275 to be used.
16276
16277 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
16278 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
16279 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
16280 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
16281 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
16282
16283 @kindex add-symbol-file
16284 @cindex dynamic linking
16285 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
16286 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
16287 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
16288 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
16289 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
16290 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
16291 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
16292 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
16293 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
16294 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
16295 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
16296 @var{address} as an expression.
16297
16298 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
16299 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
16300 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
16301 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
16302 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
16303
16304 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
16305 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
16306 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
16307 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
16308 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
16309 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
16310 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
16311 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
16312 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
16313
16314 @itemize @bullet
16315 @item
16316 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
16317 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
16318 @item
16319 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
16320 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
16321 @item
16322 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
16323 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
16324 @end itemize
16325
16326 @noindent
16327 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
16328 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
16329 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
16330 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
16331 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
16332 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
16333 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
16334 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
16335 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
16336 way.
16337
16338 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16339
16340 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
16341 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
16342 @cindex load symbols from memory
16343 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
16344 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
16345 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
16346 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
16347 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
16348 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
16349 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
16350 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
16351 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
16352
16353 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
16354 @kindex assf
16355 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
16356 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
16357 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
16358 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
16359 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
16360 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
16361 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
16362 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
16363 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
16364 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
16365
16366 @kindex section
16367 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
16368 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
16369 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
16370 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
16371 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
16372 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
16373 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
16374 their addresses.
16375
16376 @kindex info files
16377 @kindex info target
16378 @item info files
16379 @itemx info target
16380 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
16381 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16382 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16383 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16384 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16385 current ones.
16386
16387 @kindex maint info sections
16388 @item maint info sections
16389 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16390 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16391 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16392 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16393 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16394 may be arbitrarily combined):
16395
16396 @table @code
16397 @item ALLOBJ
16398 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16399 @item @var{sections}
16400 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16401 @item @var{section-flags}
16402 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16403 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16404 @table @code
16405 @item ALLOC
16406 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16407 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16408 @item LOAD
16409 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16410 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16411 @item RELOC
16412 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16413 @item READONLY
16414 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16415 @item CODE
16416 Section contains executable code only.
16417 @item DATA
16418 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16419 @item ROM
16420 Section will reside in ROM.
16421 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16422 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16423 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16424 Section is not empty.
16425 @item NEVER_LOAD
16426 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16427 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16428 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16429 COFF shared library information.
16430 @item IS_COMMON
16431 Section contains common symbols.
16432 @end table
16433 @end table
16434 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16435 @cindex read-only sections
16436 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16437 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16438 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16439 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16440 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16441 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16442 enhancement to debugging performance.
16443
16444 The default is off.
16445
16446 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16447 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16448 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16449 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16450
16451 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16452 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16453 @end table
16454
16455 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16456 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16457 name and remembers it that way.
16458
16459 @cindex shared libraries
16460 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16461 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16462 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16463
16464 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16465 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16466
16467 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16468 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16469 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16470 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16471 debugging a core file).
16472
16473 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
16474 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
16475
16476 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
16477 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
16478 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
16479
16480 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
16481 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
16482 particularly large or there are many of them.
16483
16484 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
16485 commands:
16486
16487 @table @code
16488 @kindex set auto-solib-add
16489 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
16490 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
16491 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
16492 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
16493 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
16494 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
16495 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
16496
16497 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
16498 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
16499 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
16500 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
16501 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
16502 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
16503 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
16504 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
16505 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
16506
16507 @kindex show auto-solib-add
16508 @item show auto-solib-add
16509 Display the current autoloading mode.
16510 @end table
16511
16512 @cindex load shared library
16513 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
16514 command:
16515
16516 @table @code
16517 @kindex info sharedlibrary
16518 @kindex info share
16519 @item info share @var{regex}
16520 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16521 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
16522 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
16523 all shared libraries that are loaded.
16524
16525 @kindex sharedlibrary
16526 @kindex share
16527 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16528 @itemx share @var{regex}
16529 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
16530 Unix regular expression.
16531 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
16532 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
16533 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
16534 loaded.
16535
16536 @item nosharedlibrary
16537 @kindex nosharedlibrary
16538 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
16539 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
16540 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
16541 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
16542 discarded.
16543 @end table
16544
16545 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
16546 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
16547 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
16548 Catchpoints}).
16549
16550 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
16551 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
16552 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
16553 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
16554
16555 @table @code
16556 @item set stop-on-solib-events
16557 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
16558 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
16559 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
16560 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
16561 shared library.
16562
16563 @item show stop-on-solib-events
16564 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
16565 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
16566 library events happen.
16567 @end table
16568
16569 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
16570 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
16571 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
16572 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
16573 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
16574 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
16575 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
16576 not.
16577
16578 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
16579 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
16580 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
16581 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
16582 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
16583
16584 @table @code
16585 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
16586 @cindex system root, alternate
16587 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
16588 @kindex set sysroot
16589 @item set sysroot @var{path}
16590 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
16591 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
16592 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
16593 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
16594 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
16595 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
16596 under @var{path}.
16597
16598 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
16599 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
16600 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
16601 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
16602 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
16603 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
16604 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
16605 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
16606 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
16607
16608 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
16609 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
16610 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
16611 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
16612 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
16613
16614 @smallexample
16615 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
16616 @end smallexample
16617
16618 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
16619 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
16620 system:
16621
16622 @smallexample
16623 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
16624 @end smallexample
16625
16626 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
16627 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
16628 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
16629 colons:
16630
16631 @smallexample
16632 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
16633 @end smallexample
16634
16635 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
16636 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
16637 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
16638 @samp{z}):
16639
16640 @smallexample
16641 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
16642 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16643 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16644 @end smallexample
16645
16646 @noindent
16647 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
16648 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
16649 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
16650
16651 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
16652 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
16653
16654 @smallexample
16655 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
16656 @end smallexample
16657
16658 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
16659 if you don't want or need to.
16660
16661 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
16662 sysroot}.
16663
16664 @cindex default system root
16665 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
16666 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
16667 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
16668 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16669 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
16670 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16671 location.
16672
16673 @kindex show sysroot
16674 @item show sysroot
16675 Display the current shared library prefix.
16676
16677 @kindex set solib-search-path
16678 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
16679 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16680 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
16681 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
16682 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
16683 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
16684 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
16685 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
16686 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
16687 of shared library symbols.
16688
16689 @kindex show solib-search-path
16690 @item show solib-search-path
16691 Display the current shared library search path.
16692
16693 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
16694 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
16695 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
16696 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
16697 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
16698
16699 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
16700 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
16701 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
16702 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
16703 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
16704 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
16705 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
16706 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
16707 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
16708 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
16709 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
16710 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
16711 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
16712 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
16713 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
16714 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
16715 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
16716 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
16717 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
16718 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
16719 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
16720 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
16721
16722 @table @code
16723 @item unix
16724 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
16725 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
16726 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
16727 the forward slash.
16728
16729 @item dos-based
16730 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
16731 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
16732 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
16733 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
16734 considered directory separators.
16735
16736 @item auto
16737 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
16738 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
16739 This is the default.
16740 @end table
16741 @end table
16742
16743 @cindex file name canonicalization
16744 @cindex base name differences
16745 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
16746 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
16747 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
16748 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
16749 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
16750 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
16751 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
16752 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
16753 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
16754 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
16755 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
16756 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
16757 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
16758 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
16759 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
16760
16761 @table @code
16762 @item set basenames-may-differ
16763 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
16764 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16765
16766 @item show basenames-may-differ
16767 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
16768 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16769 @end table
16770
16771 @node Separate Debug Files
16772 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
16773 @cindex separate debugging information files
16774 @cindex debugging information in separate files
16775 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
16776 @cindex debugging information directory, global
16777 @cindex global debugging information directories
16778 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
16779 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
16780
16781 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
16782 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
16783 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
16784 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
16785 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
16786 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
16787 install only when they need to debug a problem.
16788
16789 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
16790 file:
16791
16792 @itemize @bullet
16793 @item
16794 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
16795 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
16796 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
16797 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
16798 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
16799 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
16800 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
16801 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
16802
16803 @item
16804 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
16805 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
16806 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
16807 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
16808 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
16809 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
16810 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
16811 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
16812 below.
16813 @end itemize
16814
16815 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
16816 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
16817
16818 @itemize @bullet
16819 @item
16820 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
16821 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
16822 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
16823 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
16824 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
16825
16826 @item
16827 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
16828 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
16829 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
16830 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
16831 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
16832 hex characters, not 10.)
16833 @end itemize
16834
16835 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
16836 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
16837 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
16838 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
16839 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
16840 debug information files, in the indicated order:
16841
16842 @itemize @minus
16843 @item
16844 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
16845 @item
16846 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
16847 @item
16848 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
16849 @item
16850 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
16851 @end itemize
16852
16853 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
16854 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
16855 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
16856 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
16857 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
16858
16859 @table @code
16860
16861 @kindex set debug-file-directory
16862 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
16863 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16864 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
16865 concatenating them by a path separator.
16866
16867 @kindex show debug-file-directory
16868 @item show debug-file-directory
16869 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16870 information files.
16871
16872 @end table
16873
16874 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
16875 @cindex debug link sections
16876 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
16877 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
16878
16879 @itemize
16880 @item
16881 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
16882 a zero byte,
16883 @item
16884 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
16885 boundary within the section, and
16886 @item
16887 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
16888 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
16889 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
16890 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
16891 @end itemize
16892
16893 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
16894 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
16895 described above.
16896
16897 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
16898 @cindex build ID sections
16899 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
16900 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
16901 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
16902 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
16903 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
16904 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
16905 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
16906 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
16907 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
16908
16909 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
16910 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
16911 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
16912 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
16913 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
16914 in an ordinary executable.
16915
16916 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
16917 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
16918 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
16919 following commands:
16920
16921 @smallexample
16922 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
16923 @kbd{strip -g foo}
16924 @end smallexample
16925
16926 @noindent
16927 These commands remove the debugging
16928 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
16929 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
16930 two files:
16931
16932 @itemize @bullet
16933 @item
16934 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
16935 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
16936
16937 @smallexample
16938 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
16939 @end smallexample
16940
16941 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
16942 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
16943 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
16944 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
16945
16946 @item
16947 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
16948 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
16949 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
16950 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
16951 @end itemize
16952
16953 @noindent
16954
16955 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
16956 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
16957 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
16958
16959 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
16960 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
16961 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
16962 @c different ways!
16963 @ifhtml
16964 @display
16965 @html
16966 <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>
16967 + <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
16968 @end html
16969 @end display
16970 @end ifhtml
16971 @ifnothtml
16972 @display
16973 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
16974 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
16975 @end display
16976 @end ifnothtml
16977
16978 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
16979 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
16980 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
16981 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
16982 CRC.
16983
16984 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
16985 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
16986 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
16987 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
16988 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
16989 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
16990
16991 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
16992 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
16993 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
16994 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
16995 @code{0xffffffff}.
16996
16997 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
16998 @smallexample
16999 unsigned long
17000 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
17001 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
17002 @{
17003 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
17004 @{
17005 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
17006 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
17007 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
17008 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
17009 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
17010 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
17011 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
17012 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
17013 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
17014 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
17015 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
17016 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
17017 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
17018 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
17019 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
17020 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
17021 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
17022 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
17023 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
17024 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
17025 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
17026 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
17027 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
17028 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
17029 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
17030 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
17031 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
17032 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
17033 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
17034 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
17035 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
17036 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
17037 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
17038 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
17039 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
17040 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
17041 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
17042 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
17043 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
17044 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
17045 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
17046 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
17047 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
17048 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
17049 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
17050 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
17051 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
17052 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
17053 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
17054 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
17055 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
17056 0x2d02ef8d
17057 @};
17058 unsigned char *end;
17059
17060 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17061 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
17062 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
17063 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17064 @}
17065 @end smallexample
17066
17067 @noindent
17068 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
17069
17070 @node MiniDebugInfo
17071 @section Debugging information in a special section
17072 @cindex separate debug sections
17073 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
17074
17075 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
17076 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
17077 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
17078 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
17079
17080 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
17081 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
17082 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
17083 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
17084 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
17085 debugging information might be included in the section.
17086
17087 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
17088 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
17089 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
17090
17091 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
17092 standard utilities:
17093
17094 @smallexample
17095 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
17096 # to also have these in the normal symbol table
17097 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17098 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
17099
17100 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo .
17101 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17102 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t") print $1 @}' \
17103 | sort > funcsyms
17104
17105 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
17106 # table.
17107 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
17108
17109 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
17110 # removing some unnecessary sections.
17111 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
17112 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols @var{binary} mini_debuginfo
17113
17114 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
17115 # original binary.
17116 xz mini_debuginfo
17117 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
17118 @end smallexample
17119
17120 @node Index Files
17121 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
17122 @cindex index files
17123 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
17124
17125 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
17126 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
17127 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
17128 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
17129 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
17130 startup.
17131
17132 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
17133 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
17134 using @command{objcopy}.
17135
17136 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
17137
17138 @table @code
17139 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
17140 @kindex save gdb-index
17141 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
17142 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
17143 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
17144 @var{directory}.
17145 @end table
17146
17147 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
17148 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
17149
17150 @smallexample
17151 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
17152 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
17153 @end smallexample
17154
17155 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
17156 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
17157 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
17158 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
17159 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
17160 The default is @code{off}.
17161 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
17162 @xref{Index Section Format}.
17163
17164 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
17165 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
17166
17167 @smallexample
17168 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17169 @end smallexample
17170
17171 Instead you must do, for example,
17172
17173 @smallexample
17174 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17175 @end smallexample
17176
17177 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
17178 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
17179 currently work for programs using Ada.
17180
17181 @node Symbol Errors
17182 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
17183
17184 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
17185 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
17186 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
17187 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
17188 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
17189 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
17190 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
17191 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
17192 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
17193 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17194 Messages}).
17195
17196 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
17197
17198 @table @code
17199 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
17200
17201 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
17202 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
17203 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
17204 in its outer scope blocks.
17205
17206 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
17207 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
17208 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
17209 function.
17210
17211 @item block at @var{address} out of order
17212
17213 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
17214 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
17215 do so.
17216
17217 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
17218 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
17219 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
17220 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17221 Messages}.)
17222
17223 @item bad block start address patched
17224
17225 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
17226 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
17227 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
17228
17229 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
17230 starting on the previous source line.
17231
17232 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
17233
17234 @cindex foo
17235 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
17236 larger than the size of the string table.
17237
17238 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
17239 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
17240 with this name.
17241
17242 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
17243
17244 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
17245 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
17246 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
17247
17248 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
17249 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
17250 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
17251 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
17252 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
17253 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
17254
17255 @item stub type has NULL name
17256
17257 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
17258
17259 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
17260 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
17261 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
17262 it.
17263
17264 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
17265
17266 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
17267
17268 @end table
17269
17270 @node Data Files
17271 @section GDB Data Files
17272
17273 @cindex prefix for data files
17274 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
17275 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
17276
17277 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
17278 is currently using.
17279
17280 @table @code
17281 @kindex set data-directory
17282 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
17283 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
17284 to @var{directory}.
17285
17286 @kindex show data-directory
17287 @item show data-directory
17288 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
17289 @end table
17290
17291 @cindex default data directory
17292 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
17293 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
17294 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
17295 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17296 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
17297 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17298 location.
17299
17300 The data directory may also be specified with the
17301 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
17302 @xref{Mode Options}.
17303
17304 @node Targets
17305 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
17306
17307 @cindex debugging target
17308 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
17309
17310 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
17311 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
17312 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
17313 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
17314 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
17315 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
17316 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
17317 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
17318
17319 @cindex target architecture
17320 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
17321 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
17322 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
17323 command.
17324
17325 @table @code
17326 @kindex set architecture
17327 @kindex show architecture
17328 @item set architecture @var{arch}
17329 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
17330 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
17331 supported architectures.
17332
17333 @item show architecture
17334 Show the current target architecture.
17335
17336 @item set processor
17337 @itemx processor
17338 @kindex set processor
17339 @kindex show processor
17340 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
17341 and @code{show architecture}.
17342 @end table
17343
17344 @menu
17345 * Active Targets:: Active targets
17346 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
17347 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
17348 @end menu
17349
17350 @node Active Targets
17351 @section Active Targets
17352
17353 @cindex stacking targets
17354 @cindex active targets
17355 @cindex multiple targets
17356
17357 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
17358 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
17359 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
17360 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
17361 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
17362 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
17363 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
17364 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
17365 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
17366
17367 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
17368 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
17369 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
17370 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
17371
17372 @node Target Commands
17373 @section Commands for Managing Targets
17374
17375 @table @code
17376 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
17377 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
17378 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
17379 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
17380 protocol of the target machine.
17381
17382 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
17383 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
17384 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
17385
17386 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
17387 after executing the command.
17388
17389 @kindex help target
17390 @item help target
17391 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
17392 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
17393 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17394
17395 @item help target @var{name}
17396 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
17397 select it.
17398
17399 @kindex set gnutarget
17400 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
17401 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
17402 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
17403 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
17404 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
17405 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
17406
17407 @quotation
17408 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
17409 you must know the actual BFD name.
17410 @end quotation
17411
17412 @noindent
17413 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
17414
17415 @kindex show gnutarget
17416 @item show gnutarget
17417 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
17418 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
17419 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
17420 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
17421 @end table
17422
17423 @cindex common targets
17424 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
17425 configuration):
17426
17427 @table @code
17428 @kindex target
17429 @item target exec @var{program}
17430 @cindex executable file target
17431 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
17432 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
17433
17434 @item target core @var{filename}
17435 @cindex core dump file target
17436 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
17437 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
17438
17439 @item target remote @var{medium}
17440 @cindex remote target
17441 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
17442 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
17443 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
17444
17445 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
17446 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
17447
17448 @smallexample
17449 target remote /dev/ttya
17450 @end smallexample
17451
17452 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17453 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17454 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17455 clobbered by the download.
17456
17457 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17458 @cindex built-in simulator target
17459 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17460 In general,
17461 @smallexample
17462 target sim
17463 load
17464 run
17465 @end smallexample
17466 @noindent
17467 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
17468 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
17469 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
17470 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
17471 Processors}.
17472
17473 @end table
17474
17475 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
17476
17477 @table @code
17478
17479 @item target nrom @var{dev}
17480 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
17481 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
17482
17483 @end table
17484
17485 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
17486 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
17487
17488 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
17489 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
17490 various aspects of this process.
17491
17492 @table @code
17493
17494 @item set hash
17495 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17496 @cindex hash mark while downloading
17497 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
17498 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
17499 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
17500 monitor.
17501
17502 @item show hash
17503 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17504 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
17505
17506 @item set debug monitor
17507 @kindex set debug monitor
17508 @cindex display remote monitor communications
17509 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
17510 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17511
17512 @item show debug monitor
17513 @kindex show debug monitor
17514 Show the current status of displaying communications between
17515 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17516 @end table
17517
17518 @table @code
17519
17520 @kindex load @var{filename}
17521 @item load @var{filename}
17522 @anchor{load}
17523 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
17524 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
17525 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
17526 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
17527 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
17528 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
17529
17530 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
17531 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
17532 target is @dots{}}''
17533
17534 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
17535 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
17536 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
17537 specifies a fixed address.
17538 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
17539
17540 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
17541 load programs into flash memory.
17542
17543 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
17544 @end table
17545
17546 @node Byte Order
17547 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
17548
17549 @cindex choosing target byte order
17550 @cindex target byte order
17551
17552 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
17553 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
17554 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
17555 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
17556 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
17557 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
17558
17559 @table @code
17560 @kindex set endian
17561 @item set endian big
17562 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
17563
17564 @item set endian little
17565 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
17566
17567 @item set endian auto
17568 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
17569 executable.
17570
17571 @item show endian
17572 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
17573
17574 @end table
17575
17576 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
17577 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
17578 target system.
17579
17580
17581 @node Remote Debugging
17582 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
17583 @cindex remote debugging
17584
17585 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
17586 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
17587 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
17588 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
17589 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
17590
17591 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
17592 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
17593 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
17594 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
17595 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
17596 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
17597
17598 Other remote targets may be available in your
17599 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
17600
17601 @menu
17602 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
17603 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
17604 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
17605 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
17606 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
17607 @end menu
17608
17609 @node Connecting
17610 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
17611
17612 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
17613 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
17614 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
17615 program as the first argument.
17616
17617 @cindex @code{target remote}
17618 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
17619 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
17620 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
17621 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
17622 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
17623 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
17624
17625 @table @code
17626
17627 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
17628 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
17629 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
17630 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
17631
17632 @smallexample
17633 target remote /dev/ttyb
17634 @end smallexample
17635
17636 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
17637 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
17638 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
17639 @code{target} command.
17640
17641 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
17642 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17643 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
17644 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
17645 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
17646 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
17647 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
17648 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
17649 target.
17650
17651 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
17652 @code{manyfarms}:
17653
17654 @smallexample
17655 target remote manyfarms:2828
17656 @end smallexample
17657
17658 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
17659 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
17660 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
17661 port 1234 on your local machine:
17662
17663 @smallexample
17664 target remote :1234
17665 @end smallexample
17666 @noindent
17667
17668 Note that the colon is still required here.
17669
17670 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17671 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
17672 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
17673 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
17674
17675 @smallexample
17676 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
17677 @end smallexample
17678
17679 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
17680 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
17681 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
17682 cause havoc with your debugging session.
17683
17684 @item target remote | @var{command}
17685 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
17686 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
17687 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
17688 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
17689 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
17690 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
17691 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
17692 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
17693
17694 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
17695 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
17696 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
17697
17698 @end table
17699
17700 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
17701 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
17702 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
17703 need to use @kbd{run}.
17704
17705 @cindex interrupting remote programs
17706 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
17707 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
17708 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
17709 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
17710 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
17711 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
17712
17713 @smallexample
17714 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
17715 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
17716 @end smallexample
17717
17718 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
17719 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
17720 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
17721 goes back to waiting.
17722
17723 @table @code
17724 @kindex detach (remote)
17725 @item detach
17726 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
17727 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
17728 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
17729 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
17730 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
17731
17732 @kindex disconnect
17733 @item disconnect
17734 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
17735 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
17736 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
17737 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
17738 another target.
17739
17740 @cindex send command to remote monitor
17741 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
17742 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
17743 @kindex monitor
17744 @item monitor @var{cmd}
17745 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
17746 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
17747 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
17748 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
17749 and implement.
17750 @end table
17751
17752 @node File Transfer
17753 @section Sending files to a remote system
17754 @cindex remote target, file transfer
17755 @cindex file transfer
17756 @cindex sending files to remote systems
17757
17758 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
17759 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
17760 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
17761 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
17762 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
17763 the only way to upload or download files.
17764
17765 Not all remote targets support these commands.
17766
17767 @table @code
17768 @kindex remote put
17769 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
17770 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
17771 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
17772
17773 @kindex remote get
17774 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
17775 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
17776 on the host system.
17777
17778 @kindex remote delete
17779 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
17780 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
17781
17782 @end table
17783
17784 @node Server
17785 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
17786
17787 @kindex gdbserver
17788 @cindex remote connection without stubs
17789 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
17790 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
17791 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
17792
17793 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
17794 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
17795 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
17796 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
17797 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
17798 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
17799 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
17800 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
17801 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
17802 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
17803 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
17804 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
17805 choice for debugging.
17806
17807 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
17808 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
17809 protocol.
17810
17811 @quotation
17812 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
17813 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
17814 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
17815 target system with the same privileges as the user running
17816 @code{gdbserver}.
17817 @end quotation
17818
17819 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
17820 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
17821 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
17822
17823 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
17824 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
17825 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
17826 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
17827 system does all the symbol handling.
17828
17829 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
17830 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
17831 syntax is:
17832
17833 @smallexample
17834 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
17835 @end smallexample
17836
17837 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
17838 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
17839 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
17840 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
17841 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
17842 @file{/dev/com1}:
17843
17844 @smallexample
17845 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
17846 @end smallexample
17847
17848 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
17849 with it.
17850
17851 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
17852
17853 @smallexample
17854 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
17855 @end smallexample
17856
17857 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
17858 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
17859 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
17860 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
17861 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
17862 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
17863 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
17864 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
17865 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
17866 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
17867 @code{target remote} command.
17868
17869 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
17870 with ssh:
17871
17872 @smallexample
17873 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
17874 @end smallexample
17875
17876 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
17877 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
17878 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
17879 You could elide it if you want to.
17880
17881 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
17882 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
17883 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
17884 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
17885
17886 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
17887 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
17888 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
17889
17890 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
17891 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
17892
17893 @smallexample
17894 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
17895 @end smallexample
17896
17897 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
17898 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
17899
17900 @pindex pidof
17901 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
17902 @code{pidof} utility:
17903
17904 @smallexample
17905 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
17906 @end smallexample
17907
17908 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
17909 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
17910 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
17911
17912 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
17913 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
17914 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
17915
17916 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
17917 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
17918 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
17919 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
17920
17921 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
17922 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
17923 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
17924 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
17925 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
17926 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
17927 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
17928 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
17929 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
17930
17931 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
17932 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
17933 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
17934 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
17935 the program you want to debug.
17936
17937 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
17938 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
17939 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
17940 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
17941 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
17942 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
17943
17944 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
17945
17946 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
17947
17948 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
17949 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
17950 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
17951 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
17952 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
17953 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
17954 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
17955 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
17956
17957 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
17958 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
17959 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
17960
17961 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
17962 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
17963 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
17964 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
17965 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
17966 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
17967 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
17968 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
17969 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
17970 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
17971 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
17972 instance closes its port after the first connection.
17973
17974 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
17975
17976 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17977 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
17978 status information about the debugging process.
17979 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17980 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
17981 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
17982 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
17983
17984 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
17985 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
17986 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
17987 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
17988 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
17989
17990 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
17991 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
17992 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
17993 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
17994
17995 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
17996 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
17997 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
17998 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
17999
18000 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
18001 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
18002 environment:
18003
18004 @smallexample
18005 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
18006 @end smallexample
18007
18008 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
18009
18010 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
18011
18012 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
18013 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
18014 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
18015 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
18016
18017 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
18018 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
18019 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
18020 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
18021 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
18022 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
18023 programs.
18024
18025 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18026 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
18027 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
18028 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
18029 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
18030 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
18031 already on the target.
18032
18033 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
18034 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
18035 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
18036
18037 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
18038 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
18039 Here are the available commands.
18040
18041 @table @code
18042 @item monitor help
18043 List the available monitor commands.
18044
18045 @item monitor set debug 0
18046 @itemx monitor set debug 1
18047 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
18048
18049 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
18050 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
18051 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
18052 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
18053
18054 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
18055 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
18056 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18057 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
18058 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
18059 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
18060
18061 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
18062 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
18063
18064 @item monitor exit
18065 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
18066 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
18067 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
18068 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
18069 of a multi-process mode debug session.
18070
18071 @end table
18072
18073 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18074 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18075
18076 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
18077 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
18078
18079 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
18080 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
18081 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
18082 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
18083 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
18084 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
18085 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
18086 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
18087 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
18088 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
18089 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
18090 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
18091
18092 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
18093
18094 @table @code
18095 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
18096
18097 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
18098 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
18099 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
18100
18101 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
18102
18103 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
18104 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
18105 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
18106 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
18107 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
18108 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
18109
18110 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
18111
18112 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
18113 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
18114 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
18115 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
18116 command for that. For example:
18117
18118 @smallexample
18119 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
18120 @end smallexample
18121
18122 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
18123 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
18124 @end table
18125
18126 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
18127 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
18128 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
18129 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
18130 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
18131 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
18132 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
18133 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
18134 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
18135 @code{gdbserver} like so:
18136
18137 @smallexample
18138 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
18139 @end smallexample
18140
18141 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
18142
18143 @smallexample
18144 $ gdb myprogram
18145 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
18146 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
18147 (@value{GDBP}) b main
18148 (@value{GDBP}) continue
18149 @end smallexample
18150
18151 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
18152 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
18153 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
18154 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
18155 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
18156 tracing.
18157
18158 @node Remote Configuration
18159 @section Remote Configuration
18160
18161 @kindex set remote
18162 @kindex show remote
18163 This section documents the configuration options available when
18164 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
18165 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
18166 system-call-allowed}.
18167
18168 @table @code
18169 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
18170 @cindex address size for remote targets
18171 @cindex bits in remote address
18172 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
18173 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
18174 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
18175 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
18176
18177 @item show remoteaddresssize
18178 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
18179
18180 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
18181 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
18182 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
18183 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
18184 remote targets.
18185
18186 @item show remotebaud
18187 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
18188
18189 @item set remotebreak
18190 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18191 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
18192 @anchor{set remotebreak}
18193 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
18194 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
18195 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
18196 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
18197 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
18198
18199 @item show remotebreak
18200 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
18201 interrupt the remote program.
18202
18203 @item set remoteflow on
18204 @itemx set remoteflow off
18205 @kindex set remoteflow
18206 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
18207 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
18208
18209 @item show remoteflow
18210 @kindex show remoteflow
18211 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
18212
18213 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
18214 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
18215 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
18216 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
18217 @code{ascii}.
18218
18219 @item show remotelogbase
18220 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
18221 protocol.
18222
18223 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
18224 @cindex record serial communications on file
18225 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
18226 default is not to record at all.
18227
18228 @item show remotelogfile.
18229 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
18230 serial communications.
18231
18232 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
18233 @cindex timeout for serial communications
18234 @cindex remote timeout
18235 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
18236 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
18237
18238 @item show remotetimeout
18239 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
18240 responses.
18241
18242 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
18243 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
18244 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
18245 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
18246 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
18247 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
18248 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
18249 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
18250
18251 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
18252 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
18253 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
18254 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
18255 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
18256 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
18257 as unlimited.
18258
18259 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
18260 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
18261 a remote hardware watchpoint.
18262
18263 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
18264 @itemx show remote exec-file
18265 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
18266 @cindex executable file, for remote target
18267 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
18268 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
18269 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
18270 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
18271
18272 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
18273 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18274 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
18275 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
18276 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
18277 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
18278 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
18279 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
18280 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
18281 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
18282
18283 @item show interrupt-sequence
18284 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
18285 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
18286 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
18287 also known as Magic SysRq g.
18288
18289 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
18290 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
18291 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
18292 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
18293 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
18294 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
18295
18296 @item show interrupt-on-connect
18297 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
18298 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
18299
18300 @kindex set tcp
18301 @kindex show tcp
18302 @item set tcp auto-retry on
18303 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
18304 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
18305 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
18306 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
18307 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
18308 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
18309 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
18310 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
18311
18312 @item set tcp auto-retry off
18313 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
18314
18315 @item show tcp auto-retry
18316 Show the current auto-retry setting.
18317
18318 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
18319 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
18320 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
18321 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
18322 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
18323 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
18324 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
18325 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
18326 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
18327 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
18328 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
18329
18330 @item show tcp connect-timeout
18331 Show the current connection timeout setting.
18332 @end table
18333
18334 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
18335 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
18336 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
18337 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
18338 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
18339 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
18340 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
18341 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
18342 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
18343
18344 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
18345 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
18346 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
18347 @value{GDBN} developers.
18348
18349 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
18350 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
18351 are:
18352
18353 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
18354 @item Command Name
18355 @tab Remote Packet
18356 @tab Related Features
18357
18358 @item @code{fetch-register}
18359 @tab @code{p}
18360 @tab @code{info registers}
18361
18362 @item @code{set-register}
18363 @tab @code{P}
18364 @tab @code{set}
18365
18366 @item @code{binary-download}
18367 @tab @code{X}
18368 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
18369
18370 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
18371 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
18372 @tab @code{info auxv}
18373
18374 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
18375 @tab @code{qSymbol}
18376 @tab Detecting multiple threads
18377
18378 @item @code{attach}
18379 @tab @code{vAttach}
18380 @tab @code{attach}
18381
18382 @item @code{verbose-resume}
18383 @tab @code{vCont}
18384 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
18385
18386 @item @code{run}
18387 @tab @code{vRun}
18388 @tab @code{run}
18389
18390 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
18391 @tab @code{Z0}
18392 @tab @code{break}
18393
18394 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
18395 @tab @code{Z1}
18396 @tab @code{hbreak}
18397
18398 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
18399 @tab @code{Z2}
18400 @tab @code{watch}
18401
18402 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
18403 @tab @code{Z3}
18404 @tab @code{rwatch}
18405
18406 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
18407 @tab @code{Z4}
18408 @tab @code{awatch}
18409
18410 @item @code{target-features}
18411 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
18412 @tab @code{set architecture}
18413
18414 @item @code{library-info}
18415 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
18416 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
18417
18418 @item @code{memory-map}
18419 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
18420 @tab @code{info mem}
18421
18422 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
18423 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
18424 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
18425
18426 @item @code{read-spu-object}
18427 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
18428 @tab @code{info spu}
18429
18430 @item @code{write-spu-object}
18431 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
18432 @tab @code{info spu}
18433
18434 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
18435 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
18436 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
18437
18438 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
18439 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
18440 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
18441
18442 @item @code{threads}
18443 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
18444 @tab @code{info threads}
18445
18446 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
18447 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
18448 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
18449
18450 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
18451 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
18452 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
18453
18454 @item @code{search-memory}
18455 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18456 @tab @code{find}
18457
18458 @item @code{supported-packets}
18459 @tab @code{qSupported}
18460 @tab Remote communications parameters
18461
18462 @item @code{pass-signals}
18463 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18464 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18465
18466 @item @code{program-signals}
18467 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18468 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18469
18470 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18471 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18472 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18473
18474 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18475 @tab @code{vFile:open}
18476 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18477
18478 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
18479 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
18480 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18481
18482 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
18483 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
18484 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18485
18486 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
18487 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
18488 @tab @code{remote delete}
18489
18490 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
18491 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
18492 @tab Host I/O
18493
18494 @item @code{noack-packet}
18495 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
18496 @tab Packet acknowledgment
18497
18498 @item @code{osdata}
18499 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
18500 @tab @code{info os}
18501
18502 @item @code{query-attached}
18503 @tab @code{qAttached}
18504 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
18505
18506 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
18507 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
18508 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
18509
18510 @item @code{trace-status}
18511 @tab @code{qTStatus}
18512 @tab @code{tstatus}
18513
18514 @item @code{traceframe-info}
18515 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
18516 @tab Traceframe info
18517
18518 @item @code{install-in-trace}
18519 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
18520 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
18521
18522 @item @code{disable-randomization}
18523 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
18524 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
18525
18526 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
18527 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
18528 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
18529 @end multitable
18530
18531 @node Remote Stub
18532 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
18533
18534 @cindex debugging stub, example
18535 @cindex remote stub, example
18536 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
18537 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
18538 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
18539 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
18540 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
18541 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
18542 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
18543 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
18544
18545 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
18546 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
18547 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
18548 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
18549 program, you need:
18550
18551 @enumerate
18552 @item
18553 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
18554 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
18555 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
18556
18557 @item
18558 A C subroutine library to support your program's
18559 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
18560
18561 @item
18562 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
18563 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
18564 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
18565 documentation.
18566 @end enumerate
18567
18568 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
18569 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
18570 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
18571
18572 @table @emph
18573 @item On the host,
18574 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
18575 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
18576 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18577
18578 @item On the target,
18579 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
18580 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
18581 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
18582
18583 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
18584 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
18585 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
18586 @end table
18587
18588 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
18589 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
18590 @sc{sparc} boards.
18591
18592 @cindex remote serial stub list
18593 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
18594
18595 @table @code
18596
18597 @item i386-stub.c
18598 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
18599 @cindex Intel
18600 @cindex i386
18601 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
18602
18603 @item m68k-stub.c
18604 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
18605 @cindex Motorola 680x0
18606 @cindex m680x0
18607 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
18608
18609 @item sh-stub.c
18610 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
18611 @cindex Renesas
18612 @cindex SH
18613 For Renesas SH architectures.
18614
18615 @item sparc-stub.c
18616 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
18617 @cindex Sparc
18618 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
18619
18620 @item sparcl-stub.c
18621 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
18622 @cindex Fujitsu
18623 @cindex SparcLite
18624 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
18625
18626 @end table
18627
18628 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
18629 recently added stubs.
18630
18631 @menu
18632 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
18633 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
18634 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
18635 @end menu
18636
18637 @node Stub Contents
18638 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
18639
18640 @cindex remote serial stub
18641 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
18642 subroutines:
18643
18644 @table @code
18645 @item set_debug_traps
18646 @findex set_debug_traps
18647 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
18648 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
18649 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
18650 program's startup code.
18651
18652 @item handle_exception
18653 @findex handle_exception
18654 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
18655 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
18656 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
18657 run when a trap is triggered.
18658
18659 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
18660 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
18661 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
18662 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
18663 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
18664 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
18665 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
18666 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
18667 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
18668 machine.
18669
18670 @item breakpoint
18671 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
18672 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
18673 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
18674 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
18675 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
18676 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
18677 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
18678 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
18679 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
18680 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
18681 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
18682
18683 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
18684 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
18685 start of your debugging session.
18686 @end table
18687
18688 @node Bootstrapping
18689 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
18690
18691 @cindex remote stub, support routines
18692 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
18693 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
18694 debugging target machine.
18695
18696 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
18697 serial port.
18698
18699 @table @code
18700 @item int getDebugChar()
18701 @findex getDebugChar
18702 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
18703 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
18704 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18705
18706 @item void putDebugChar(int)
18707 @findex putDebugChar
18708 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
18709 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
18710 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18711 @end table
18712
18713 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
18714 @cindex interrupting remote targets
18715 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
18716 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
18717 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
18718 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
18719 remote system to stop.
18720
18721 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
18722 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
18723 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
18724 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
18725
18726 Other routines you need to supply are:
18727
18728 @table @code
18729 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
18730 @findex exceptionHandler
18731 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
18732 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
18733 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
18734 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
18735 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
18736 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
18737 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
18738 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
18739 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
18740 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
18741 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
18742 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
18743 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
18744
18745 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
18746 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
18747 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
18748 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
18749 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
18750
18751 @item void flush_i_cache()
18752 @findex flush_i_cache
18753 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
18754 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
18755 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
18756
18757 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
18758 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
18759 @end table
18760
18761 @noindent
18762 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
18763
18764 @table @code
18765 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
18766 @findex memset
18767 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
18768 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
18769 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
18770 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
18771 @end table
18772
18773 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
18774 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
18775 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
18776 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
18777
18778
18779 @node Debug Session
18780 @subsection Putting it All Together
18781
18782 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
18783 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
18784 steps.
18785
18786 @enumerate
18787 @item
18788 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
18789 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
18790 @display
18791 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
18792 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
18793 @end display
18794
18795 @item
18796 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
18797 procedure is called:
18798
18799 @smallexample
18800 set_debug_traps();
18801 breakpoint();
18802 @end smallexample
18803
18804 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
18805 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
18806 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
18807 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
18808 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
18809 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
18810 progress.
18811
18812 @item
18813 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
18814 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
18815
18816 @smallexample
18817 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
18818 @end smallexample
18819
18820 @noindent
18821 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
18822 function in your program, that function is called when
18823 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
18824 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
18825 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
18826
18827 @item
18828 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
18829 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
18830
18831 @item
18832 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
18833 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
18834
18835 @item
18836 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
18837 @c document that. FIXME.
18838 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
18839 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
18840
18841 @item
18842 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
18843 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18844
18845 @end enumerate
18846
18847 @node Configurations
18848 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
18849
18850 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
18851 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
18852 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
18853
18854 There are three major categories of configurations: native
18855 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
18856 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
18857 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
18858 are quite different from each other.
18859
18860 @menu
18861 * Native::
18862 * Embedded OS::
18863 * Embedded Processors::
18864 * Architectures::
18865 @end menu
18866
18867 @node Native
18868 @section Native
18869
18870 This section describes details specific to particular native
18871 configurations.
18872
18873 @menu
18874 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
18875 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
18876 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
18877 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
18878 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
18879 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
18880 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
18881 @end menu
18882
18883 @node HP-UX
18884 @subsection HP-UX
18885
18886 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
18887 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
18888 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
18889
18890
18891 @node BSD libkvm Interface
18892 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
18893
18894 @cindex libkvm
18895 @cindex kernel memory image
18896 @cindex kernel crash dump
18897
18898 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
18899 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
18900 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
18901 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
18902 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
18903 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
18904 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
18905 @code{kvm} target:
18906
18907 @smallexample
18908 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
18909 @end smallexample
18910
18911 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
18912 argument:
18913
18914 @smallexample
18915 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
18916 @end smallexample
18917
18918 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
18919 available:
18920
18921 @table @code
18922 @kindex kvm
18923 @item kvm pcb
18924 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
18925
18926 @item kvm proc
18927 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
18928 modern FreeBSD systems.
18929 @end table
18930
18931 @node SVR4 Process Information
18932 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
18933 @cindex /proc
18934 @cindex examine process image
18935 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
18936
18937 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
18938 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
18939 process using file-system subroutines.
18940
18941 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
18942 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
18943 information about the process running your program, or about any
18944 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
18945 @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital Unix), Solaris, and Irix, but
18946 not HP-UX, for example.
18947
18948 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
18949 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
18950
18951 @table @code
18952 @kindex info proc
18953 @cindex process ID
18954 @item info proc
18955 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
18956 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
18957 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
18958 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
18959 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
18960 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
18961 executable file's absolute file name.
18962
18963 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
18964 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
18965 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
18966 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
18967 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
18968 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
18969
18970 @item info proc cmdline
18971 @cindex info proc cmdline
18972 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
18973 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
18974
18975 @item info proc cwd
18976 @cindex info proc cwd
18977 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
18978 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
18979
18980 @item info proc exe
18981 @cindex info proc exe
18982 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
18983 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
18984
18985 @item info proc mappings
18986 @cindex memory address space mappings
18987 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
18988 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
18989 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
18990 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
18991 memory access rights to that range.
18992
18993 @item info proc stat
18994 @itemx info proc status
18995 @cindex process detailed status information
18996 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
18997 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
18998 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
18999 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
19000 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
19001 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
19002 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
19003
19004 @item info proc all
19005 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
19006 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
19007
19008 @ignore
19009 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
19010 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
19011 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
19012 @kindex info proc times
19013 @item info proc times
19014 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
19015 its children.
19016
19017 @kindex info proc id
19018 @item info proc id
19019 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
19020 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
19021 @end ignore
19022
19023 @item set procfs-trace
19024 @kindex set procfs-trace
19025 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
19026 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
19027
19028 @item show procfs-trace
19029 @kindex show procfs-trace
19030 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
19031
19032 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
19033 @kindex set procfs-file
19034 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
19035 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
19036 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
19037 standard output.
19038
19039 @item show procfs-file
19040 @kindex show procfs-file
19041 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
19042
19043 @item proc-trace-entry
19044 @itemx proc-trace-exit
19045 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
19046 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
19047 @kindex proc-trace-entry
19048 @kindex proc-trace-exit
19049 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
19050 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
19051 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
19052 from the @code{syscall} interface.
19053
19054 @item info pidlist
19055 @kindex info pidlist
19056 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
19057 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
19058 processes and all the threads within each process.
19059
19060 @item info meminfo
19061 @kindex info meminfo
19062 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
19063 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
19064 @end table
19065
19066 @node DJGPP Native
19067 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
19068 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
19069 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
19070 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
19071
19072 @cindex DPMI
19073 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
19074 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
19075 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
19076 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
19077
19078 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
19079 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
19080 subsection describes those commands.
19081
19082 @table @code
19083 @kindex info dos
19084 @item info dos
19085 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
19086 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19087
19088 @kindex sysinfo
19089 @cindex MS-DOS system info
19090 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
19091 @item info dos sysinfo
19092 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
19093 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
19094 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
19095
19096 @cindex GDT
19097 @cindex LDT
19098 @cindex IDT
19099 @cindex segment descriptor tables
19100 @cindex descriptor tables display
19101 @item info dos gdt
19102 @itemx info dos ldt
19103 @itemx info dos idt
19104 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
19105 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
19106 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
19107 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
19108 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
19109 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
19110 rights.
19111
19112 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
19113 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
19114 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
19115 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
19116 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
19117
19118 @cindex garbled pointers
19119 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
19120 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
19121 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
19122 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
19123 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
19124 debugged program's data segment:
19125
19126 @smallexample
19127 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
19128 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
19129 @end smallexample
19130
19131 @noindent
19132 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
19133 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
19134
19135 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
19136 @item info dos pde
19137 @itemx info dos pte
19138 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
19139 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
19140 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
19141 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
19142 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
19143 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
19144 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
19145 that is currently in use.
19146
19147 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
19148 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
19149 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
19150 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
19151 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
19152 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
19153 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
19154
19155 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
19156 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
19157 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
19158 controller.
19159
19160 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
19161
19162 @cindex physical address from linear address
19163 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
19164 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
19165 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
19166 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
19167 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
19168 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
19169 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
19170
19171 @smallexample
19172 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
19173 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
19174 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
19175 @end smallexample
19176
19177 @noindent
19178 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
19179 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
19180 attributes of that page.
19181
19182 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
19183 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
19184 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
19185 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
19186 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
19187 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
19188
19189 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
19190 transfer buffer:
19191
19192 @smallexample
19193 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
19194 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
19195 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
19196 @end smallexample
19197
19198 @noindent
19199 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
19200 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
19201 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
19202 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
19203 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
19204
19205 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
19206 @end table
19207
19208 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
19209 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
19210 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
19211 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
19212
19213 @table @code
19214 @kindex set com1base
19215 @kindex set com1irq
19216 @kindex set com2base
19217 @kindex set com2irq
19218 @kindex set com3base
19219 @kindex set com3irq
19220 @kindex set com4base
19221 @kindex set com4irq
19222 @item set com1base @var{addr}
19223 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
19224 port.
19225
19226 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
19227 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
19228 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
19229
19230 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
19231 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
19232 other 3 COM ports.
19233
19234 @kindex show com1base
19235 @kindex show com1irq
19236 @kindex show com2base
19237 @kindex show com2irq
19238 @kindex show com3base
19239 @kindex show com3irq
19240 @kindex show com4base
19241 @kindex show com4irq
19242 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
19243 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
19244 lines used by the COM ports.
19245
19246 @item info serial
19247 @kindex info serial
19248 @cindex DOS serial port status
19249 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
19250 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
19251 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
19252 counts of various errors encountered so far.
19253 @end table
19254
19255
19256 @node Cygwin Native
19257 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
19258 @cindex MS Windows debugging
19259 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
19260 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
19261
19262 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
19263 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
19264
19265 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
19266 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
19267 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
19268 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
19269 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
19270 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
19271 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
19272 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
19273
19274 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
19275 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
19276 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
19277
19278 @table @code
19279 @kindex info w32
19280 @item info w32
19281 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
19282 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19283
19284 @item info w32 selector
19285 This command displays information returned by
19286 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
19287 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
19288 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
19289 Without argument, this command displays information
19290 about the six segment registers.
19291
19292 @item info w32 thread-information-block
19293 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
19294 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
19295 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
19296
19297 @kindex info dll
19298 @item info dll
19299 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
19300
19301 @kindex dll-symbols
19302 @item dll-symbols
19303 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
19304 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
19305
19306 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
19307 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
19308 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
19309 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
19310 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
19311 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
19312 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
19313 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
19314 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
19315 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
19316 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
19317
19318 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
19319 @item show cygwin-exceptions
19320 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
19321 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
19322
19323 @kindex set new-console
19324 @item set new-console @var{mode}
19325 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
19326 be started in a new console on next start.
19327 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
19328 be started in the same console as the debugger.
19329
19330 @kindex show new-console
19331 @item show new-console
19332 Displays whether a new console is used
19333 when the debuggee is started.
19334
19335 @kindex set new-group
19336 @item set new-group @var{mode}
19337 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
19338 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
19339 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
19340 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
19341
19342 @kindex show new-group
19343 @item show new-group
19344 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
19345
19346 @kindex set debugevents
19347 @item set debugevents
19348 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
19349 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
19350 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
19351 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
19352 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
19353
19354 @kindex set debugexec
19355 @item set debugexec
19356 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
19357 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
19358
19359 @kindex set debugexceptions
19360 @item set debugexceptions
19361 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
19362 debuggee seen by the debugger.
19363
19364 @kindex set debugmemory
19365 @item set debugmemory
19366 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
19367 and writes by the debugger.
19368
19369 @kindex set shell
19370 @item set shell
19371 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
19372 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
19373
19374 @kindex show shell
19375 @item show shell
19376 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
19377
19378 @end table
19379
19380 @menu
19381 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
19382 @end menu
19383
19384 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
19385 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
19386 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
19387 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
19388
19389 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
19390 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
19391 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
19392 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
19393 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
19394 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
19395 ``minimal symbols''.
19396
19397 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
19398 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
19399 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
19400 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
19401 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
19402 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
19403 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
19404 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
19405 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
19406 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
19407
19408 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
19409
19410 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
19411 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
19412 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
19413 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
19414 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
19415 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
19416 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
19417 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
19418 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
19419
19420 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
19421 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
19422 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
19423 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
19424 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
19425 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
19426
19427 @smallexample
19428 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
19429 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
19430
19431 Non-debugging symbols:
19432 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
19433 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
19434 @end smallexample
19435
19436 @smallexample
19437 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
19438 All functions matching regular expression "!":
19439
19440 Non-debugging symbols:
19441 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
19442 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
19443 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
19444 [etc...]
19445 @end smallexample
19446
19447 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
19448
19449 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
19450 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
19451 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
19452 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
19453 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
19454 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
19455 a function within a DLL without a running program.
19456
19457 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
19458 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
19459 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
19460 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
19461 problem:
19462
19463 @smallexample
19464 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
19465 $1 = 268572168
19466 @end smallexample
19467
19468 @smallexample
19469 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
19470 0x10021610: "\230y\""
19471 @end smallexample
19472
19473 And two possible solutions:
19474
19475 @smallexample
19476 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
19477 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19478 @end smallexample
19479
19480 @smallexample
19481 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
19482 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
19483 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
19484 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
19485 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
19486 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19487 @end smallexample
19488
19489 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
19490 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
19491 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
19492 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
19493 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
19494
19495 @smallexample
19496 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
19497 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
19498 @end smallexample
19499
19500 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
19501 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
19502 safe.
19503
19504 @node Hurd Native
19505 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
19506 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
19507
19508 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
19509 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
19510
19511 @table @code
19512 @item set signals
19513 @itemx set sigs
19514 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
19515 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19516 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
19517 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
19518 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
19519 @code{signals}.
19520
19521 @item show signals
19522 @itemx show sigs
19523 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
19524 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19525 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
19526
19527 @item set signal-thread
19528 @itemx set sigthread
19529 @kindex set signal-thread
19530 @kindex set sigthread
19531 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
19532 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
19533 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
19534 signal-thread}.
19535
19536 @item show signal-thread
19537 @itemx show sigthread
19538 @kindex show signal-thread
19539 @kindex show sigthread
19540 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
19541 delivered a signal.
19542
19543 @item set stopped
19544 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19545 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
19546 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
19547 continued by delivering a signal to it.
19548
19549 @item show stopped
19550 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19551 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
19552 stopped.
19553
19554 @item set exceptions
19555 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19556 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
19557 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
19558 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
19559 trapping on.
19560
19561 @item show exceptions
19562 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19563 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
19564
19565 @item set task pause
19566 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
19567 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19568 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19569 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
19570 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
19571 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
19572 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
19573 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
19574 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
19575
19576 @item show task pause
19577 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
19578 Show the current state of task suspension.
19579
19580 @item set task detach-suspend-count
19581 @cindex task suspend count
19582 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19583 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
19584 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
19585
19586 @item show task detach-suspend-count
19587 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
19588
19589 @item set task exception-port
19590 @itemx set task excp
19591 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19592 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
19593 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
19594 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
19595
19596 @item set noninvasive
19597 @cindex noninvasive task options
19598 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
19599 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
19600 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
19601 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
19602
19603 @item info send-rights
19604 @itemx info receive-rights
19605 @itemx info port-rights
19606 @itemx info port-sets
19607 @itemx info dead-names
19608 @itemx info ports
19609 @itemx info psets
19610 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19611 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19612 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19613 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19614 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19615 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
19616 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
19617 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
19618 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
19619
19620 @item set thread pause
19621 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
19622 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19623 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19624 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
19625 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
19626 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
19627 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
19628 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
19629 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
19630 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
19631 only the current thread.
19632
19633 @item show thread pause
19634 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
19635 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
19636
19637 @item set thread run
19638 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19639
19640 @item show thread run
19641 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19642
19643 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
19644 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19645 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19646 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
19647 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
19648 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
19649 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
19650
19651 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
19652 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
19653 detaching.
19654
19655 @item set thread exception-port
19656 @itemx set thread excp
19657 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
19658 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
19659 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
19660
19661 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
19662 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
19663 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
19664 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
19665
19666 @item set thread default
19667 @itemx show thread default
19668 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19669 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
19670 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
19671 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
19672 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
19673 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
19674 the non-default commands.
19675 @end table
19676
19677 @node Darwin
19678 @subsection Darwin
19679 @cindex Darwin
19680
19681 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
19682
19683 @table @code
19684 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
19685 @kindex set debug darwin
19686 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
19687 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
19688
19689 @item show debug darwin
19690 @kindex show debug darwin
19691 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
19692
19693 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
19694 @kindex set debug mach-o
19695 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
19696 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
19697 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
19698 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
19699 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
19700 usage.
19701
19702 @item show debug mach-o
19703 @kindex show debug mach-o
19704 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
19705
19706 @item set mach-exceptions on
19707 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
19708 @kindex set mach-exceptions
19709 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
19710 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
19711 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
19712 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
19713
19714 @item show mach-exceptions
19715 @kindex show mach-exceptions
19716 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
19717 @end table
19718
19719
19720 @node Embedded OS
19721 @section Embedded Operating Systems
19722
19723 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
19724 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
19725 architectures.
19726
19727 @menu
19728 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19729 @end menu
19730
19731 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
19732 various real-time operating systems.
19733
19734 @node VxWorks
19735 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19736
19737 @cindex VxWorks
19738
19739 @table @code
19740
19741 @kindex target vxworks
19742 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
19743 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
19744 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
19745
19746 @end table
19747
19748 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
19749 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
19750
19751 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
19752 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
19753 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
19754 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
19755 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
19756 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
19757 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
19758
19759 @table @code
19760 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
19761 @kindex vxworks-timeout
19762 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
19763 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
19764 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
19765 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
19766 of a thin network line.
19767 @end table
19768
19769 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
19770 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
19771 procedures.
19772
19773 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
19774 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
19775 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
19776 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
19777 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
19778 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
19779 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
19780 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
19781 manual.
19782 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
19783
19784 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
19785 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
19786 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
19787 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
19788
19789 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
19790
19791 @smallexample
19792 (vxgdb)
19793 @end smallexample
19794
19795 @menu
19796 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
19797 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
19798 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
19799 @end menu
19800
19801 @node VxWorks Connection
19802 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
19803
19804 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
19805 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
19806
19807 @smallexample
19808 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
19809 @end smallexample
19810
19811 @need 750
19812 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
19813
19814 @smallexample
19815 Attaching remote machine across net...
19816 Connected to tt.
19817 @end smallexample
19818
19819 @need 1000
19820 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
19821 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
19822 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
19823 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
19824 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
19825
19826 @smallexample
19827 prog.o: No such file or directory.
19828 @end smallexample
19829
19830 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
19831 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
19832 command again.
19833
19834 @node VxWorks Download
19835 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
19836
19837 @cindex download to VxWorks
19838 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
19839 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
19840 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
19841 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
19842 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
19843 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
19844 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
19845 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
19846 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
19847 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
19848 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
19849 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
19850 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
19851 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
19852 program, type this on VxWorks:
19853
19854 @smallexample
19855 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
19856 @end smallexample
19857
19858 @noindent
19859 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
19860
19861 @smallexample
19862 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
19863 (vxgdb) load prog.o
19864 @end smallexample
19865
19866 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
19867
19868 @smallexample
19869 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
19870 @end smallexample
19871
19872 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
19873 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
19874 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
19875 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
19876 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
19877 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
19878 table.)
19879
19880 @node VxWorks Attach
19881 @subsubsection Running Tasks
19882
19883 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
19884 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
19885 follows:
19886
19887 @smallexample
19888 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
19889 @end smallexample
19890
19891 @noindent
19892 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
19893 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
19894 the time of attachment.
19895
19896 @node Embedded Processors
19897 @section Embedded Processors
19898
19899 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
19900 configurations.
19901
19902 @cindex send command to simulator
19903 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
19904 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
19905
19906 @table @code
19907 @item sim @var{command}
19908 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
19909 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
19910 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
19911 acceptable commands.
19912 @end table
19913
19914
19915 @menu
19916 * ARM:: ARM RDI
19917 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
19918 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
19919 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
19920 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
19921 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
19922 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
19923 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
19924 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
19925 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
19926 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
19927 * CRIS:: CRIS
19928 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
19929 @end menu
19930
19931 @node ARM
19932 @subsection ARM
19933 @cindex ARM RDI
19934
19935 @table @code
19936 @kindex target rdi
19937 @item target rdi @var{dev}
19938 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
19939 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
19940 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
19941
19942 @kindex target rdp
19943 @item target rdp @var{dev}
19944 ARM Demon monitor.
19945
19946 @end table
19947
19948 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
19949
19950 @table @code
19951 @item set arm disassembler
19952 @kindex set arm
19953 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
19954 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
19955
19956 @item show arm disassembler
19957 @kindex show arm
19958 Show the current disassembly style.
19959
19960 @item set arm apcs32
19961 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
19962 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
19963
19964 @item show arm apcs32
19965 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
19966
19967 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
19968 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
19969 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
19970
19971 @table @code
19972 @item auto
19973 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
19974 @item softfpa
19975 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
19976 processors.
19977 @item fpa
19978 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
19979 @item softvfp
19980 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
19981 @item vfp
19982 VFP co-processor.
19983 @end table
19984
19985 @item show arm fpu
19986 Show the current type of the FPU.
19987
19988 @item set arm abi
19989 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
19990
19991 @item show arm abi
19992 Show the currently used ABI.
19993
19994 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
19995 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
19996 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
19997 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
19998 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
19999 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
20000 register).
20001
20002 @item show arm fallback-mode
20003 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
20004
20005 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20006 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
20007 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
20008 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
20009 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
20010
20011 @item show arm force-mode
20012 Show the current forced instruction mode.
20013
20014 @item set debug arm
20015 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
20016 target support subsystem.
20017
20018 @item show debug arm
20019 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
20020 @end table
20021
20022 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
20023 using the RDI interface:
20024
20025 @table @code
20026 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20027 @kindex rdilogfile
20028 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
20029 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
20030 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
20031 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
20032 @file{rdi.log}.
20033
20034 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
20035 @kindex rdilogenable
20036 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
20037 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
20038 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
20039 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
20040 are logged to a file.
20041
20042 @item set rdiromatzero
20043 @kindex set rdiromatzero
20044 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
20045 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
20046 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
20047 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
20048 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
20049
20050 @item show rdiromatzero
20051 @kindex show rdiromatzero
20052 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
20053
20054 @item set rdiheartbeat
20055 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
20056 @cindex RDI heartbeat
20057 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
20058 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
20059 well as the Angel monitor.
20060
20061 @item show rdiheartbeat
20062 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
20063 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
20064 @end table
20065
20066 @table @code
20067 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
20068 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
20069
20070 @table @code
20071 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
20072 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
20073 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
20074 The default value is @code{all}.
20075
20076 @table @code
20077 @item none
20078 @item demon
20079 @item angel
20080 @item redboot
20081 @item all
20082 @end table
20083 @end table
20084 @end table
20085
20086 @node M32R/D
20087 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
20088
20089 @table @code
20090 @kindex target m32r
20091 @item target m32r @var{dev}
20092 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
20093
20094 @kindex target m32rsdi
20095 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
20096 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
20097 @end table
20098
20099 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
20100
20101 @table @code
20102 @item set download-path @var{path}
20103 @kindex set download-path
20104 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
20105 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20106
20107 @item show download-path
20108 @kindex show download-path
20109 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20110
20111 @item set board-address @var{addr}
20112 @kindex set board-address
20113 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
20114 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
20115
20116 @item show board-address
20117 @kindex show board-address
20118 Show the current IP address of the target board.
20119
20120 @item set server-address @var{addr}
20121 @kindex set server-address
20122 @cindex download server address (M32R)
20123 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
20124 host machine.
20125
20126 @item show server-address
20127 @kindex show server-address
20128 Display the IP address of the download server.
20129
20130 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20131 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
20132 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
20133 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
20134 executable file is uploaded.
20135
20136 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20137 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
20138 Test the @code{upload} command.
20139 @end table
20140
20141 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
20142
20143 @table @code
20144 @item sdireset
20145 @kindex sdireset
20146 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
20147 This command resets the SDI connection.
20148
20149 @item sdistatus
20150 @kindex sdistatus
20151 This command shows the SDI connection status.
20152
20153 @item debug_chaos
20154 @kindex debug_chaos
20155 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
20156 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
20157
20158 @item use_debug_dma
20159 @kindex use_debug_dma
20160 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
20161
20162 @item use_mon_code
20163 @kindex use_mon_code
20164 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
20165
20166 @item use_ib_break
20167 @kindex use_ib_break
20168 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
20169
20170 @item use_dbt_break
20171 @kindex use_dbt_break
20172 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
20173 @end table
20174
20175 @node M68K
20176 @subsection M68k
20177
20178 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
20179 target command for the following ROM monitor.
20180
20181 @table @code
20182
20183 @kindex target dbug
20184 @item target dbug @var{dev}
20185 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
20186
20187 @end table
20188
20189 @node MicroBlaze
20190 @subsection MicroBlaze
20191 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
20192 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
20193
20194 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
20195 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
20196 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
20197 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
20198 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
20199 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
20200 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
20201 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
20202 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
20203 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
20204 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
20205
20206 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
20207
20208 @table @code
20209 @item target remote :1234
20210 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
20211 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
20212
20213 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
20214 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
20215 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
20216
20217 @item load
20218 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
20219
20220 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
20221 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
20222
20223 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
20224 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
20225 @end table
20226
20227 @node MIPS Embedded
20228 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
20229
20230 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
20231 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
20232 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
20233 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
20234
20235 @need 1000
20236 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
20237
20238 @table @code
20239 @item target mips @var{port}
20240 @kindex target mips @var{port}
20241 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
20242 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
20243 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
20244 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
20245 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
20246 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
20247
20248 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
20249 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
20250 debugger:
20251
20252 @smallexample
20253 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
20254 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
20255 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
20256 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
20257 (@value{GDBP}) run
20258 @end smallexample
20259
20260 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
20261 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
20262 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
20263 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
20264 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
20265
20266 @item target pmon @var{port}
20267 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
20268 PMON ROM monitor.
20269
20270 @item target ddb @var{port}
20271 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
20272 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
20273
20274 @item target lsi @var{port}
20275 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
20276 LSI variant of PMON.
20277
20278 @kindex target r3900
20279 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
20280 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
20281
20282 @kindex target array
20283 @item target array @var{dev}
20284 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
20285
20286 @end table
20287
20288
20289 @noindent
20290 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
20291
20292 @table @code
20293 @item set mipsfpu double
20294 @itemx set mipsfpu single
20295 @itemx set mipsfpu none
20296 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
20297 @itemx show mipsfpu
20298 @kindex set mipsfpu
20299 @kindex show mipsfpu
20300 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
20301 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
20302 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
20303 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
20304 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
20305 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
20306 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
20307 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
20308 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
20309 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
20310 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
20311 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
20312 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
20313
20314 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
20315 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
20316 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
20317
20318 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
20319 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
20320
20321 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
20322 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
20323 @itemx show timeout
20324 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
20325 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20326 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20327 @kindex set timeout
20328 @kindex show timeout
20329 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
20330 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
20331 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
20332 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
20333 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
20334 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
20335 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
20336 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
20337 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
20338 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
20339
20340 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
20341 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
20342 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
20343 to run before stopping.
20344
20345 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
20346 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20347 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
20348 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
20349 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
20350 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
20351
20352 @item show syn-garbage-limit
20353 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20354 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
20355 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
20356
20357 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
20358 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20359 @cindex remote monitor prompt
20360 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
20361 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
20362 @table @asis
20363 @item pmon target
20364 @samp{PMON}
20365 @item ddb target
20366 @samp{NEC010}
20367 @item lsi target
20368 @samp{PMON>}
20369 @end table
20370
20371 @item show monitor-prompt
20372 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20373 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
20374 remote monitor.
20375
20376 @item set monitor-warnings
20377 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20378 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
20379 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
20380 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
20381 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
20382
20383 @item show monitor-warnings
20384 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20385 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
20386
20387 @item pmon @var{command}
20388 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20389 @cindex send PMON command
20390 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
20391 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
20392 @end table
20393
20394 @node PowerPC Embedded
20395 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20396
20397 @cindex DVC register
20398 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20399 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20400
20401 @smallexample
20402 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20403 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20404 @end smallexample
20405
20406 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20407 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20408 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20409 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20410 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20411 or newer.
20412
20413 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20414 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20415 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20416 watching variables of scalar types.
20417
20418 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20419 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20420
20421 @smallexample
20422 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20423 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20424 @end smallexample
20425
20426 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20427 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20428
20429 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20430 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20431 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20432 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20433 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20434 use the @code{break-range} command.
20435
20436 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20437
20438 @table @code
20439 @kindex break-range
20440 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20441 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20442 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20443 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20444 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20445 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20446 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20447 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20448 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20449
20450 @kindex set powerpc
20451 @item set powerpc soft-float
20452 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20453 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20454 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20455 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20456
20457 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20458 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20459 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20460 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20461 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20462 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20463 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20464 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20465
20466 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20467 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20468 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20469 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20470 address of its first byte.
20471
20472 @kindex target dink32
20473 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20474 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20475
20476 @kindex target ppcbug
20477 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
20478 @kindex target ppcbug1
20479 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
20480 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
20481
20482 @kindex target sds
20483 @item target sds @var{dev}
20484 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
20485 @end table
20486
20487 @cindex SDS protocol
20488 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
20489 by @value{GDBN}:
20490
20491 @table @code
20492 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
20493 @kindex set sdstimeout
20494 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
20495 default is 2 seconds.
20496
20497 @item show sdstimeout
20498 @kindex show sdstimeout
20499 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
20500
20501 @item sds @var{command}
20502 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
20503 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
20504 @end table
20505
20506
20507 @node PA
20508 @subsection HP PA Embedded
20509
20510 @table @code
20511
20512 @kindex target op50n
20513 @item target op50n @var{dev}
20514 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
20515
20516 @kindex target w89k
20517 @item target w89k @var{dev}
20518 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
20519
20520 @end table
20521
20522 @node Sparclet
20523 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
20524
20525 @cindex Sparclet
20526
20527 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
20528 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
20529 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20530 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
20531 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
20532
20533 @table @code
20534 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
20535 @kindex remotetimeout
20536 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
20537 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20538 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
20539 @end table
20540
20541 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
20542 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
20543 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
20544 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
20545 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
20546
20547 @smallexample
20548 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
20549 @end smallexample
20550
20551 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
20552
20553 @smallexample
20554 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
20555 @end smallexample
20556
20557 @cindex running, on Sparclet
20558 Once you have set
20559 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20560 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
20561 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
20562
20563 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20564
20565 @smallexample
20566 (gdbslet)
20567 @end smallexample
20568
20569 @menu
20570 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
20571 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
20572 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
20573 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
20574 @end menu
20575
20576 @node Sparclet File
20577 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
20578
20579 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
20580
20581 @smallexample
20582 (gdbslet) file prog
20583 @end smallexample
20584
20585 @need 1000
20586 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
20587 @value{GDBN} locates
20588 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
20589 path.
20590 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
20591 files will be searched as well.
20592 @value{GDBN} locates
20593 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
20594 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
20595 If it fails
20596 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
20597
20598 @smallexample
20599 prog: No such file or directory.
20600 @end smallexample
20601
20602 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
20603 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
20604 @code{target} command again.
20605
20606 @node Sparclet Connection
20607 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
20608
20609 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
20610 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
20611
20612 @smallexample
20613 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
20614 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
20615 main () at ../prog.c:3
20616 @end smallexample
20617
20618 @need 750
20619 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20620
20621 @smallexample
20622 Connected to ttya.
20623 @end smallexample
20624
20625 @node Sparclet Download
20626 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
20627
20628 @cindex download to Sparclet
20629 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
20630 you can use the @value{GDBN}
20631 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
20632 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
20633 command.
20634 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
20635 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
20636 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
20637 of each of the file's sections.
20638 For instance, if the program
20639 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
20640 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20641
20642 @smallexample
20643 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
20644 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
20645 @end smallexample
20646
20647 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
20648 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
20649 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
20650
20651 @node Sparclet Execution
20652 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
20653
20654 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
20655 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
20656 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
20657 manual for the list of commands.
20658
20659 @smallexample
20660 (gdbslet) b main
20661 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
20662 (gdbslet) run
20663 Starting program: prog
20664 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
20665 3 char *symarg = 0;
20666 (gdbslet) step
20667 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
20668 (gdbslet)
20669 @end smallexample
20670
20671 @node Sparclite
20672 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
20673
20674 @table @code
20675
20676 @kindex target sparclite
20677 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
20678 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
20679 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
20680 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
20681 remote protocol.
20682
20683 @end table
20684
20685 @node Z8000
20686 @subsection Zilog Z8000
20687
20688 @cindex Z8000
20689 @cindex simulator, Z8000
20690 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
20691
20692 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
20693 a Z8000 simulator.
20694
20695 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
20696 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
20697 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
20698 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
20699
20700 @table @code
20701 @item target sim @var{args}
20702 @kindex sim
20703 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
20704 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
20705 options, specify them via @var{args}.
20706 @end table
20707
20708 @noindent
20709 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
20710 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
20711 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
20712 to run your program, and so on.
20713
20714 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
20715 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
20716 additional items of information as specially named registers:
20717
20718 @table @code
20719
20720 @item cycles
20721 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
20722
20723 @item insts
20724 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
20725
20726 @item time
20727 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
20728
20729 @end table
20730
20731 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
20732 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
20733 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
20734 simulated clock ticks.
20735
20736 @node AVR
20737 @subsection Atmel AVR
20738 @cindex AVR
20739
20740 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
20741 following AVR-specific commands:
20742
20743 @table @code
20744 @item info io_registers
20745 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
20746 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
20747 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
20748 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
20749 @end table
20750
20751 @node CRIS
20752 @subsection CRIS
20753 @cindex CRIS
20754
20755 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
20756 following CRIS-specific commands:
20757
20758 @table @code
20759 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
20760 @cindex CRIS version
20761 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
20762 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
20763 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
20764
20765 @item show cris-version
20766 Show the current CRIS version.
20767
20768 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
20769 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
20770 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
20771 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
20772 @code{R59}.
20773
20774 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
20775 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
20776
20777 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
20778 @cindex CRIS mode
20779 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
20780 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
20781 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
20782
20783 @item show cris-mode
20784 Show the current CRIS mode.
20785 @end table
20786
20787 @node Super-H
20788 @subsection Renesas Super-H
20789 @cindex Super-H
20790
20791 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
20792 commands:
20793
20794 @table @code
20795 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
20796 @kindex set sh calling-convention
20797 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
20798 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
20799 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
20800 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
20801 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
20802 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
20803 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
20804 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
20805 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
20806 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
20807
20808 @item show sh calling-convention
20809 @kindex show sh calling-convention
20810 Show the current calling convention setting.
20811
20812 @end table
20813
20814
20815 @node Architectures
20816 @section Architectures
20817
20818 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
20819 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
20820
20821 @menu
20822 * AArch64::
20823 * i386::
20824 * Alpha::
20825 * MIPS::
20826 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
20827 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
20828 * PowerPC::
20829 @end menu
20830
20831 @node AArch64
20832 @subsection AArch64
20833 @cindex AArch64 support
20834
20835 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
20836 following special commands:
20837
20838 @table @code
20839 @item set debug aarch64
20840 @kindex set debug aarch64
20841 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
20842 messages are to be displayed.
20843
20844 @item show debug aarch64
20845 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
20846
20847 @end table
20848
20849 @node i386
20850 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
20851
20852 @table @code
20853 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
20854 @kindex set struct-convention
20855 @cindex struct return convention
20856 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
20857 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
20858 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
20859 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
20860 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
20861 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
20862 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
20863 be returned in a register.
20864
20865 @item show struct-convention
20866 @kindex show struct-convention
20867 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
20868 from functions.
20869 @end table
20870
20871 @node Alpha
20872 @subsection Alpha
20873
20874 See the following section.
20875
20876 @node MIPS
20877 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
20878
20879 @cindex stack on Alpha
20880 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
20881 @cindex Alpha stack
20882 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
20883 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
20884 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
20885 find the beginning of a function.
20886
20887 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
20888 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
20889 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
20890 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
20891 commands:
20892
20893 @table @code
20894 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
20895 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
20896 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
20897 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
20898 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
20899 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
20900 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
20901 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
20902
20903 @item show heuristic-fence-post
20904 Display the current limit.
20905 @end table
20906
20907 @noindent
20908 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
20909 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
20910
20911 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
20912 programs:
20913
20914 @table @code
20915 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
20916 @kindex set mips abi
20917 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
20918 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
20919 values of @var{arg} are:
20920
20921 @table @samp
20922 @item auto
20923 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
20924 default).
20925 @item o32
20926 @item o64
20927 @item n32
20928 @item n64
20929 @item eabi32
20930 @item eabi64
20931 @end table
20932
20933 @item show mips abi
20934 @kindex show mips abi
20935 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20936
20937 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
20938 @kindex set mips compression
20939 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
20940 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
20941 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
20942 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
20943 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
20944 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
20945 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
20946 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
20947 provided by the executable.
20948
20949 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
20950 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
20951 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
20952 identified as such.
20953
20954 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
20955 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
20956 implicitly from an executable.
20957
20958 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
20959 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
20960 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
20961 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
20962 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
20963
20964 @item show mips compression
20965 @kindex show mips compression
20966 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
20967 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20968
20969 @item set mipsfpu
20970 @itemx show mipsfpu
20971 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
20972
20973 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
20974 @kindex set mips mask-address
20975 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
20976 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
20977 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
20978 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
20979 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
20980
20981 @item show mips mask-address
20982 @kindex show mips mask-address
20983 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
20984 not.
20985
20986 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20987 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20988 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
20989 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
20990 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
20991 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
20992
20993 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20994 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20995 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
20996
20997 @item set debug mips
20998 @kindex set debug mips
20999 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
21000 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21001
21002 @item show debug mips
21003 @kindex show debug mips
21004 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
21005 @end table
21006
21007
21008 @node HPPA
21009 @subsection HPPA
21010 @cindex HPPA support
21011
21012 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
21013 following special commands:
21014
21015 @table @code
21016 @item set debug hppa
21017 @kindex set debug hppa
21018 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
21019 messages are to be displayed.
21020
21021 @item show debug hppa
21022 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
21023
21024 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
21025 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
21026 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
21027 given @var{address}.
21028
21029 @end table
21030
21031
21032 @node SPU
21033 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21034 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
21035 @cindex SPU
21036
21037 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
21038 it provides the following special commands:
21039
21040 @table @code
21041 @item info spu event
21042 @kindex info spu
21043 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
21044 and pending event status.
21045
21046 @item info spu signal
21047 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
21048 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
21049 notification channels.
21050
21051 @item info spu mailbox
21052 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
21053 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
21054 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
21055
21056 @item info spu dma
21057 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21058 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21059 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21060
21061 @item info spu proxydma
21062 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21063 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21064 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21065
21066 @end table
21067
21068 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
21069 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
21070 special commands:
21071
21072 @table @code
21073 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
21074 @kindex set spu
21075 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
21076 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
21077 function. The default is @code{off}.
21078
21079 @item show spu stop-on-load
21080 @kindex show spu
21081 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
21082
21083 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
21084 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
21085 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
21086 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
21087 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
21088 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
21089
21090 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
21091 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
21092
21093 @end table
21094
21095 @node PowerPC
21096 @subsection PowerPC
21097 @cindex PowerPC architecture
21098
21099 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
21100 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
21101 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
21102 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
21103 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
21104
21105 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
21106 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
21107 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
21108
21109 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
21110 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
21111
21112
21113 @node Controlling GDB
21114 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
21115
21116 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
21117 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
21118 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
21119 described here.
21120
21121 @menu
21122 * Prompt:: Prompt
21123 * Editing:: Command editing
21124 * Command History:: Command history
21125 * Screen Size:: Screen size
21126 * Numbers:: Numbers
21127 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
21128 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
21129 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
21130 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
21131 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
21132 @end menu
21133
21134 @node Prompt
21135 @section Prompt
21136
21137 @cindex prompt
21138
21139 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
21140 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
21141 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
21142 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
21143 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
21144 which one you are talking to.
21145
21146 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
21147 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
21148 or a prompt that does not.
21149
21150 @table @code
21151 @kindex set prompt
21152 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
21153 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
21154
21155 @kindex show prompt
21156 @item show prompt
21157 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
21158 @end table
21159
21160 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
21161 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
21162 are:
21163
21164 @table @code
21165 @kindex set extended-prompt
21166 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
21167 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
21168 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
21169 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
21170 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
21171 is displayed.
21172
21173 For example:
21174
21175 @smallexample
21176 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
21177 @end smallexample
21178
21179 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
21180 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
21181
21182 @kindex show extended-prompt
21183 @item show extended-prompt
21184 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
21185 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
21186 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
21187 @end table
21188
21189 @node Editing
21190 @section Command Editing
21191 @cindex readline
21192 @cindex command line editing
21193
21194 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
21195 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
21196 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
21197 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
21198 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
21199 debugging sessions.
21200
21201 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
21202 command @code{set}.
21203
21204 @table @code
21205 @kindex set editing
21206 @cindex editing
21207 @item set editing
21208 @itemx set editing on
21209 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
21210
21211 @item set editing off
21212 Disable command line editing.
21213
21214 @kindex show editing
21215 @item show editing
21216 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
21217 @end table
21218
21219 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21220 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
21221 @end ifset
21222 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21223 @xref{Command Line Editing},
21224 @end ifclear
21225 for more details about the Readline
21226 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
21227 encouraged to read that chapter.
21228
21229 @node Command History
21230 @section Command History
21231 @cindex command history
21232
21233 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
21234 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
21235 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
21236 history facility.
21237
21238 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
21239 package, to provide the history facility.
21240 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21241 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
21242 @end ifset
21243 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21244 @xref{Using History Interactively},
21245 @end ifclear
21246 for the detailed description of the History library.
21247
21248 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
21249 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
21250 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
21251 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
21252 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
21253 pressed on a line by itself.
21254
21255 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
21256 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
21257 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
21258 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
21259
21260 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
21261 history.
21262
21263 @table @code
21264 @cindex history substitution
21265 @cindex history file
21266 @kindex set history filename
21267 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
21268 @item set history filename @var{fname}
21269 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
21270 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
21271 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
21272 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
21273 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
21274 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
21275 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
21276 is not set.
21277
21278 @cindex save command history
21279 @kindex set history save
21280 @item set history save
21281 @itemx set history save on
21282 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
21283 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
21284
21285 @item set history save off
21286 Stop recording command history in a file.
21287
21288 @cindex history size
21289 @kindex set history size
21290 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
21291 @item set history size @var{size}
21292 @itemx set history size unlimited
21293 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
21294 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
21295 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set. If @var{size}
21296 is @code{unlimited}, the number of commands @value{GDBN} keeps in the
21297 history list is unlimited.
21298 @end table
21299
21300 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
21301 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21302 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
21303 @end ifset
21304 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21305 @xref{Event Designators},
21306 @end ifclear
21307 for more details.
21308
21309 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
21310 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
21311 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
21312 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
21313 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
21314 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
21315 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
21316 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
21317
21318 The commands to control history expansion are:
21319
21320 @table @code
21321 @item set history expansion on
21322 @itemx set history expansion
21323 @kindex set history expansion
21324 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
21325
21326 @item set history expansion off
21327 Disable history expansion.
21328
21329 @c @group
21330 @kindex show history
21331 @item show history
21332 @itemx show history filename
21333 @itemx show history save
21334 @itemx show history size
21335 @itemx show history expansion
21336 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
21337 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
21338 @c @end group
21339 @end table
21340
21341 @table @code
21342 @kindex show commands
21343 @cindex show last commands
21344 @cindex display command history
21345 @item show commands
21346 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
21347
21348 @item show commands @var{n}
21349 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
21350
21351 @item show commands +
21352 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
21353 @end table
21354
21355 @node Screen Size
21356 @section Screen Size
21357 @cindex size of screen
21358 @cindex pauses in output
21359
21360 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
21361 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
21362 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21363 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21364 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21365 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21366 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21367 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21368
21369 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21370 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21371 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21372 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21373 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21374 width} commands:
21375
21376 @table @code
21377 @kindex set height
21378 @kindex set width
21379 @kindex show width
21380 @kindex show height
21381 @item set height @var{lpp}
21382 @itemx set height unlimited
21383 @itemx show height
21384 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21385 @itemx set width unlimited
21386 @itemx show width
21387 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21388 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21389 commands display the current settings.
21390
21391 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
21392 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
21393 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
21394 buffer.
21395
21396 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
21397 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
21398
21399 @item set pagination on
21400 @itemx set pagination off
21401 @kindex set pagination
21402 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21403 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
21404 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21405 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21406
21407 @item show pagination
21408 @kindex show pagination
21409 Show the current pagination mode.
21410 @end table
21411
21412 @node Numbers
21413 @section Numbers
21414 @cindex number representation
21415 @cindex entering numbers
21416
21417 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21418 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21419 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21420 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21421 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21422 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21423 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
21424 both input and output with the commands described below.
21425
21426 @table @code
21427 @kindex set input-radix
21428 @item set input-radix @var{base}
21429 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
21430 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21431 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
21432 example, any of
21433
21434 @smallexample
21435 set input-radix 012
21436 set input-radix 10.
21437 set input-radix 0xa
21438 @end smallexample
21439
21440 @noindent
21441 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
21442 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
21443 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
21444 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
21445 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
21446 change the radix.
21447
21448 @kindex set output-radix
21449 @item set output-radix @var{base}
21450 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
21451 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21452 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
21453
21454 @kindex show input-radix
21455 @item show input-radix
21456 Display the current default base for numeric input.
21457
21458 @kindex show output-radix
21459 @item show output-radix
21460 Display the current default base for numeric display.
21461
21462 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
21463 @itemx show radix
21464 @kindex set radix
21465 @kindex show radix
21466 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
21467 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
21468 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
21469 default value of 10.
21470
21471 @end table
21472
21473 @node ABI
21474 @section Configuring the Current ABI
21475
21476 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
21477 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
21478 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
21479 current ABI.
21480
21481 @cindex OS ABI
21482 @kindex set osabi
21483 @kindex show osabi
21484 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
21485
21486 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
21487 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
21488 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
21489 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
21490 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
21491 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
21492 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
21493 platform provides.
21494
21495 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
21496 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
21497 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
21498 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
21499
21500 @table @code
21501 @item show osabi
21502 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
21503
21504 @item set osabi
21505 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
21506
21507 @item set osabi @var{abi}
21508 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
21509 @end table
21510
21511 @cindex float promotion
21512
21513 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
21514 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
21515 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
21516 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
21517 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
21518 @code{double} and then passed.
21519
21520 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
21521 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
21522 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
21523
21524 @table @code
21525 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
21526 @item set coerce-float-to-double
21527 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
21528 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
21529 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
21530
21531 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
21532 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
21533 functions.
21534
21535 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
21536 @item show coerce-float-to-double
21537 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
21538 @end table
21539
21540 @kindex set cp-abi
21541 @kindex show cp-abi
21542 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
21543 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
21544 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
21545 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
21546 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
21547 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
21548 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
21549 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
21550 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
21551 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
21552 ``auto''.
21553
21554 @table @code
21555 @item show cp-abi
21556 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
21557
21558 @item set cp-abi
21559 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
21560
21561 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
21562 @itemx set cp-abi auto
21563 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
21564 @end table
21565
21566 @node Auto-loading
21567 @section Automatically loading associated files
21568 @cindex auto-loading
21569
21570 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
21571 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
21572 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
21573 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
21574 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
21575 sources).
21576
21577 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
21578 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
21579 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21580
21581 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
21582 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
21583
21584 @table @code
21585 @anchor{set auto-load off}
21586 @kindex set auto-load off
21587 @item set auto-load off
21588 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
21589 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
21590 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
21591 @smallexample
21592 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
21593 @end smallexample
21594
21595 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
21596 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
21597 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
21598 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
21599 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
21600 @code{set auto-load no}.
21601
21602 @anchor{show auto-load}
21603 @kindex show auto-load
21604 @item show auto-load
21605 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
21606 or disabled.
21607
21608 @smallexample
21609 (gdb) show auto-load
21610 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
21611 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
21612 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
21613 is on.
21614 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
21615 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21616 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21617 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
21618 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21619 @end smallexample
21620
21621 @anchor{info auto-load}
21622 @kindex info auto-load
21623 @item info auto-load
21624 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
21625 not.
21626
21627 @smallexample
21628 (gdb) info auto-load
21629 gdb-scripts:
21630 Loaded Script
21631 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
21632 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
21633 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
21634 loaded.
21635 python-scripts:
21636 Loaded Script
21637 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
21638 @end smallexample
21639 @end table
21640
21641 These are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load:
21642
21643 @itemize @bullet
21644 @item
21645 @xref{objfile-gdb.py file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21646 @item
21647 @xref{objfile-gdb.gdb file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21648 @item
21649 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section},
21650 controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21651 @item
21652 @xref{Init File in the Current Directory},
21653 controlled by @ref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21654 @item
21655 @xref{libthread_db.so.1 file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21656 @end itemize
21657
21658 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
21659
21660 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
21661 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
21662 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
21663 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
21664 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
21665 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
21666 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
21667 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21668 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21669 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21670 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21671 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21672 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21673 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21674 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21675 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
21676 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21677 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
21678 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21679 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21680 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21681 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
21682 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21683 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21684 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
21685 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21686 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
21687 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21688 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
21689 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21690 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
21691 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
21692 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
21693 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
21694 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
21695 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
21696 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
21697 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
21698 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
21699 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
21700 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
21701 @end multitable
21702
21703 @menu
21704 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21705 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
21706 * objfile-gdb.gdb file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load gdb-script}
21707 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
21708 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
21709 @xref{Python Auto-loading}.
21710 @end menu
21711
21712 @node Init File in the Current Directory
21713 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
21714 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
21715
21716 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
21717 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
21718 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
21719
21720 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
21721 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21722
21723 @table @code
21724 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
21725 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
21726 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
21727 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
21728 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
21729
21730 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
21731 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
21732 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
21733 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21734 current directory is enabled or disabled.
21735
21736 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21737 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
21738 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
21739 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21740 current directory have been auto-loaded.
21741 @end table
21742
21743 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
21744 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
21745 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
21746
21747 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
21748
21749 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
21750 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
21751
21752 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
21753 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
21754 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
21755 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
21756 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
21757 library.
21758
21759 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
21760 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21761
21762 @table @code
21763 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
21764 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
21765 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
21766 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
21767
21768 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
21769 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
21770 @item show auto-load libthread-db
21771 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
21772 enabled or disabled.
21773
21774 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
21775 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
21776 @item info auto-load libthread-db
21777 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
21778 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
21779 @end table
21780
21781 @node objfile-gdb.gdb file
21782 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file
21783 @cindex auto-loading @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
21784
21785 @value{GDBN} tries to load an @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file containing
21786 canned sequences of commands (@pxref{Sequences}), as long as @samp{set
21787 auto-load gdb-scripts} is set to @samp{on}.
21788
21789 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
21790 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21791
21792 For more background refer to the similar Python scripts auto-loading
21793 description (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file}).
21794
21795 @table @code
21796 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
21797 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
21798 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
21799 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
21800
21801 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
21802 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
21803 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
21804 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
21805 disabled.
21806
21807 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
21808 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
21809 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
21810 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
21811 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
21812 auto-loaded.
21813 @end table
21814
21815 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
21816 matching names are printed.
21817
21818 @node Auto-loading safe path
21819 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
21820 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
21821
21822 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
21823 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
21824 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
21825 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
21826 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
21827
21828 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
21829 get loaded:
21830
21831 @smallexample
21832 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
21833 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
21834 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
21835 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21836 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21837 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
21838 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21839 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21840 @end smallexample
21841
21842 @noindent
21843 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
21844 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
21845
21846 @smallexample
21847 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
21848 @end smallexample
21849
21850 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
21851
21852 @table @code
21853 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
21854 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
21855 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
21856 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
21857 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
21858 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
21859 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
21860 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
21861 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
21862 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
21863
21864 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
21865 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
21866 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
21867
21868 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
21869 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
21870 @item show auto-load safe-path
21871 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
21872 scripts.
21873
21874 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
21875 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
21876 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
21877 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
21878 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
21879 host platform path separator in use.
21880 @end table
21881
21882 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
21883 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
21884 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21885 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
21886 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
21887
21888 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
21889 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
21890 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
21891 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
21892 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
21893 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
21894 init file in the current directory
21895 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
21896
21897 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
21898 example, you could use one of the following ways:
21899
21900 @table @asis
21901 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
21902 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
21903 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
21904 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
21905
21906 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
21907 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
21908 @value{GDBN} session.
21909
21910 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
21911 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21912 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
21913 from trusted sources.
21914
21915 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
21916 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
21917 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
21918 trusted sources.
21919 @end table
21920
21921 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
21922 also suppresses any such warning messages:
21923
21924 @table @asis
21925 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
21926 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21927
21928 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
21929 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
21930 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
21931 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
21932 @end table
21933
21934 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
21935 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
21936 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
21937 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
21938 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
21939 recommended to be entered.
21940
21941 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
21942 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
21943 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
21944
21945 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
21946 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
21947 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
21948 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
21949 be printed.
21950
21951 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21952 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
21953 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
21954
21955 @smallexample
21956 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
21957 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
21958 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
21959 for objfile "/tmp/true".
21960 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
21961 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
21962 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
21963 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
21964 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
21965 @end smallexample
21966
21967 @table @code
21968 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
21969 @kindex set debug auto-load
21970 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
21971 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
21972
21973 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
21974 @kindex show debug auto-load
21975 @item show debug auto-load
21976 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
21977 on or off.
21978 @end table
21979
21980 @node Messages/Warnings
21981 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
21982
21983 @cindex verbose operation
21984 @cindex optional warnings
21985 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
21986 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
21987 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
21988 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
21989
21990 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
21991 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
21992 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
21993
21994 @table @code
21995 @kindex set verbose
21996 @item set verbose on
21997 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
21998
21999 @item set verbose off
22000 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22001
22002 @kindex show verbose
22003 @item show verbose
22004 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
22005 @end table
22006
22007 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
22008 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
22009 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
22010 Symbol Files}).
22011
22012 @table @code
22013
22014 @kindex set complaints
22015 @item set complaints @var{limit}
22016 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
22017 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
22018 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
22019 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
22020
22021 @kindex show complaints
22022 @item show complaints
22023 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
22024
22025 @end table
22026
22027 @anchor{confirmation requests}
22028 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
22029 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
22030 you try to run a program which is already running:
22031
22032 @smallexample
22033 (@value{GDBP}) run
22034 The program being debugged has been started already.
22035 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
22036 @end smallexample
22037
22038 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
22039 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
22040
22041 @table @code
22042
22043 @kindex set confirm
22044 @cindex flinching
22045 @cindex confirmation
22046 @cindex stupid questions
22047 @item set confirm off
22048 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
22049 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
22050 automatically disables confirmation requests.
22051
22052 @item set confirm on
22053 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
22054
22055 @kindex show confirm
22056 @item show confirm
22057 Displays state of confirmation requests.
22058
22059 @end table
22060
22061 @cindex command tracing
22062 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
22063 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
22064 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
22065 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
22066
22067 @table @code
22068 @kindex set trace-commands
22069 @cindex command scripts, debugging
22070 @item set trace-commands on
22071 Enable command tracing.
22072 @item set trace-commands off
22073 Disable command tracing.
22074 @item show trace-commands
22075 Display the current state of command tracing.
22076 @end table
22077
22078 @node Debugging Output
22079 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
22080 @cindex optional debugging messages
22081
22082 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
22083 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
22084 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
22085 section documents those commands.
22086
22087 @table @code
22088 @kindex set exec-done-display
22089 @item set exec-done-display
22090 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
22091 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
22092 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
22093 @kindex show exec-done-display
22094 @item show exec-done-display
22095 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
22096 notification.
22097 @kindex set debug
22098 @cindex ARM AArch64
22099 @item set debug aarch64
22100 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
22101 The default is off.
22102 @kindex show debug
22103 @item show debug aarch64
22104 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22105 ARM AArch64.
22106 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
22107 @cindex architecture debugging info
22108 @item set debug arch
22109 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
22110 @item show debug arch
22111 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
22112 @item set debug aix-thread
22113 @cindex AIX threads
22114 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
22115 module.
22116 @item show debug aix-thread
22117 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
22118 @item set debug check-physname
22119 @cindex physname
22120 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
22121 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
22122 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
22123 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
22124 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
22125 both ways and display any discrepancies.
22126 @item show debug check-physname
22127 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
22128 @item set debug coff-pe-read
22129 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
22130 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
22131 exported symbols. The default is off.
22132 @item show debug coff-pe-read
22133 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22134 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22135 @item set debug dwarf2-die
22136 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
22137 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
22138 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
22139 A value of zero turns off the display.
22140 @item show debug dwarf2-die
22141 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
22142 @item set debug dwarf2-read
22143 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
22144 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
22145 DWARF debug info. The default is off.
22146 @item show debug dwarf2-read
22147 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
22148 @item set debug displaced
22149 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
22150 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
22151 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
22152 @item show debug displaced
22153 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
22154 related to displaced stepping.
22155 @item set debug event
22156 @cindex event debugging info
22157 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
22158 default is off.
22159 @item show debug event
22160 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
22161 info.
22162 @item set debug expression
22163 @cindex expression debugging info
22164 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
22165 expression parsing. The default is off.
22166 @item show debug expression
22167 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
22168 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
22169 @item set debug frame
22170 @cindex frame debugging info
22171 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
22172 default is off.
22173 @item show debug frame
22174 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
22175 info.
22176 @item set debug gnu-nat
22177 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
22178 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
22179 @item show debug gnu-nat
22180 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
22181 @item set debug infrun
22182 @cindex inferior debugging info
22183 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
22184 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
22185 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
22186 @item show debug infrun
22187 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
22188 @item set debug jit
22189 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
22190 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
22191 @item show debug jit
22192 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
22193 @item set debug lin-lwp
22194 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
22195 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
22196 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
22197 @item show debug lin-lwp
22198 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
22199 @item set debug mach-o
22200 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
22201 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
22202 processing. The default is off.
22203 @item show debug mach-o
22204 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22205 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22206 @item set debug notification
22207 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
22208 Turns on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
22209 The default is off.
22210 @item show debug notification
22211 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
22212 @item set debug observer
22213 @cindex observer debugging info
22214 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
22215 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
22216 @item show debug observer
22217 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
22218 @item set debug overload
22219 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
22220 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
22221 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
22222 is off.
22223 @item show debug overload
22224 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
22225 debugging info.
22226 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
22227 @cindex debug expression parser
22228 @item set debug parser
22229 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
22230 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
22231 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
22232 details. The default is off.
22233 @item show debug parser
22234 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
22235 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
22236 @cindex serial connections, debugging
22237 @cindex debug remote protocol
22238 @cindex remote protocol debugging
22239 @cindex display remote packets
22240 @item set debug remote
22241 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
22242 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
22243 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
22244 @item show debug remote
22245 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
22246 @item set debug serial
22247 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
22248 default is off.
22249 @item show debug serial
22250 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
22251 info.
22252 @item set debug solib-frv
22253 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
22254 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
22255 @item show debug solib-frv
22256 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
22257 messages.
22258 @item set debug symtab-create
22259 @cindex symbol table creation
22260 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
22261 The default is off.
22262 @item show debug symtab-create
22263 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
22264 @item set debug target
22265 @cindex target debugging info
22266 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
22267 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
22268 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
22269 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
22270 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
22271 @item show debug target
22272 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
22273 info.
22274 @item set debug timestamp
22275 @cindex timestampping debugging info
22276 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
22277 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
22278 message.
22279 @item show debug timestamp
22280 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
22281 debugging info.
22282 @item set debugvarobj
22283 @cindex variable object debugging info
22284 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
22285 info. The default is off.
22286 @item show debugvarobj
22287 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
22288 debugging info.
22289 @item set debug xml
22290 @cindex XML parser debugging
22291 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
22292 @item show debug xml
22293 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
22294 @end table
22295
22296 @node Other Misc Settings
22297 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
22298 @cindex miscellaneous settings
22299
22300 @table @code
22301 @kindex set interactive-mode
22302 @item set interactive-mode
22303 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
22304 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
22305 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
22306 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
22307 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
22308 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
22309 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
22310 is, non-interactively otherwise.
22311
22312 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
22313 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
22314 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
22315 inside a cygwin window.
22316
22317 @kindex show interactive-mode
22318 @item show interactive-mode
22319 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
22320 @end table
22321
22322 @node Extending GDB
22323 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
22324 @cindex extending GDB
22325
22326 @value{GDBN} provides three mechanisms for extension. The first is based
22327 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, the second is based on the
22328 Python scripting language, and the third is for defining new aliases of
22329 existing commands.
22330
22331 To facilitate the use of the first two extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
22332 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
22333 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
22334 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
22335 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22336 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
22337
22338 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
22339 setting:
22340
22341 @table @code
22342 @kindex set script-extension
22343 @kindex show script-extension
22344 @item set script-extension off
22345 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22346
22347 @item set script-extension soft
22348 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22349 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
22350 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
22351 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
22352
22353 @item set script-extension strict
22354 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22355 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
22356 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
22357
22358 @item show script-extension
22359 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
22360
22361 @end table
22362
22363 @menu
22364 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
22365 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22366 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
22367 @end menu
22368
22369 @node Sequences
22370 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
22371
22372 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
22373 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
22374 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
22375 files.
22376
22377 @menu
22378 * Define:: How to define your own commands
22379 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
22380 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
22381 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
22382 @end menu
22383
22384 @node Define
22385 @subsection User-defined Commands
22386
22387 @cindex user-defined command
22388 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
22389 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
22390 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
22391 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
22392 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
22393 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
22394
22395 @smallexample
22396 define adder
22397 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22398 end
22399 @end smallexample
22400
22401 @noindent
22402 To execute the command use:
22403
22404 @smallexample
22405 adder 1 2 3
22406 @end smallexample
22407
22408 @noindent
22409 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
22410 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22411 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22412 functions calls.
22413
22414 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22415 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22416 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22417 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22418
22419 @smallexample
22420 define adder
22421 if $argc == 2
22422 print $arg0 + $arg1
22423 end
22424 if $argc == 3
22425 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22426 end
22427 end
22428 @end smallexample
22429
22430 @table @code
22431
22432 @kindex define
22433 @item define @var{commandname}
22434 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
22435 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
22436 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
22437 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
22438 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
22439 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
22440
22441 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
22442 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
22443 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22444
22445 @kindex document
22446 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
22447 @item document @var{commandname}
22448 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
22449 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
22450 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
22451 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
22452 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
22453 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
22454
22455 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
22456 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
22457 does not change the documentation.
22458
22459 @kindex dont-repeat
22460 @cindex don't repeat command
22461 @item dont-repeat
22462 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
22463 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
22464 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
22465
22466 @kindex help user-defined
22467 @item help user-defined
22468 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
22469 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
22470 included (if any).
22471
22472 @kindex show user
22473 @item show user
22474 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
22475 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
22476 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
22477 definitions for all user-defined commands.
22478 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
22479
22480 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
22481 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
22482 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
22483 @item show max-user-call-depth
22484 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
22485 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
22486 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
22487 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
22488 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
22489 @end table
22490
22491 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
22492 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
22493
22494 When user-defined commands are executed, the
22495 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
22496 stops execution of the user-defined command.
22497
22498 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
22499 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
22500 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
22501 messages when used in a user-defined command.
22502
22503 @node Hooks
22504 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
22505 @cindex command hooks
22506 @cindex hooks, for commands
22507 @cindex hooks, pre-command
22508
22509 @kindex hook
22510 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
22511 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
22512 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
22513 before that command.
22514
22515 @cindex hooks, post-command
22516 @kindex hookpost
22517 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
22518 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
22519 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
22520 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
22521 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
22522
22523 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
22524 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
22525
22526 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
22527 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
22528
22529 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
22530 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
22531 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
22532 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
22533 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
22534
22535 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
22536 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
22537 you could define:
22538
22539 @smallexample
22540 define hook-stop
22541 handle SIGALRM nopass
22542 end
22543
22544 define hook-run
22545 handle SIGALRM pass
22546 end
22547
22548 define hook-continue
22549 handle SIGALRM pass
22550 end
22551 @end smallexample
22552
22553 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
22554 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
22555 you could define:
22556
22557 @smallexample
22558 define hook-echo
22559 echo <<<---
22560 end
22561
22562 define hookpost-echo
22563 echo --->>>\n
22564 end
22565
22566 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
22567 <<<---Hello World--->>>
22568 (@value{GDBP})
22569
22570 @end smallexample
22571
22572 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
22573 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
22574 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
22575 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
22576 @c or not?
22577 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
22578 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
22579 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
22580
22581 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
22582 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
22583 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
22584
22585 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
22586 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
22587
22588 @node Command Files
22589 @subsection Command Files
22590
22591 @cindex command files
22592 @cindex scripting commands
22593 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
22594 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
22595 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
22596 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
22597 terminal.
22598
22599 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
22600 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
22601 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
22602 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
22603 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
22604
22605 @table @code
22606 @kindex source
22607 @cindex execute commands from a file
22608 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
22609 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
22610 @end table
22611
22612 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
22613 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
22614 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
22615 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
22616 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
22617
22618 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
22619 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
22620 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
22621 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
22622 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
22623 is not relevant to scripts.
22624
22625 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
22626 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
22627 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
22628 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
22629 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22630 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
22631 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
22632 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
22633 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22634 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
22635 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
22636 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
22637 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
22638 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
22639
22640 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
22641 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
22642 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
22643
22644 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
22645 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
22646 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
22647 when called from command files.
22648
22649 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
22650 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
22651 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
22652 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
22653 the next command.
22654
22655 @smallexample
22656 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
22657 @end smallexample
22658
22659 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
22660 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
22661 would be directed to @file{log}.
22662
22663 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
22664 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
22665 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
22666 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
22667 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
22668 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
22669 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
22670 conditionally, etc.
22671
22672 @table @code
22673 @kindex if
22674 @kindex else
22675 @item if
22676 @itemx else
22677 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
22678 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
22679 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
22680 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
22681 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
22682 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
22683 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22684
22685 @kindex while
22686 @item while
22687 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
22688 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
22689 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
22690 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
22691 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
22692 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
22693
22694 @kindex loop_break
22695 @item loop_break
22696 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
22697 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
22698 line.
22699
22700 @kindex loop_continue
22701 @item loop_continue
22702 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
22703 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
22704 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
22705 the controlling expression.
22706
22707 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
22708 @item end
22709 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
22710 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
22711 @end table
22712
22713
22714 @node Output
22715 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
22716
22717 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
22718 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
22719 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
22720 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
22721 want.
22722
22723 @table @code
22724 @kindex echo
22725 @item echo @var{text}
22726 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
22727 @c because it is not in ANSI.
22728 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
22729 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
22730 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
22731 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
22732 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
22733 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
22734 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
22735 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
22736 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
22737
22738 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
22739 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
22740
22741 @smallexample
22742 echo This is some text\n\
22743 which is continued\n\
22744 onto several lines.\n
22745 @end smallexample
22746
22747 produces the same output as
22748
22749 @smallexample
22750 echo This is some text\n
22751 echo which is continued\n
22752 echo onto several lines.\n
22753 @end smallexample
22754
22755 @kindex output
22756 @item output @var{expression}
22757 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
22758 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
22759 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
22760 on expressions.
22761
22762 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
22763 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
22764 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
22765 Formats}, for more information.
22766
22767 @kindex printf
22768 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22769 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22770 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
22771 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
22772 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
22773 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
22774 executing the code below:
22775
22776 @smallexample
22777 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
22778 @end smallexample
22779
22780 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
22781 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
22782 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
22783 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
22784 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
22785 printed.
22786
22787 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
22788
22789 @smallexample
22790 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
22791 @end smallexample
22792
22793 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
22794 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
22795 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
22796
22797 @itemize @bullet
22798 @item
22799 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
22800
22801 @item
22802 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
22803 width.
22804
22805 @item
22806 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
22807 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
22808
22809 @item
22810 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
22811 supported.
22812
22813 @item
22814 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
22815
22816 @item
22817 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
22818 @end itemize
22819
22820 @noindent
22821 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
22822 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
22823 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
22824 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
22825
22826 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
22827 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
22828 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
22829 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
22830 supported.
22831
22832 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
22833 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
22834 together with a floating point specifier.
22835 letters:
22836
22837 @itemize @bullet
22838 @item
22839 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
22840
22841 @item
22842 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
22843
22844 @item
22845 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
22846 @end itemize
22847
22848 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
22849 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
22850 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
22851
22852 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
22853 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
22854
22855 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
22856 @smallexample
22857 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
22858 @end smallexample
22859
22860 @kindex eval
22861 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22862 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22863 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
22864
22865 @end table
22866
22867 @node Python
22868 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22869 @cindex python scripting
22870 @cindex scripting with python
22871
22872 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
22873 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
22874 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
22875
22876 @cindex python directory
22877 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
22878 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
22879 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
22880 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
22881 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
22882 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
22883
22884 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
22885 are written in Python and are located in the
22886 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
22887 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
22888 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
22889
22890 @menu
22891 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
22892 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
22893 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
22894 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
22895 @end menu
22896
22897 @node Python Commands
22898 @subsection Python Commands
22899 @cindex python commands
22900 @cindex commands to access python
22901
22902 @value{GDBN} provides two commands for accessing the Python interpreter,
22903 and one related setting:
22904
22905 @table @code
22906 @kindex python-interactive
22907 @kindex pi
22908 @item python-interactive @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22909 @itemx pi @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22910 Without an argument, the @code{python-interactive} command can be used
22911 to start an interactive Python prompt. To return to @value{GDBN},
22912 type the @code{EOF} character (e.g., @kbd{Ctrl-D} on an empty prompt).
22913
22914 Alternatively, a single-line Python command can be given as an
22915 argument and evaluated. If the command is an expression, the result
22916 will be printed; otherwise, nothing will be printed. For example:
22917
22918 @smallexample
22919 (@value{GDBP}) python-interactive 2 + 3
22920 5
22921 @end smallexample
22922
22923 @kindex python
22924 @kindex py
22925 @item python @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22926 @itemx py @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22927 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
22928
22929 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
22930 argument as a Python command. For example:
22931
22932 @smallexample
22933 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
22934 23
22935 @end smallexample
22936
22937 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
22938 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
22939 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
22940 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
22941 containing @code{end}. For example:
22942
22943 @smallexample
22944 (@value{GDBP}) python
22945 Type python script
22946 End with a line saying just "end".
22947 >print 23
22948 >end
22949 23
22950 @end smallexample
22951
22952 @kindex set python print-stack
22953 @item set python print-stack
22954 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
22955 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
22956 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
22957 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
22958 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
22959 the message component of the error is printed.
22960 @end table
22961
22962 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
22963 interpreter:
22964
22965 @table @code
22966 @item source @file{script-name}
22967 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
22968 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
22969 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
22970
22971 @item python execfile ("script-name")
22972 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
22973 and thus is always available.
22974 @end table
22975
22976 @node Python API
22977 @subsection Python API
22978 @cindex python api
22979 @cindex programming in python
22980
22981 @cindex python stdout
22982 @cindex python pagination
22983 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
22984 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
22985 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
22986 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
22987 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
22988
22989 @menu
22990 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
22991 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
22992 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
22993 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
22994 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
22995 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
22996 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
22997 * Type Printing API:: Pretty-printing types.
22998 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
22999 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
23000 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
23001 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
23002 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
23003 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
23004 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
23005 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
23006 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
23007 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
23008 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
23009 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
23010 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
23011 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
23012 using Python.
23013 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
23014 * Architectures In Python:: Python representation of architectures.
23015 @end menu
23016
23017 @node Basic Python
23018 @subsubsection Basic Python
23019
23020 @cindex python functions
23021 @cindex python module
23022 @cindex gdb module
23023 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
23024 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
23025 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
23026 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
23027
23028 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
23029 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
23030 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
23031 @end defvar
23032
23033 @findex gdb.execute
23034 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
23035 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
23036 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
23037 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
23038
23039 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
23040 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
23041 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
23042
23043 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
23044 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
23045 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
23046 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
23047 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
23048 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
23049 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
23050 @end defun
23051
23052 @findex gdb.breakpoints
23053 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
23054 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
23055 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
23056 @end defun
23057
23058 @findex gdb.parameter
23059 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
23060 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
23061 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
23062 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
23063 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
23064
23065 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
23066 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
23067 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
23068 type, and returned.
23069 @end defun
23070
23071 @findex gdb.history
23072 @defun gdb.history (number)
23073 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
23074 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
23075 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
23076 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
23077 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
23078 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
23079 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
23080 raised.
23081
23082 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
23083 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
23084 @end defun
23085
23086 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
23087 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
23088 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
23089 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23090 @var{expression} must be a string.
23091
23092 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
23093 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
23094 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
23095 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
23096 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23097 @end defun
23098
23099 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
23100 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
23101 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
23102 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
23103 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
23104 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
23105 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
23106 @end defun
23107
23108 @findex gdb.post_event
23109 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
23110 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
23111 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
23112 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
23113 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
23114 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
23115 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
23116
23117 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
23118 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
23119 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
23120 this. For example:
23121
23122 @smallexample
23123 (@value{GDBP}) python
23124 >import threading
23125 >
23126 >class Writer():
23127 > def __init__(self, message):
23128 > self.message = message;
23129 > def __call__(self):
23130 > gdb.write(self.message)
23131 >
23132 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
23133 > def run (self):
23134 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
23135 >
23136 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
23137 > def run (self):
23138 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
23139 >
23140 >MyThread1().start()
23141 >MyThread2().start()
23142 >end
23143 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
23144 @end smallexample
23145 @end defun
23146
23147 @findex gdb.write
23148 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
23149 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
23150 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
23151 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
23152 values are:
23153
23154 @table @code
23155 @findex STDOUT
23156 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23157 @item gdb.STDOUT
23158 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23159
23160 @findex STDERR
23161 @findex gdb.STDERR
23162 @item gdb.STDERR
23163 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23164
23165 @findex STDLOG
23166 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23167 @item gdb.STDLOG
23168 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23169 @end table
23170
23171 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23172 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
23173 relevant stream.
23174 @end defun
23175
23176 @findex gdb.flush
23177 @defun gdb.flush ()
23178 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
23179 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
23180 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
23181 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
23182 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
23183 stream values are:
23184
23185 @table @code
23186 @findex STDOUT
23187 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23188 @item gdb.STDOUT
23189 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23190
23191 @findex STDERR
23192 @findex gdb.STDERR
23193 @item gdb.STDERR
23194 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23195
23196 @findex STDLOG
23197 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23198 @item gdb.STDLOG
23199 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23200
23201 @end table
23202
23203 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23204 call this function for the relevant stream.
23205 @end defun
23206
23207 @findex gdb.target_charset
23208 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
23209 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
23210 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
23211 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
23212 @end defun
23213
23214 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
23215 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
23216 Return the name of the current target wide character set
23217 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
23218 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
23219 never returned.
23220 @end defun
23221
23222 @findex gdb.solib_name
23223 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
23224 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
23225 as a string, or @code{None}.
23226 @end defun
23227
23228 @findex gdb.decode_line
23229 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
23230 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
23231 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
23232 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
23233 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
23234 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
23235 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
23236 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
23237 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
23238 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
23239 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
23240 @end defun
23241
23242 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
23243 @anchor{prompt_hook}
23244
23245 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
23246 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
23247 @value{GDBN}.
23248
23249 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
23250 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
23251 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
23252 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
23253 the current prompt.
23254
23255 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
23256 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
23257 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
23258 @end defun
23259
23260 @node Exception Handling
23261 @subsubsection Exception Handling
23262 @cindex python exceptions
23263 @cindex exceptions, python
23264
23265 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
23266 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
23267 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
23268 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
23269 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
23270 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
23271 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
23272
23273 @smallexample
23274 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
23275 Traceback (most recent call last):
23276 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
23277 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
23278 @end smallexample
23279
23280 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
23281 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
23282 Python exception depends on the error.
23283
23284 @ftable @code
23285 @item gdb.error
23286 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
23287 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
23288 versions of @value{GDBN}.
23289
23290 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
23291 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
23292
23293 @item gdb.MemoryError
23294 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
23295 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
23296
23297 @item KeyboardInterrupt
23298 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
23299 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
23300 @end ftable
23301
23302 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
23303 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
23304 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
23305 traceback.
23306
23307 @findex gdb.GdbError
23308 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
23309 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
23310 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
23311 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
23312 to handle this case. Example:
23313
23314 @smallexample
23315 (gdb) python
23316 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
23317 > """Greet the whole world."""
23318 > def __init__ (self):
23319 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
23320 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
23321 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
23322 > if len (argv) != 0:
23323 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
23324 > print "Hello, World!"
23325 >HelloWorld ()
23326 >end
23327 (gdb) hello-world 42
23328 hello-world takes no arguments
23329 @end smallexample
23330
23331 @node Values From Inferior
23332 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
23333 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
23334 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
23335
23336 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
23337 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
23338 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
23339 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
23340 fetching values when necessary.
23341
23342 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
23343 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
23344 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
23345
23346 @smallexample
23347 bar = some_val + 2
23348 @end smallexample
23349
23350 @noindent
23351 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
23352 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
23353
23354 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
23355 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
23356 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
23357 can access its @code{foo} element with:
23358
23359 @smallexample
23360 bar = some_val['foo']
23361 @end smallexample
23362
23363 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
23364
23365 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
23366 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
23367 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
23368 by that prototype.
23369
23370 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
23371 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
23372 execute this function, call it like so:
23373
23374 @smallexample
23375 result = some_val (10,20)
23376 @end smallexample
23377
23378 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
23379 @code{gdb.Value}.
23380
23381 The following attributes are provided:
23382
23383 @defvar Value.address
23384 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
23385 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
23386 this attribute holds @code{None}.
23387 @end defvar
23388
23389 @cindex optimized out value in Python
23390 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
23391 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
23392 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
23393 @end defvar
23394
23395 @defvar Value.type
23396 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
23397 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
23398 @end defvar
23399
23400 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
23401 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
23402 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
23403 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
23404 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
23405 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
23406 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
23407 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
23408 type.
23409
23410 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
23411 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
23412 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
23413 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
23414 @end defvar
23415
23416 @defvar Value.is_lazy
23417 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
23418 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
23419 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
23420 For example:
23421
23422 @smallexample
23423 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
23424 @end smallexample
23425
23426 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
23427 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
23428 method is invoked.
23429 @end defvar
23430
23431 The following methods are provided:
23432
23433 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
23434 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
23435 this object initializer. Specifically:
23436
23437 @table @asis
23438 @item Python boolean
23439 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
23440 language.
23441
23442 @item Python integer
23443 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
23444 current architecture.
23445
23446 @item Python long
23447 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
23448 current architecture.
23449
23450 @item Python float
23451 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
23452 current architecture.
23453
23454 @item Python string
23455 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
23456 target encoding.
23457
23458 @item @code{gdb.Value}
23459 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
23460
23461 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
23462 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
23463 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
23464 its result is used.
23465 @end table
23466 @end defun
23467
23468 @defun Value.cast (type)
23469 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
23470 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
23471 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
23472 reason, this method throws an exception.
23473 @end defun
23474
23475 @defun Value.dereference ()
23476 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
23477 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
23478 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
23479
23480 @smallexample
23481 int *foo;
23482 @end smallexample
23483
23484 @noindent
23485 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
23486 @code{foo} points to like this:
23487
23488 @smallexample
23489 bar = foo.dereference ()
23490 @end smallexample
23491
23492 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
23493 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
23494
23495 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
23496 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
23497 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
23498 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
23499 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
23500 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
23501 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
23502 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
23503 as
23504
23505 @smallexample
23506 typedef int *intptr;
23507 ...
23508 int val = 10;
23509 intptr ptr = &val;
23510 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
23511 @end smallexample
23512
23513 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
23514 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
23515 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
23516 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
23517 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
23518 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
23519
23520 @smallexample
23521 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
23522 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
23523 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
23524 @end smallexample
23525
23526 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23527 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
23528 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
23529 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
23530 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
23531 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
23532 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
23533 example). The results are however identical when applied on
23534 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
23535 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
23536 @end defun
23537
23538 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
23539 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
23540 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
23541 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
23542 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
23543 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
23544 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
23545 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
23546 in your C@t{++} program as
23547
23548 @smallexample
23549 int val = 10;
23550 int &ref = val;
23551 @end smallexample
23552
23553 @noindent
23554 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
23555 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
23556 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
23557 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
23558
23559 @smallexample
23560 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
23561 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
23562 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
23563 @end smallexample
23564
23565 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23566 corresponding to @code{val}.
23567 @end defun
23568
23569 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
23570 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
23571 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23572 @end defun
23573
23574 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
23575 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
23576 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23577 @end defun
23578
23579 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
23580 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23581 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
23582 throw an exception.
23583
23584 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
23585 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
23586 language.
23587
23588 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
23589 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
23590 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
23591 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
23592 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
23593
23594 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23595 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
23596 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
23597 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
23598 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
23599 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
23600 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
23601 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
23602 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
23603
23604 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
23605 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
23606
23607 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23608 fetched and converted to the given length.
23609 @end defun
23610
23611 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
23612 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23613 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
23614 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
23615
23616 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23617 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
23618 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
23619 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
23620 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
23621
23622 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
23623 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
23624 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
23625 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
23626 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
23627 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
23628
23629 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23630 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
23631 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
23632 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
23633 @end defun
23634
23635 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
23636 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
23637 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
23638 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
23639 will produce a Python exception.
23640
23641 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
23642 has no effect.
23643
23644 This method does not return a value.
23645 @end defun
23646
23647
23648 @node Types In Python
23649 @subsubsection Types In Python
23650 @cindex types in Python
23651 @cindex Python, working with types
23652
23653 @tindex gdb.Type
23654 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
23655 @code{gdb.Type}.
23656
23657 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23658 module:
23659
23660 @findex gdb.lookup_type
23661 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
23662 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
23663 type to look up. It must be a string.
23664
23665 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23666 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23667
23668 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
23669 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
23670 @end defun
23671
23672 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
23673 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
23674 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
23675 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
23676
23677 @smallexample
23678 bar = some_type['foo']
23679 @end smallexample
23680
23681 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
23682 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
23683 @code{gdb.Field} class.
23684
23685 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
23686
23687 @defvar Type.code
23688 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
23689 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
23690 @end defvar
23691
23692 @defvar Type.sizeof
23693 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
23694 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
23695 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
23696 @end defvar
23697
23698 @defvar Type.tag
23699 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
23700 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
23701 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
23702 @code{None} is returned.
23703 @end defvar
23704
23705 The following methods are provided:
23706
23707 @defun Type.fields ()
23708 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
23709 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
23710 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
23711 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
23712 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
23713 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
23714
23715 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
23716 @table @code
23717 @item bitpos
23718 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
23719 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
23720 position of the field. For @code{enum} fields, the value is the
23721 enumeration member's integer representation.
23722
23723 @item name
23724 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
23725
23726 @item artificial
23727 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
23728 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
23729 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
23730
23731 @item is_base_class
23732 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
23733 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
23734 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
23735 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
23736
23737 @item bitsize
23738 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
23739 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
23740 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
23741
23742 @item type
23743 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
23744 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
23745 @end table
23746 @end defun
23747
23748 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
23749 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
23750 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
23751 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
23752 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
23753 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
23754 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
23755 @end defun
23756
23757 @defun Type.vector (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
23758 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a vector of this
23759 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
23760 the vector; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
23761 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the vector, and the
23762 second argument is the upper bound of the vector. A vector's length
23763 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
23764
23765 The difference between an @code{array} and a @code{vector} is that
23766 arrays behave like in C: when used in expressions they decay to a pointer
23767 to the first element whereas vectors are treated as first class values.
23768 @end defun
23769
23770 @defun Type.const ()
23771 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23772 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
23773 @end defun
23774
23775 @defun Type.volatile ()
23776 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23777 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
23778 @end defun
23779
23780 @defun Type.unqualified ()
23781 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
23782 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
23783 @code{volatile}.
23784 @end defun
23785
23786 @defun Type.range ()
23787 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
23788 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
23789 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
23790 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
23791 @end defun
23792
23793 @defun Type.reference ()
23794 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
23795 type.
23796 @end defun
23797
23798 @defun Type.pointer ()
23799 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
23800 type.
23801 @end defun
23802
23803 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
23804 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
23805 after removing all layers of typedefs.
23806 @end defun
23807
23808 @defun Type.target ()
23809 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
23810 of this type.
23811
23812 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
23813 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
23814 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
23815 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
23816 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
23817 target type is the aliased type.
23818
23819 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
23820 exception.
23821 @end defun
23822
23823 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
23824 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
23825 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
23826 @var{n}th template argument.
23827
23828 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
23829 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
23830
23831 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23832 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23833 @end defun
23834
23835
23836 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
23837 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
23838 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
23839
23840 @table @code
23841 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
23842 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23843 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23844 The type is a pointer.
23845
23846 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23847 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23848 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23849 The type is an array.
23850
23851 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23852 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23853 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23854 The type is a structure.
23855
23856 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
23857 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23858 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23859 The type is a union.
23860
23861 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23862 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23863 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23864 The type is an enum.
23865
23866 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23867 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23868 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23869 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
23870
23871 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23872 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23873 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23874 The type is a function.
23875
23876 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
23877 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23878 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23879 The type is an integer type.
23880
23881 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
23882 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23883 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23884 A floating point type.
23885
23886 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
23887 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23888 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23889 The special type @code{void}.
23890
23891 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
23892 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23893 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23894 A Pascal set type.
23895
23896 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23897 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23898 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23899 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
23900
23901 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
23902 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23903 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23904 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
23905 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
23906
23907 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23908 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23909 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23910 A string of bits. It is deprecated.
23911
23912 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23913 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23914 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23915 An unknown or erroneous type.
23916
23917 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23918 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23919 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23920 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
23921
23922 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23923 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23924 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23925 A pointer-to-member-function.
23926
23927 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23928 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23929 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23930 A pointer-to-member.
23931
23932 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
23933 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23934 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23935 A reference type.
23936
23937 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23938 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23939 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23940 A character type.
23941
23942 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23943 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23944 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23945 A boolean type.
23946
23947 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23948 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23949 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23950 A complex float type.
23951
23952 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23953 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23954 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23955 A typedef to some other type.
23956
23957 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23958 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23959 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23960 A C@t{++} namespace.
23961
23962 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23963 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23964 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23965 A decimal floating point type.
23966
23967 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23968 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23969 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23970 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
23971 convenience functions.
23972 @end table
23973
23974 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
23975 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
23976
23977 @node Pretty Printing API
23978 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
23979
23980 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
23981
23982 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
23983 specific interface, defined here.
23984
23985 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
23986 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
23987 children of the pretty-printer's value.
23988
23989 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
23990 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
23991 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
23992 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
23993 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
23994
23995 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
23996 as though the value has no children.
23997 @end defun
23998
23999 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
24000 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
24001 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
24002 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
24003 printed.
24004
24005 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
24006 string.
24007
24008 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
24009
24010 @table @samp
24011 @item array
24012 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
24013 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
24014 @code{set print array}.
24015
24016 @item map
24017 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
24018 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
24019 values.
24020
24021 @item string
24022 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
24023 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
24024 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
24025 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
24026 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
24027 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
24028 @end table
24029 @end defun
24030
24031 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
24032 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
24033 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
24034
24035 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
24036 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
24037 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
24038 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
24039 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
24040 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
24041 the result of @code{children}.
24042
24043 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
24044
24045 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
24046 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
24047 another pretty-printer.
24048
24049 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
24050 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
24051 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
24052 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
24053 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
24054
24055 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
24056 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
24057
24058 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
24059 @end defun
24060
24061 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
24062 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
24063
24064 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
24065 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
24066 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
24067 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
24068 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
24069 @end defun
24070
24071 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
24072 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
24073
24074 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
24075 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
24076 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
24077 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
24078 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
24079 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
24080 attribute.
24081
24082 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
24083 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
24084 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
24085 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
24086 @code{None}.
24087
24088 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
24089 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
24090 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
24091 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
24092 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
24093 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
24094 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
24095 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
24096 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
24097 object is returned.
24098
24099 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
24100 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
24101 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
24102 object is returned.
24103
24104 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
24105 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
24106 the pretty-printer is out of date.
24107
24108 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
24109 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
24110 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
24111 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
24112 with a broken printer.
24113
24114 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
24115 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
24116 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
24117 the printer is enabled.
24118
24119 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
24120 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
24121 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
24122
24123 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
24124 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
24125
24126 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
24127 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
24128 must provide.
24129
24130 @smallexample
24131 class StdStringPrinter(object):
24132 "Print a std::string"
24133
24134 def __init__(self, val):
24135 self.val = val
24136
24137 def to_string(self):
24138 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
24139
24140 def display_hint(self):
24141 return 'string'
24142 @end smallexample
24143
24144 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
24145 example above might be written.
24146
24147 @smallexample
24148 def str_lookup_function(val):
24149 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
24150 if lookup_tag == None:
24151 return None
24152 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
24153 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
24154 return StdStringPrinter(val)
24155 return None
24156 @end smallexample
24157
24158 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
24159 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
24160 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
24161 returns @code{None}.
24162
24163 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
24164 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
24165 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
24166 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
24167 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
24168 different names.
24169
24170 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
24171 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
24172 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
24173 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
24174 the current objfile.
24175
24176 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
24177 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
24178 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
24179 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
24180 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
24181 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
24182 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
24183 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
24184 inferior.
24185
24186 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
24187 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
24188
24189 @smallexample
24190 def register_printers(objfile):
24191 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
24192 @end smallexample
24193
24194 @noindent
24195 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
24196
24197 @smallexample
24198 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
24199 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
24200 @end smallexample
24201
24202 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
24203 There are a few things that can be improved on.
24204 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
24205 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
24206 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
24207
24208 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
24209 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
24210 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
24211 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
24212 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
24213 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
24214
24215 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
24216 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
24217 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
24218
24219 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
24220
24221 @smallexample
24222 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
24223 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
24224 @end smallexample
24225
24226 Here are the printers:
24227
24228 @smallexample
24229 class fooPrinter:
24230 """Print a foo object."""
24231
24232 def __init__(self, val):
24233 self.val = val
24234
24235 def to_string(self):
24236 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
24237 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
24238
24239 class barPrinter:
24240 """Print a bar object."""
24241
24242 def __init__(self, val):
24243 self.val = val
24244
24245 def to_string(self):
24246 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
24247 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
24248 @end smallexample
24249
24250 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
24251 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
24252 the object that handles the lookup.
24253
24254 @smallexample
24255 import gdb.printing
24256
24257 def build_pretty_printer():
24258 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
24259 "my_library")
24260 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
24261 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
24262 return pp
24263 @end smallexample
24264
24265 And here is the autoload support:
24266
24267 @smallexample
24268 import gdb.printing
24269 import my_library
24270 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
24271 gdb.current_objfile(),
24272 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
24273 @end smallexample
24274
24275 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
24276 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
24277
24278 @smallexample
24279 (gdb) info pretty-printer
24280 my_library.so:
24281 my_library
24282 foo
24283 bar
24284 @end smallexample
24285
24286 @node Type Printing API
24287 @subsubsection Type Printing API
24288 @cindex type printing API for Python
24289
24290 @value{GDBN} provides a way for Python code to customize type display.
24291 This is mainly useful for substituting canonical typedef names for
24292 types.
24293
24294 @cindex type printer
24295 A @dfn{type printer} is just a Python object conforming to a certain
24296 protocol. A simple base class implementing the protocol is provided;
24297 see @ref{gdb.types}. A type printer must supply at least:
24298
24299 @defivar type_printer enabled
24300 A boolean which is True if the printer is enabled, and False
24301 otherwise. This is manipulated by the @code{enable type-printer}
24302 and @code{disable type-printer} commands.
24303 @end defivar
24304
24305 @defivar type_printer name
24306 The name of the type printer. This must be a string. This is used by
24307 the @code{enable type-printer} and @code{disable type-printer}
24308 commands.
24309 @end defivar
24310
24311 @defmethod type_printer instantiate (self)
24312 This is called by @value{GDBN} at the start of type-printing. It is
24313 only called if the type printer is enabled. This method must return a
24314 new object that supplies a @code{recognize} method, as described below.
24315 @end defmethod
24316
24317
24318 When displaying a type, say via the @code{ptype} command, @value{GDBN}
24319 will compute a list of type recognizers. This is done by iterating
24320 first over the per-objfile type printers (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}),
24321 followed by the per-progspace type printers (@pxref{Progspaces In
24322 Python}), and finally the global type printers.
24323
24324 @value{GDBN} will call the @code{instantiate} method of each enabled
24325 type printer. If this method returns @code{None}, then the result is
24326 ignored; otherwise, it is appended to the list of recognizers.
24327
24328 Then, when @value{GDBN} is going to display a type name, it iterates
24329 over the list of recognizers. For each one, it calls the recognition
24330 function, stopping if the function returns a non-@code{None} value.
24331 The recognition function is defined as:
24332
24333 @defmethod type_recognizer recognize (self, type)
24334 If @var{type} is not recognized, return @code{None}. Otherwise,
24335 return a string which is to be printed as the name of @var{type}.
24336 @var{type} will be an instance of @code{gdb.Type} (@pxref{Types In
24337 Python}).
24338 @end defmethod
24339
24340 @value{GDBN} uses this two-pass approach so that type printers can
24341 efficiently cache information without holding on to it too long. For
24342 example, it can be convenient to look up type information in a type
24343 printer and hold it for a recognizer's lifetime; if a single pass were
24344 done then type printers would have to make use of the event system in
24345 order to avoid holding information that could become stale as the
24346 inferior changed.
24347
24348 @node Inferiors In Python
24349 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
24350 @cindex inferiors in Python
24351
24352 @findex gdb.Inferior
24353 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
24354 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
24355 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
24356 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
24357
24358 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24359 module:
24360
24361 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
24362 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
24363 @end defun
24364
24365 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
24366 Return an object representing the current inferior.
24367 @end defun
24368
24369 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
24370
24371 @defvar Inferior.num
24372 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
24373 @end defvar
24374
24375 @defvar Inferior.pid
24376 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
24377 system.
24378 @end defvar
24379
24380 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
24381 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
24382 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
24383 @end defvar
24384
24385 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
24386
24387 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
24388 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
24389 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
24390 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
24391 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
24392 at the time the method is called.
24393 @end defun
24394
24395 @defun Inferior.threads ()
24396 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
24397 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
24398 return an empty tuple.
24399 @end defun
24400
24401 @findex Inferior.read_memory
24402 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
24403 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
24404 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
24405 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
24406 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function. In @code{Python} 3, the return
24407 value is a @code{memoryview} object.
24408 @end defun
24409
24410 @findex Inferior.write_memory
24411 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
24412 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
24413 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
24414 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
24415 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
24416 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
24417 @end defun
24418
24419 @findex gdb.search_memory
24420 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
24421 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
24422 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
24423 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
24424 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
24425 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
24426 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
24427 the pattern could not be found.
24428 @end defun
24429
24430 @node Events In Python
24431 @subsubsection Events In Python
24432 @cindex inferior events in Python
24433
24434 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
24435 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
24436 the inferior.
24437
24438 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
24439 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
24440 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
24441
24442 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
24443 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
24444 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
24445 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
24446
24447 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
24448 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
24449 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
24450 @end defun
24451
24452 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
24453 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
24454 will no longer receive notifications of events.
24455 @end defun
24456
24457 Here is an example:
24458
24459 @smallexample
24460 def exit_handler (event):
24461 print "event type: exit"
24462 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
24463
24464 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
24465 @end smallexample
24466
24467 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
24468 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
24469 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
24470 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
24471 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
24472 the inferior.
24473
24474 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
24475 details of the events they emit:
24476
24477 @table @code
24478
24479 @item events.cont
24480 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24481
24482 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
24483 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
24484 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
24485 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
24486 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
24487 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
24488
24489 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
24490 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
24491 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
24492 @end defvar
24493
24494 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24495
24496 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
24497 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
24498
24499 @item events.exited
24500 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
24501 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
24502 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
24503 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
24504 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
24505 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
24506 the attribute does not exist.
24507 @end defvar
24508 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
24509 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
24510 @end defvar
24511
24512 @item events.stop
24513 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24514
24515 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
24516 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
24517 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
24518 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
24519
24520 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24521
24522 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
24523 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
24524
24525 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
24526 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
24527 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
24528 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
24529 @end defvar
24530
24531 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24532
24533 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
24534 been hit, and has the following attributes:
24535
24536 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
24537 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
24538 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
24539 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
24540 @end defvar
24541 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
24542 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
24543 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
24544 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
24545 @end defvar
24546
24547 @item events.new_objfile
24548 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
24549 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
24550
24551 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
24552 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
24553 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
24554 @end defvar
24555
24556 @end table
24557
24558 @node Threads In Python
24559 @subsubsection Threads In Python
24560 @cindex threads in python
24561
24562 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
24563 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
24564 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
24565
24566 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24567 module:
24568
24569 @findex gdb.selected_thread
24570 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
24571 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
24572 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
24573 @end defun
24574
24575 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
24576
24577 @defvar InferiorThread.name
24578 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
24579 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
24580 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
24581 returns @code{None}.
24582
24583 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
24584 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
24585 user-specified thread name.
24586 @end defvar
24587
24588 @defvar InferiorThread.num
24589 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
24590 @end defvar
24591
24592 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
24593 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
24594 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
24595 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
24596 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
24597 does not use that identifier.
24598 @end defvar
24599
24600 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
24601
24602 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
24603 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
24604 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
24605 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
24606 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
24607 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24608 @end defun
24609
24610 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
24611 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
24612 by this object.
24613 @end defun
24614
24615 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
24616 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
24617 @end defun
24618
24619 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
24620 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
24621 @end defun
24622
24623 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
24624 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
24625 @end defun
24626
24627 @node Commands In Python
24628 @subsubsection Commands In Python
24629
24630 @cindex commands in python
24631 @cindex python commands
24632 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
24633 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
24634 class, most commonly using a subclass.
24635
24636 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
24637 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
24638 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
24639 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24640
24641 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
24642 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24643 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
24644 an exception is raised.
24645
24646 There is no support for multi-line commands.
24647
24648 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24649 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
24650 new command in the help system.
24651
24652 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
24653 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
24654 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
24655 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
24656 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
24657 error will occur when completion is attempted.
24658
24659 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
24660 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
24661 registered.
24662
24663 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
24664 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
24665 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
24666 not documented.'' is used.
24667 @end defun
24668
24669 @cindex don't repeat Python command
24670 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
24671 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
24672 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
24673 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
24674 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
24675 @end defun
24676
24677 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
24678 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
24679
24680 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
24681 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
24682
24683 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
24684 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
24685 that the command came from elsewhere.
24686
24687 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
24688 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
24689
24690 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
24691 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
24692 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
24693 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
24694 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
24695 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
24696 Example:
24697
24698 @smallexample
24699 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
24700 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
24701 @end smallexample
24702
24703 @end defun
24704
24705 @cindex completion of Python commands
24706 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
24707 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
24708 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
24709 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
24710 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
24711 complete}).
24712
24713 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
24714 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
24715 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
24716 using a word-breaking heuristic.
24717
24718 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
24719 @itemize @bullet
24720 @item
24721 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
24722 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
24723 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
24724 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
24725 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
24726 sequence are ignored.
24727
24728 @item
24729 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
24730 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
24731 function is invoked, and its result is used.
24732
24733 @item
24734 All other results are treated as though there were no available
24735 completions.
24736 @end itemize
24737 @end defun
24738
24739 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
24740 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
24741 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
24742 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
24743 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
24744 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24745
24746 @table @code
24747 @findex COMMAND_NONE
24748 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24749 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24750 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
24751 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
24752
24753 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
24754 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24755 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24756 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
24757 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
24758 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24759 commands in this category.
24760
24761 @findex COMMAND_DATA
24762 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24763 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24764 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
24765 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
24766 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
24767 in this category.
24768
24769 @findex COMMAND_STACK
24770 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24771 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24772 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
24773 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
24774 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
24775 list of commands in this category.
24776
24777 @findex COMMAND_FILES
24778 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24779 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24780 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
24781 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
24782 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24783 commands in this category.
24784
24785 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
24786 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24787 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24788 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
24789 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
24790 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
24791 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
24792 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24793 commands in this category.
24794
24795 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
24796 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24797 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24798 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
24799 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
24800 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
24801 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
24802
24803 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24804 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24805 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24806 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
24807 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24808 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
24809 this category.
24810
24811 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24812 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24813 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24814 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
24815 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
24816 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24817 commands in this category.
24818
24819 @findex COMMAND_USER
24820 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
24821 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
24822 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
24823 does not fit in one of the other categories.
24824 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
24825 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
24826 (@pxref{Sequences}).
24827
24828 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
24829 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24830 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24831 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
24832 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
24833 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24834 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
24835 category.
24836
24837 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24838 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24839 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24840 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
24841 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
24842 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24843 commands in this category.
24844 @end table
24845
24846 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
24847 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
24848 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
24849 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24850
24851 @table @code
24852 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
24853 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24854 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24855 This constant means that no completion should be done.
24856
24857 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
24858 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24859 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24860 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
24861
24862 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
24863 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24864 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24865 This constant means that location completion should be done.
24866 @xref{Specify Location}.
24867
24868 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
24869 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24870 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24871 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
24872 command names.
24873
24874 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24875 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24876 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24877 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
24878 as the source.
24879 @end table
24880
24881 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
24882 implemented in Python:
24883
24884 @smallexample
24885 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
24886 """Greet the whole world."""
24887
24888 def __init__ (self):
24889 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
24890
24891 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
24892 print "Hello, World!"
24893
24894 HelloWorld ()
24895 @end smallexample
24896
24897 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
24898 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
24899 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
24900 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
24901
24902 @node Parameters In Python
24903 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
24904
24905 @cindex parameters in python
24906 @cindex python parameters
24907 @tindex gdb.Parameter
24908 @tindex Parameter
24909 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
24910 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
24911 class.
24912
24913 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
24914 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
24915
24916 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
24917 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
24918 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
24919 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
24920 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
24921
24922 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
24923 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
24924 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
24925 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24926
24927 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
24928 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24929 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
24930 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
24931 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
24932 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
24933 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
24934
24935 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
24936 can be found, an exception is raised.
24937
24938 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24939 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
24940 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
24941
24942 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
24943 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
24944 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
24945 completion.
24946
24947 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
24948 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
24949 represent the possible values for the parameter.
24950
24951 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
24952 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
24953
24954 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
24955 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
24956 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
24957 @end defun
24958
24959 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
24960 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24961 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
24962 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24963 have no effect.
24964 @end defvar
24965
24966 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
24967 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24968 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
24969 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24970 have no effect.
24971 @end defvar
24972
24973 @defvar Parameter.value
24974 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
24975 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
24976 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
24977 @end defvar
24978
24979 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
24980 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
24981
24982 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
24983 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
24984 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
24985 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
24986 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
24987 @end defun
24988
24989 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
24990 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
24991 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
24992 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
24993 current value. This method must return a string.
24994 @end defun
24995
24996 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
24997 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
24998 module:
24999
25000 @table @code
25001 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
25002 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
25003 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
25004 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
25005 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
25006
25007 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
25008 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
25009 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
25010 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
25011 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
25012 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
25013
25014 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
25015 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
25016 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
25017 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
25018 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
25019
25020 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
25021 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
25022 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
25023 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
25024 to mean ``unlimited''.
25025
25026 @findex PARAM_STRING
25027 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
25028 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
25029 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
25030 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
25031 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
25032 host charset.
25033
25034 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
25035 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
25036 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
25037 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
25038 passed through untranslated.
25039
25040 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
25041 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
25042 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
25043 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
25044
25045 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
25046 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
25047 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
25048 The value is a filename. This is just like
25049 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
25050
25051 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
25052 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
25053 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
25054 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
25055 is interpreted as itself.
25056
25057 @findex PARAM_ENUM
25058 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
25059 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
25060 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
25061 constants provided when the parameter is created.
25062 @end table
25063
25064 @node Functions In Python
25065 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
25066
25067 @cindex writing convenience functions
25068 @cindex convenience functions in python
25069 @cindex python convenience functions
25070 @tindex gdb.Function
25071 @tindex Function
25072 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
25073 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
25074 class @code{gdb.Function}.
25075
25076 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
25077 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
25078 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
25079 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
25080 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
25081 the given @var{name}.
25082
25083 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
25084 string for the new class.
25085 @end defun
25086
25087 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
25088 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
25089 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
25090 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
25091 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
25092 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
25093 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
25094 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
25095
25096 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
25097 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
25098 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
25099 @end defun
25100
25101 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
25102 be implemented in Python:
25103
25104 @smallexample
25105 class Greet (gdb.Function):
25106 """Return string to greet someone.
25107 Takes a name as argument."""
25108
25109 def __init__ (self):
25110 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
25111
25112 def invoke (self, name):
25113 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
25114
25115 Greet ()
25116 @end smallexample
25117
25118 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
25119 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
25120 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
25121 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
25122
25123 Now you can use the function in an expression:
25124
25125 @smallexample
25126 (gdb) print $greet("Bob")
25127 $1 = "Hello, Bob!"
25128 @end smallexample
25129
25130 @node Progspaces In Python
25131 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
25132
25133 @cindex progspaces in python
25134 @tindex gdb.Progspace
25135 @tindex Progspace
25136 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
25137 of an address space.
25138 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
25139 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25140 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
25141 about program spaces.
25142
25143 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
25144 @code{gdb} module:
25145
25146 @findex gdb.current_progspace
25147 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
25148 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
25149 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
25150 @end defun
25151
25152 @findex gdb.progspaces
25153 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
25154 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
25155 @end defun
25156
25157 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
25158 class.
25159
25160 @defvar Progspace.filename
25161 The file name of the progspace as a string.
25162 @end defvar
25163
25164 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
25165 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
25166 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
25167 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
25168 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
25169 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
25170 information.
25171 @end defvar
25172
25173 @defvar Progspace.type_printers
25174 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
25175 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
25176 @end defvar
25177
25178 @node Objfiles In Python
25179 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
25180
25181 @cindex objfiles in python
25182 @tindex gdb.Objfile
25183 @tindex Objfile
25184 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
25185 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
25186 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
25187 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
25188 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
25189
25190 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
25191 @code{gdb} module:
25192
25193 @findex gdb.current_objfile
25194 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
25195 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
25196 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
25197 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
25198 this function returns @code{None}.
25199 @end defun
25200
25201 @findex gdb.objfiles
25202 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
25203 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
25204 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25205 @end defun
25206
25207 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
25208 class.
25209
25210 @defvar Objfile.filename
25211 The file name of the objfile as a string.
25212 @end defvar
25213
25214 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
25215 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
25216 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
25217 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
25218 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
25219 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
25220 information.
25221 @end defvar
25222
25223 @defvar Objfile.type_printers
25224 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
25225 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
25226 @end defvar
25227
25228 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
25229
25230 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
25231 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
25232 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
25233 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
25234 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
25235 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25236 @end defun
25237
25238 @node Frames In Python
25239 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
25240
25241 @cindex frames in python
25242 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
25243 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
25244 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
25245 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
25246 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
25247 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
25248
25249 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
25250 operator, like:
25251
25252 @smallexample
25253 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
25254 True
25255 @end smallexample
25256
25257 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
25258
25259 @findex gdb.selected_frame
25260 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
25261 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
25262 @end defun
25263
25264 @findex gdb.newest_frame
25265 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
25266 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
25267 @end defun
25268
25269 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
25270 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
25271 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
25272 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
25273 @end defun
25274
25275 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
25276
25277 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
25278 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
25279 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
25280 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
25281 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25282 @end defun
25283
25284 @defun Frame.name ()
25285 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
25286 obtained.
25287 @end defun
25288
25289 @defun Frame.architecture ()
25290 Returns the @code{gdb.Architecture} object corresponding to the frame's
25291 architecture. @xref{Architectures In Python}.
25292 @end defun
25293
25294 @defun Frame.type ()
25295 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
25296 @table @code
25297 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
25298 An ordinary stack frame.
25299
25300 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
25301 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
25302 inferior function call.
25303
25304 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
25305 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
25306 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
25307
25308 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
25309 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
25310
25311 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
25312 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
25313 it calls into a signal handler.
25314
25315 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
25316 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
25317
25318 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
25319 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
25320 newest frame.
25321 @end table
25322 @end defun
25323
25324 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
25325 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
25326 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
25327 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
25328 function to a string. The value can be one of:
25329
25330 @table @code
25331 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
25332 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
25333
25334 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
25335 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result.
25336
25337 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
25338 This frame is the outermost.
25339
25340 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
25341 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
25342 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
25343
25344 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
25345 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
25346 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
25347 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
25348
25349 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
25350 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
25351 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
25352 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
25353 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
25354 stack corruption.
25355
25356 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
25357 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
25358 one to unwind further.
25359
25360 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
25361 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
25362 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
25363 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
25364 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
25365 versions. Using it, you could write:
25366 @smallexample
25367 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
25368 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
25369 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
25370 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
25371 @end smallexample
25372 @end table
25373
25374 @end defun
25375
25376 @defun Frame.pc ()
25377 Returns the frame's resume address.
25378 @end defun
25379
25380 @defun Frame.block ()
25381 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25382 @end defun
25383
25384 @defun Frame.function ()
25385 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
25386 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
25387 @end defun
25388
25389 @defun Frame.older ()
25390 Return the frame that called this frame.
25391 @end defun
25392
25393 @defun Frame.newer ()
25394 Return the frame called by this frame.
25395 @end defun
25396
25397 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
25398 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
25399 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
25400 @end defun
25401
25402 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
25403 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
25404 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
25405 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
25406 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
25407 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
25408 @code{gdb.Block} object.
25409 @end defun
25410
25411 @defun Frame.select ()
25412 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
25413 Stack}.
25414 @end defun
25415
25416 @node Blocks In Python
25417 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
25418
25419 @cindex blocks in python
25420 @tindex gdb.Block
25421
25422 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
25423 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
25424 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
25425 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
25426 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
25427 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
25428 stack.
25429
25430 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
25431 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
25432 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
25433 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
25434 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
25435 table.
25436
25437 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25438 module:
25439
25440 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
25441 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
25442 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
25443 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
25444 will return @code{None}.
25445 @end defun
25446
25447 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
25448
25449 @defun Block.is_valid ()
25450 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
25451 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
25452 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
25453 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
25454 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
25455 during iteration over symbols of the block.
25456 @end defun
25457
25458 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
25459
25460 @defvar Block.start
25461 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
25462 @end defvar
25463
25464 @defvar Block.end
25465 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
25466 @end defvar
25467
25468 @defvar Block.function
25469 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
25470 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
25471 attribute is not writable.
25472 @end defvar
25473
25474 @defvar Block.superblock
25475 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
25476 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25477 @end defvar
25478
25479 @defvar Block.global_block
25480 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
25481 writable.
25482 @end defvar
25483
25484 @defvar Block.static_block
25485 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
25486 writable.
25487 @end defvar
25488
25489 @defvar Block.is_global
25490 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
25491 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
25492 writable.
25493 @end defvar
25494
25495 @defvar Block.is_static
25496 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
25497 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
25498 @end defvar
25499
25500 @node Symbols In Python
25501 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
25502
25503 @cindex symbols in python
25504 @tindex gdb.Symbol
25505
25506 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
25507 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
25508 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
25509 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
25510
25511 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25512 module:
25513
25514 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
25515 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
25516 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
25517 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
25518 arguments.
25519
25520 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
25521 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
25522 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
25523 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
25524 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
25525 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
25526 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
25527 in this chapter.
25528
25529 The result is a tuple of two elements.
25530 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25531 is not found.
25532 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
25533 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
25534 otherwise it is @code{False}.
25535 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
25536 @end defun
25537
25538 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
25539 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
25540 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
25541 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
25542
25543 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
25544 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
25545 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
25546 module and described later in this chapter.
25547
25548 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25549 is not found.
25550 @end defun
25551
25552 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
25553
25554 @defvar Symbol.type
25555 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
25556 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
25557 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25558 @end defvar
25559
25560 @defvar Symbol.symtab
25561 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
25562 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
25563 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25564 @end defvar
25565
25566 @defvar Symbol.line
25567 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
25568 This is an integer.
25569 @end defvar
25570
25571 @defvar Symbol.name
25572 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
25573 @end defvar
25574
25575 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
25576 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
25577 This attribute is not writable.
25578 @end defvar
25579
25580 @defvar Symbol.print_name
25581 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
25582 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
25583 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
25584 @end defvar
25585
25586 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
25587 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
25588 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
25589 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
25590 @end defvar
25591
25592 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
25593 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
25594 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
25595 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
25596 @end defvar
25597
25598 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
25599 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
25600 @end defvar
25601
25602 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
25603 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
25604 @end defvar
25605
25606 @defvar Symbol.is_function
25607 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
25608 @end defvar
25609
25610 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
25611 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
25612 @end defvar
25613
25614 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
25615
25616 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
25617 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
25618 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
25619 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
25620 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
25621 invalid at the time the method is called.
25622 @end defun
25623
25624 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
25625 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
25626 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
25627 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
25628 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
25629 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
25630 exception.
25631 @end defun
25632
25633 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25634 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25635
25636 @table @code
25637 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25638 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25639 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25640 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
25641 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
25642 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25643 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25644 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25645 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25646 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
25647 type values.
25648 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25649 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25650 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25651 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
25652 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25653 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25654 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25655 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
25656 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25657 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25658 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25659 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
25660 contains everything minus functions and types.
25661 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25662 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25663 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
25664 This domain contains all functions.
25665 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25666 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25667 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25668 This domain contains all types.
25669 @end table
25670
25671 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25672 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25673
25674 @table @code
25675 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25676 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25677 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25678 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
25679 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25680 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25681 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25682 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25683 Value is constant int.
25684 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25685 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25686 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25687 Value is at a fixed address.
25688 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25689 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25690 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25691 Value is in a register.
25692 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25693 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25694 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25695 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
25696 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
25697 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25698 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25699 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25700 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
25701 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
25702 offset, not the value itself.
25703 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25704 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25705 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25706 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
25707 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
25708 itself.
25709 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25710 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25711 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25712 Value is a local variable.
25713 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25714 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25715 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25716 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
25717 have this class.
25718 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25719 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25720 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25721 Value is a block.
25722 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25723 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25724 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25725 Value is a byte-sequence.
25726 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25727 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25728 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25729 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
25730 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
25731 referenced.
25732 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25733 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25734 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25735 The value does not actually exist in the program.
25736 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25737 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25738 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25739 The value's address is a computed location.
25740 @end table
25741
25742 @node Symbol Tables In Python
25743 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
25744
25745 @cindex symbol tables in python
25746 @tindex gdb.Symtab
25747 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
25748
25749 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
25750 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
25751 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
25752 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
25753 @xref{Frames In Python}.
25754
25755 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
25756 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
25757
25758 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
25759
25760 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
25761 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
25762 This attribute is not writable.
25763 @end defvar
25764
25765 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
25766 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
25767 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
25768 @end defvar
25769
25770 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
25771 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
25772 source line. This attribute is not writable.
25773 @end defvar
25774
25775 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
25776 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
25777 attribute is not writable.
25778 @end defvar
25779
25780 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
25781
25782 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
25783 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
25784 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
25785 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
25786 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
25787 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
25788 invalid at the time the method is called.
25789 @end defun
25790
25791 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
25792
25793 @defvar Symtab.filename
25794 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
25795 @end defvar
25796
25797 @defvar Symtab.objfile
25798 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25799 This attribute is not writable.
25800 @end defvar
25801
25802 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
25803
25804 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
25805 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
25806 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
25807 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
25808 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
25809 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25810 @end defun
25811
25812 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
25813 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
25814 @end defun
25815
25816 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
25817 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
25818 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25819 @end defun
25820
25821 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
25822 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
25823 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25824 @end defun
25825
25826 @node Breakpoints In Python
25827 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
25828
25829 @cindex breakpoints in python
25830 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
25831
25832 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
25833 class.
25834
25835 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal@r{]]]})
25836 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
25837 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
25838 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
25839 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
25840 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
25841 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
25842 either: @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
25843 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
25844 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
25845 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
25846 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
25847 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
25848 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
25849 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
25850 assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
25851 @end defun
25852
25853 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
25854 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
25855 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
25856 If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
25857 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
25858 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
25859 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
25860 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
25861
25862 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
25863 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
25864 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
25865 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
25866 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
25867 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
25868
25869 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
25870 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
25871 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
25872 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
25873 at this time.
25874
25875 Example @code{stop} implementation:
25876
25877 @smallexample
25878 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
25879 def stop (self):
25880 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
25881 if inf_val == 3:
25882 return True
25883 return False
25884 @end smallexample
25885 @end defun
25886
25887 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
25888 @code{gdb} module:
25889
25890 @table @code
25891 @findex WP_READ
25892 @findex gdb.WP_READ
25893 @item gdb.WP_READ
25894 Read only watchpoint.
25895
25896 @findex WP_WRITE
25897 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
25898 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
25899 Write only watchpoint.
25900
25901 @findex WP_ACCESS
25902 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
25903 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
25904 Read/Write watchpoint.
25905 @end table
25906
25907 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
25908 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
25909 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
25910 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
25911 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
25912 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
25913 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
25914 @end defun
25915
25916 @defun Breakpoint.delete
25917 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
25918 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
25919 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
25920 @end defun
25921
25922 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
25923 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
25924 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25925 @end defvar
25926
25927 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
25928 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
25929 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25930
25931 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
25932 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
25933 @code{silent} attribute.
25934 @end defvar
25935
25936 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
25937 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
25938 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
25939 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
25940 @end defvar
25941
25942 @defvar Breakpoint.task
25943 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
25944 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
25945 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
25946 is writable.
25947 @end defvar
25948
25949 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
25950 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
25951 This attribute is writable.
25952 @end defvar
25953
25954 @defvar Breakpoint.number
25955 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
25956 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
25957 @end defvar
25958
25959 @defvar Breakpoint.type
25960 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
25961 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
25962 writable.
25963 @end defvar
25964
25965 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
25966 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
25967 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
25968 attribute is not writable.
25969 @end defvar
25970
25971 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
25972 module:
25973
25974 @table @code
25975 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
25976 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25977 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25978 Normal code breakpoint.
25979
25980 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
25981 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25982 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25983 Watchpoint breakpoint.
25984
25985 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25986 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25987 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25988 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
25989
25990 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25991 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25992 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25993 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
25994
25995 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25996 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25997 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25998 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
25999 @end table
26000
26001 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
26002 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
26003 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
26004 @end defvar
26005
26006 @defvar Breakpoint.location
26007 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
26008 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
26009 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
26010 attribute is not writable.
26011 @end defvar
26012
26013 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
26014 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
26015 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
26016 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
26017 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26018 @end defvar
26019
26020 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
26021 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
26022 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
26023 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
26024 @end defvar
26025
26026 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
26027 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
26028 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
26029 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
26030 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26031 @end defvar
26032
26033 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
26034 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
26035
26036 @cindex python finish breakpoints
26037 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
26038
26039 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
26040 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
26041 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
26042 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
26043 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
26044 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
26045 thread selected.
26046
26047 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
26048 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
26049 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
26050 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
26051 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
26052 details about this argument.
26053 @end defun
26054
26055 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
26056 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
26057 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
26058 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
26059 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
26060
26061 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
26062 method:
26063
26064 @smallexample
26065 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
26066 def stop (self):
26067 print "normal finish"
26068 return True
26069
26070 def out_of_scope ():
26071 print "abnormal finish"
26072 @end smallexample
26073 @end defun
26074
26075 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
26076 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
26077 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
26078 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
26079 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
26080 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
26081 is not writable.
26082 @end defvar
26083
26084 @node Lazy Strings In Python
26085 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
26086
26087 @cindex lazy strings in python
26088 @tindex gdb.LazyString
26089
26090 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
26091 encoded until it is needed.
26092
26093 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
26094 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
26095 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
26096 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
26097 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
26098 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
26099 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
26100 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
26101 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
26102
26103 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
26104
26105 @defun LazyString.value ()
26106 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
26107 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
26108 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
26109 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
26110 @end defun
26111
26112 @defvar LazyString.address
26113 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
26114 writable.
26115 @end defvar
26116
26117 @defvar LazyString.length
26118 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
26119 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
26120 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
26121 @end defvar
26122
26123 @defvar LazyString.encoding
26124 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
26125 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
26126 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
26127 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
26128 is not writable.
26129 @end defvar
26130
26131 @defvar LazyString.type
26132 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
26133 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
26134 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
26135 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
26136 writable.
26137 @end defvar
26138
26139 @node Architectures In Python
26140 @subsubsection Python representation of architectures
26141 @cindex Python architectures
26142
26143 @value{GDBN} uses architecture specific parameters and artifacts in a
26144 number of its various computations. An architecture is represented
26145 by an instance of the @code{gdb.Architecture} class.
26146
26147 A @code{gdb.Architecture} class has the following methods:
26148
26149 @defun Architecture.name ()
26150 Return the name (string value) of the architecture.
26151 @end defun
26152
26153 @defun Architecture.disassemble (@var{start_pc} @r{[}, @var{end_pc} @r{[}, @var{count}@r{]]})
26154 Return a list of disassembled instructions starting from the memory
26155 address @var{start_pc}. The optional arguments @var{end_pc} and
26156 @var{count} determine the number of instructions in the returned list.
26157 If both the optional arguments @var{end_pc} and @var{count} are
26158 specified, then a list of at most @var{count} disassembled instructions
26159 whose start address falls in the closed memory address interval from
26160 @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If @var{end_pc} is not
26161 specified, but @var{count} is specified, then @var{count} number of
26162 instructions starting from the address @var{start_pc} are returned. If
26163 @var{count} is not specified but @var{end_pc} is specified, then all
26164 instructions whose start address falls in the closed memory address
26165 interval from @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If neither
26166 @var{end_pc} nor @var{count} are specified, then a single instruction at
26167 @var{start_pc} is returned. For all of these cases, each element of the
26168 returned list is a Python @code{dict} with the following string keys:
26169
26170 @table @code
26171
26172 @item addr
26173 The value corresponding to this key is a Python long integer capturing
26174 the memory address of the instruction.
26175
26176 @item asm
26177 The value corresponding to this key is a string value which represents
26178 the instruction with assembly language mnemonics. The assembly
26179 language flavor used is the same as that specified by the current CLI
26180 variable @code{disassembly-flavor}. @xref{Machine Code}.
26181
26182 @item length
26183 The value corresponding to this key is the length (integer value) of the
26184 instruction in bytes.
26185
26186 @end table
26187 @end defun
26188
26189 @node Python Auto-loading
26190 @subsection Python Auto-loading
26191 @cindex Python auto-loading
26192
26193 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
26194 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
26195 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
26196 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file})
26197 and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26198 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
26199
26200 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
26201 debugging commands and scripts.
26202
26203 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
26204 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
26205
26206 @table @code
26207 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
26208 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
26209 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
26210 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
26211
26212 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
26213 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
26214 @item show auto-load python-scripts
26215 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
26216
26217 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
26218 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
26219 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
26220 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
26221 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
26222
26223 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
26224 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
26225 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
26226 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
26227 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
26228 an error message for each one is problematic.
26229
26230 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
26231
26232 Example:
26233
26234 @smallexample
26235 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
26236 Loaded Script
26237 Yes py-section-script.py
26238 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
26239 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
26240 @end smallexample
26241 @end table
26242
26243 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
26244 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
26245 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
26246 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
26247
26248 @menu
26249 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
26250 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26251 * Which flavor to choose?::
26252 @end menu
26253
26254 @node objfile-gdb.py file
26255 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
26256 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
26257
26258 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
26259 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
26260 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
26261 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
26262 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
26263 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
26264
26265 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
26266 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
26267
26268 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
26269 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26270
26271 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
26272 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
26273 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
26274 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
26275 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
26276 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
26277
26278 @table @code
26279 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
26280 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
26281 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
26282 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
26283 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
26284 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
26285
26286 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
26287 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
26288
26289 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
26290 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
26291 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
26292 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
26293
26294 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
26295 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
26296 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
26297 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
26298 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
26299 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
26300 platform.
26301
26302 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
26303 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
26304 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
26305
26306 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
26307 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
26308 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
26309 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
26310 @end table
26311
26312 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
26313 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
26314 @var{objfile} is opened.
26315 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
26316 is evaluated more than once.
26317
26318 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
26319 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26320 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
26321
26322 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
26323 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
26324 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
26325 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
26326
26327 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
26328 current directory and then along the source search path
26329 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
26330 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
26331 directory is not relevant to scripts.
26332
26333 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
26334 for example, this GCC macro:
26335
26336 @example
26337 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
26338 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
26339 asm("\
26340 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
26341 .byte 1\n\
26342 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
26343 .popsection \n\
26344 ");
26345 @end example
26346
26347 @noindent
26348 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
26349
26350 @example
26351 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
26352 @end example
26353
26354 The script name may include directories if desired.
26355
26356 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
26357 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26358
26359 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
26360 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
26361
26362 @node Which flavor to choose?
26363 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
26364
26365 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
26366 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
26367
26368 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
26369
26370 @itemize @bullet
26371 @item
26372 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
26373
26374 @item
26375 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
26376
26377 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
26378 in the source search path.
26379 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
26380 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
26381
26382 @item
26383 Doesn't require source code additions.
26384 @end itemize
26385
26386 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
26387
26388 @itemize @bullet
26389 @item
26390 Works with static linking.
26391
26392 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
26393 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
26394 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
26395 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
26396
26397 @item
26398 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
26399
26400 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
26401 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
26402
26403 @item
26404 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
26405
26406 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
26407 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
26408 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
26409 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
26410 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
26411 top of the source tree to the source search path.
26412 @end itemize
26413
26414 @node Python modules
26415 @subsection Python modules
26416 @cindex python modules
26417
26418 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
26419
26420 @menu
26421 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
26422 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
26423 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
26424 @end menu
26425
26426 @node gdb.printing
26427 @subsubsection gdb.printing
26428 @cindex gdb.printing
26429
26430 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
26431 pretty-printers.
26432
26433 @table @code
26434 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
26435 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
26436 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
26437 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
26438
26439 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
26440 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
26441 corresponding API for the subprinters.
26442
26443 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
26444 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
26445 regular expressions.
26446 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
26447
26448 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
26449 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
26450 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
26451 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
26452 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
26453 the @code{enum} type to look up.
26454
26455 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
26456 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
26457 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
26458 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
26459 if a printer with the same name already exists.
26460 @end table
26461
26462 @node gdb.types
26463 @subsubsection gdb.types
26464 @cindex gdb.types
26465
26466 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
26467 @code{gdb.Type} objects.
26468
26469 @table @code
26470 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
26471 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
26472 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
26473
26474 C@t{++} example:
26475
26476 @smallexample
26477 typedef const int const_int;
26478 const_int foo (3);
26479 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
26480 int main () @{ return 0; @}
26481 @end smallexample
26482
26483 Then in gdb:
26484
26485 @smallexample
26486 (gdb) start
26487 (gdb) python import gdb.types
26488 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
26489 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
26490 int
26491 @end smallexample
26492
26493 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
26494 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
26495 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
26496
26497 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
26498 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
26499
26500 @item deep_items (@var{type})
26501 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
26502 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
26503 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
26504 union fields. For example:
26505
26506 @smallexample
26507 struct A
26508 @{
26509 int a;
26510 union @{
26511 int b0;
26512 int b1;
26513 @};
26514 @};
26515 @end smallexample
26516
26517 @noindent
26518 Then in @value{GDBN}:
26519 @smallexample
26520 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
26521 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
26522 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
26523 @{['a', '']@}
26524 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
26525 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
26526 @end smallexample
26527
26528 @item get_type_recognizers ()
26529 Return a list of the enabled type recognizers for the current context.
26530 This is called by @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process
26531 (@pxref{Type Printing API}).
26532
26533 @item apply_type_recognizers (recognizers, type_obj)
26534 Apply the type recognizers, @var{recognizers}, to the type object
26535 @var{type_obj}. If any recognizer returns a string, return that
26536 string. Otherwise, return @code{None}. This is called by
26537 @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process (@pxref{Type Printing
26538 API}).
26539
26540 @item register_type_printer (locus, printer)
26541 This is a convenience function to register a type printer.
26542 @var{printer} is the type printer to register. It must implement the
26543 type printer protocol. @var{locus} is either a @code{gdb.Objfile}, in
26544 which case the printer is registered with that objfile; a
26545 @code{gdb.Progspace}, in which case the printer is registered with
26546 that progspace; or @code{None}, in which case the printer is
26547 registered globally.
26548
26549 @item TypePrinter
26550 This is a base class that implements the type printer protocol. Type
26551 printers are encouraged, but not required, to derive from this class.
26552 It defines a constructor:
26553
26554 @defmethod TypePrinter __init__ (self, name)
26555 Initialize the type printer with the given name. The new printer
26556 starts in the enabled state.
26557 @end defmethod
26558
26559 @end table
26560
26561 @node gdb.prompt
26562 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
26563 @cindex gdb.prompt
26564
26565 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
26566
26567 @table @code
26568 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
26569 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
26570 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
26571 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
26572
26573 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
26574
26575 @table @code
26576 @item \\
26577 Substitute a backslash.
26578 @item \e
26579 Substitute an ESC character.
26580 @item \f
26581 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
26582 @item \n
26583 Substitute a newline.
26584 @item \p
26585 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
26586 @item \r
26587 Substitute a carriage return.
26588 @item \t
26589 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
26590 @item \v
26591 Substitute the version of GDB.
26592 @item \w
26593 Substitute the current working directory.
26594 @item \[
26595 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
26596 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
26597 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
26598 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
26599 @item \]
26600 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
26601 @end table
26602
26603 For example:
26604
26605 @smallexample
26606 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
26607 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
26608 @end smallexample
26609
26610 @exdent will return the string:
26611
26612 @smallexample
26613 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
26614 @end smallexample
26615 @end table
26616
26617 @node Aliases
26618 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
26619 @cindex aliases for commands
26620
26621 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
26622 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
26623 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
26624 that involves less typing.
26625
26626 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
26627 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
26628 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
26629
26630 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
26631 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
26632 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
26633
26634 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
26635
26636 @table @code
26637
26638 @kindex alias
26639 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
26640
26641 @end table
26642
26643 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
26644 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
26645 underscores.
26646
26647 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
26648 that is being aliased.
26649
26650 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
26651 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
26652 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
26653
26654 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
26655 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
26656
26657 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
26658 of a command so that there is less to type.
26659 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
26660 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
26661 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
26662 The following will accomplish this.
26663
26664 @smallexample
26665 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
26666 @end smallexample
26667
26668 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
26669 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
26670 for it with the @samp{document} command.
26671 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
26672
26673 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
26674 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
26675 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
26676 of a command.
26677
26678 @smallexample
26679 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
26680 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
26681 (gdb) set p elms 20
26682 (gdb) show p elms
26683 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
26684 @end smallexample
26685
26686 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
26687 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
26688 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
26689
26690 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
26691 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
26692
26693 @smallexample
26694 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
26695 @end smallexample
26696
26697 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
26698 alias for a more complex command.
26699 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
26700
26701 @smallexample
26702 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
26703 (gdb) spe 20
26704 @end smallexample
26705
26706 @node Interpreters
26707 @chapter Command Interpreters
26708 @cindex command interpreters
26709
26710 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
26711 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
26712 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
26713
26714 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
26715 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
26716 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
26717 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
26718
26719 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
26720 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
26721 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
26722 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
26723
26724 @table @code
26725 @item console
26726 @cindex console interpreter
26727 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
26728 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
26729 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
26730
26731 @item mi
26732 @cindex mi interpreter
26733 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
26734 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
26735 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
26736 Interface}.
26737
26738 @item mi2
26739 @cindex mi2 interpreter
26740 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
26741
26742 @item mi1
26743 @cindex mi1 interpreter
26744 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
26745
26746 @end table
26747
26748 @cindex invoke another interpreter
26749 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
26750 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
26751 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
26752 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
26753 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
26754 the IDE inoperable!
26755
26756 @kindex interpreter-exec
26757 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
26758 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
26759 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
26760 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
26761
26762 @smallexample
26763 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
26764 @end smallexample
26765
26766 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
26767 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
26768
26769 @node TUI
26770 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
26771 @cindex TUI
26772 @cindex Text User Interface
26773
26774 @menu
26775 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
26776 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
26777 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
26778 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
26779 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
26780 @end menu
26781
26782 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
26783 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
26784 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
26785 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
26786 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
26787 is available.
26788
26789 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
26790 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
26791 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
26792 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
26793 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
26794
26795 @node TUI Overview
26796 @section TUI Overview
26797
26798 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
26799
26800 @table @emph
26801 @item command
26802 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
26803 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
26804 managed using readline.
26805
26806 @item source
26807 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
26808 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
26809
26810 @item assembly
26811 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
26812
26813 @item register
26814 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
26815 when their values change.
26816 @end table
26817
26818 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
26819 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
26820 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
26821 indicates the breakpoint type:
26822
26823 @table @code
26824 @item B
26825 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26826
26827 @item b
26828 Breakpoint which was never hit.
26829
26830 @item H
26831 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26832
26833 @item h
26834 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
26835 @end table
26836
26837 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
26838
26839 @table @code
26840 @item +
26841 Breakpoint is enabled.
26842
26843 @item -
26844 Breakpoint is disabled.
26845 @end table
26846
26847 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
26848 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
26849 changes.
26850
26851 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
26852 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
26853 layouts:
26854
26855 @itemize @bullet
26856 @item
26857 source only,
26858
26859 @item
26860 assembly only,
26861
26862 @item
26863 source and assembly,
26864
26865 @item
26866 source and registers, or
26867
26868 @item
26869 assembly and registers.
26870 @end itemize
26871
26872 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
26873
26874 @table @emph
26875 @item target
26876 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
26877 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
26878
26879 @item process
26880 Gives the current process or thread number.
26881 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
26882
26883 @item function
26884 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
26885 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
26886 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
26887 the string @code{??} is displayed.
26888
26889 @item line
26890 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
26891 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
26892
26893 @item pc
26894 Indicates the current program counter address.
26895 @end table
26896
26897 @node TUI Keys
26898 @section TUI Key Bindings
26899 @cindex TUI key bindings
26900
26901 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
26902 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26903 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
26904 @end ifset
26905 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26906 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
26907 @end ifclear
26908 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
26909 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
26910
26911 @table @kbd
26912 @kindex C-x C-a
26913 @item C-x C-a
26914 @kindex C-x a
26915 @itemx C-x a
26916 @kindex C-x A
26917 @itemx C-x A
26918 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
26919 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
26920 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
26921 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
26922 The screen is then refreshed.
26923
26924 @kindex C-x 1
26925 @item C-x 1
26926 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
26927 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
26928 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
26929
26930 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
26931
26932 @kindex C-x 2
26933 @item C-x 2
26934 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
26935 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
26936 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
26937 previous layout and the new one.
26938
26939 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
26940
26941 @kindex C-x o
26942 @item C-x o
26943 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
26944 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
26945 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
26946
26947 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
26948
26949 @kindex C-x s
26950 @item C-x s
26951 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
26952 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
26953 @end table
26954
26955 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
26956
26957 @table @asis
26958 @kindex PgUp
26959 @item @key{PgUp}
26960 Scroll the active window one page up.
26961
26962 @kindex PgDn
26963 @item @key{PgDn}
26964 Scroll the active window one page down.
26965
26966 @kindex Up
26967 @item @key{Up}
26968 Scroll the active window one line up.
26969
26970 @kindex Down
26971 @item @key{Down}
26972 Scroll the active window one line down.
26973
26974 @kindex Left
26975 @item @key{Left}
26976 Scroll the active window one column left.
26977
26978 @kindex Right
26979 @item @key{Right}
26980 Scroll the active window one column right.
26981
26982 @kindex C-L
26983 @item @kbd{C-L}
26984 Refresh the screen.
26985 @end table
26986
26987 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
26988 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
26989 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
26990 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
26991 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
26992
26993 @node TUI Single Key Mode
26994 @section TUI Single Key Mode
26995 @cindex TUI single key mode
26996
26997 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
26998 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
26999 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
27000
27001 @table @kbd
27002 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27003 @item c
27004 continue
27005
27006 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27007 @item d
27008 down
27009
27010 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27011 @item f
27012 finish
27013
27014 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27015 @item n
27016 next
27017
27018 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27019 @item q
27020 exit the SingleKey mode.
27021
27022 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27023 @item r
27024 run
27025
27026 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27027 @item s
27028 step
27029
27030 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27031 @item u
27032 up
27033
27034 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27035 @item v
27036 info locals
27037
27038 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
27039 @item w
27040 where
27041 @end table
27042
27043 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
27044 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
27045 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
27046 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
27047 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
27048 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
27049
27050
27051 @node TUI Commands
27052 @section TUI-specific Commands
27053 @cindex TUI commands
27054
27055 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
27056 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
27057 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
27058 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
27059
27060 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
27061 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
27062 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
27063 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
27064 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
27065
27066 @table @code
27067 @item info win
27068 @kindex info win
27069 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
27070
27071 @item layout next
27072 @kindex layout
27073 Display the next layout.
27074
27075 @item layout prev
27076 Display the previous layout.
27077
27078 @item layout src
27079 Display the source window only.
27080
27081 @item layout asm
27082 Display the assembly window only.
27083
27084 @item layout split
27085 Display the source and assembly window.
27086
27087 @item layout regs
27088 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
27089
27090 @item focus next
27091 @kindex focus
27092 Make the next window active for scrolling.
27093
27094 @item focus prev
27095 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
27096
27097 @item focus src
27098 Make the source window active for scrolling.
27099
27100 @item focus asm
27101 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
27102
27103 @item focus regs
27104 Make the register window active for scrolling.
27105
27106 @item focus cmd
27107 Make the command window active for scrolling.
27108
27109 @item refresh
27110 @kindex refresh
27111 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
27112
27113 @item tui reg float
27114 @kindex tui reg
27115 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
27116
27117 @item tui reg general
27118 Show the general registers in the register window.
27119
27120 @item tui reg next
27121 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
27122 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
27123 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
27124 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
27125
27126 @item tui reg system
27127 Show the system registers in the register window.
27128
27129 @item update
27130 @kindex update
27131 Update the source window and the current execution point.
27132
27133 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
27134 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
27135 @kindex winheight
27136 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
27137 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
27138 decrease it.
27139
27140 @item tabset @var{nchars}
27141 @kindex tabset
27142 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
27143 @end table
27144
27145 @node TUI Configuration
27146 @section TUI Configuration Variables
27147 @cindex TUI configuration variables
27148
27149 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
27150
27151 @table @code
27152 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
27153 @kindex set tui border-kind
27154 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
27155 The possible values are the following:
27156 @table @code
27157 @item space
27158 Use a space character to draw the border.
27159
27160 @item ascii
27161 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
27162
27163 @item acs
27164 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
27165 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
27166 @end table
27167
27168 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
27169 @kindex set tui border-mode
27170 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
27171 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
27172 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
27173 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
27174 @table @code
27175 @item normal
27176 Use normal attributes to display the border.
27177
27178 @item standout
27179 Use standout mode.
27180
27181 @item reverse
27182 Use reverse video mode.
27183
27184 @item half
27185 Use half bright mode.
27186
27187 @item half-standout
27188 Use half bright and standout mode.
27189
27190 @item bold
27191 Use extra bright or bold mode.
27192
27193 @item bold-standout
27194 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
27195 @end table
27196 @end table
27197
27198 @node Emacs
27199 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
27200
27201 @cindex Emacs
27202 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
27203 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
27204 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
27205 @value{GDBN}.
27206
27207 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
27208 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
27209 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
27210 created Emacs buffer.
27211 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
27212
27213 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
27214 things:
27215
27216 @itemize @bullet
27217 @item
27218 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
27219 the GUD buffer.
27220
27221 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
27222 and output done by the program you are debugging.
27223
27224 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
27225 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
27226 in this way.
27227
27228 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
27229 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
27230 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
27231 stop.
27232
27233 @item
27234 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
27235
27236 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
27237 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
27238 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
27239 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
27240 and the source.
27241
27242 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
27243 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
27244 @end itemize
27245
27246 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
27247 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
27248 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
27249 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
27250
27251 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
27252 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
27253 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
27254 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
27255 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
27256 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
27257 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
27258 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
27259 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
27260
27261 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
27262 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
27263 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
27264 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
27265
27266 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
27267 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
27268 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
27269 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
27270 one you want.
27271
27272 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
27273 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
27274
27275 @table @kbd
27276 @item C-h m
27277 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
27278
27279 @item C-c C-s
27280 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
27281 update the display window to show the current file and location.
27282
27283 @item C-c C-n
27284 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
27285 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
27286 to show the current file and location.
27287
27288 @item C-c C-i
27289 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
27290 display window accordingly.
27291
27292 @item C-c C-f
27293 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
27294 @code{finish} command.
27295
27296 @item C-c C-r
27297 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
27298 command.
27299
27300 @item C-c <
27301 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
27302 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
27303 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
27304
27305 @item C-c >
27306 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
27307 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
27308 @end table
27309
27310 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
27311 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
27312
27313 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
27314 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
27315 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
27316 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
27317 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
27318 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
27319 speedbar displays watch expressions.
27320
27321 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
27322 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
27323 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
27324 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
27325 frame.
27326
27327 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
27328 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
27329 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
27330 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
27331 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
27332 to correspond properly with the code.
27333
27334 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
27335 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
27336 Emacs Manual}).
27337
27338 @node GDB/MI
27339 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
27340
27341 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
27342
27343 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
27344 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
27345 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
27346 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
27347 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
27348 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
27349
27350 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
27351 in the form of a reference manual.
27352
27353 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
27354 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
27355 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
27356
27357 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
27358
27359 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
27360 This chapter uses the following notation:
27361
27362 @itemize @bullet
27363 @item
27364 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
27365
27366 @item
27367 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
27368 it may or may not be given.
27369
27370 @item
27371 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27372 may repeat zero or more times.
27373
27374 @item
27375 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27376 may repeat one or more times.
27377
27378 @item
27379 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
27380 @end itemize
27381
27382 @ignore
27383 @heading Dependencies
27384 @end ignore
27385
27386 @menu
27387 * GDB/MI General Design::
27388 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
27389 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
27390 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
27391 * GDB/MI Output Records::
27392 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
27393 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
27394 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
27395 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27396 * GDB/MI Program Context::
27397 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
27398 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
27399 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
27400 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
27401 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
27402 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
27403 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
27404 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
27405 * GDB/MI File Commands::
27406 @ignore
27407 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
27408 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
27409 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
27410 @end ignore
27411 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
27412 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
27413 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
27414 @end menu
27415
27416 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27417 @node GDB/MI General Design
27418 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
27419 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
27420
27421 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
27422 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
27423 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
27424 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
27425 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
27426 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
27427 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
27428 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
27429 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
27430 a command and reported as part of that command response.
27431
27432 The important examples of notifications are:
27433 @itemize @bullet
27434
27435 @item
27436 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
27437 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
27438 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
27439 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
27440 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
27441 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
27442 command itself was successfully executed.
27443
27444 @item
27445 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
27446 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
27447 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
27448 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
27449 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
27450 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
27451
27452 @item
27453 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
27454 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
27455 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
27456 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
27457 orthogonal frontend design.
27458
27459 @end itemize
27460
27461 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
27462 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
27463 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
27464 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
27465 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
27466 the user interface.
27467
27468
27469 @menu
27470 * Context management::
27471 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
27472 * Thread groups::
27473 @end menu
27474
27475 @node Context management
27476 @subsection Context management
27477
27478 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
27479 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
27480 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
27481 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
27482 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
27483 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
27484 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
27485 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
27486 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
27487
27488 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
27489 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
27490 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
27491 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
27492 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
27493 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
27494 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
27495 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
27496 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
27497 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
27498 for thread and frame to operate on.
27499
27500 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
27501 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
27502 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
27503 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
27504 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
27505 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
27506 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
27507 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
27508 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
27509 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
27510
27511 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
27512 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
27513 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
27514 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
27515 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
27516 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
27517 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
27518 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
27519 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
27520 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
27521 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
27522 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
27523 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
27524 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
27525 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
27526 @samp{--frame} options.
27527
27528 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
27529 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
27530
27531 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
27532 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
27533 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
27534 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
27535 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
27536 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
27537 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
27538 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
27539 @code{-list-target-features} command.
27540
27541 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
27542 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
27543 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
27544 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
27545 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
27546 are running.
27547
27548 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
27549 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
27550 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
27551 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
27552 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
27553 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
27554 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
27555 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
27556 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
27557 @samp{--thread} option).
27558
27559 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
27560 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
27561 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
27562 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
27563
27564 @node Thread groups
27565 @subsection Thread groups
27566 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
27567 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
27568 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
27569 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
27570 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
27571
27572 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
27573 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
27574 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
27575 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
27576 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
27577 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
27578 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
27579 into processes.
27580
27581 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
27582 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
27583 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
27584 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
27585 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
27586 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
27587 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
27588 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
27589 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
27590 the members of specific thread group.
27591
27592 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
27593 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
27594 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
27595 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
27596 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
27597 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
27598 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
27599 after attaching to that thread group.
27600
27601 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
27602 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
27603 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
27604 such thread groups.
27605
27606 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27607 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
27608 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
27609
27610 @menu
27611 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
27612 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
27613 @end menu
27614
27615 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
27616 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
27617
27618 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
27619 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
27620 @table @code
27621 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
27622 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
27623
27624 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
27625 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
27626 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
27627
27628 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
27629 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
27630 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
27631
27632 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27633 "any sequence of digits"
27634
27635 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
27636 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
27637
27638 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
27639 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
27640
27641 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
27642 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
27643
27644 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
27645 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
27646 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
27647
27648 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
27649 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
27650
27651 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27652 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27653 @end table
27654
27655 @noindent
27656 Notes:
27657
27658 @itemize @bullet
27659 @item
27660 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
27661 output is described below.
27662
27663 @item
27664 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
27665 finishes.
27666
27667 @item
27668 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
27669 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
27670 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
27671 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
27672 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
27673 @end itemize
27674
27675 Pragmatics:
27676
27677 @itemize @bullet
27678 @item
27679 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
27680
27681 @item
27682 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
27683 @end itemize
27684
27685 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
27686 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
27687
27688 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
27689 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
27690 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
27691 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
27692 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
27693 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
27694
27695 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
27696 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
27697 @var{token}.
27698
27699 @table @code
27700 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
27701 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
27702
27703 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
27704 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27705
27706 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
27707 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
27708
27709 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
27710 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
27711
27712 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
27713 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
27714
27715 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
27716 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
27717
27718 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
27719 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
27720
27721 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
27722 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27723
27724 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
27725 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
27726
27727 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
27728 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
27729 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
27730
27731 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
27732 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
27733
27734 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
27735 @code{ @var{string} }
27736
27737 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
27738 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
27739
27740 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
27741 @code{@var{c-string}}
27742
27743 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
27744 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
27745
27746 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
27747 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
27748 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
27749
27750 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
27751 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
27752
27753 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
27754 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
27755
27756 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
27757 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
27758
27759 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
27760 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
27761
27762 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27763 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27764
27765 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27766 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
27767 @end table
27768
27769 @noindent
27770 Notes:
27771
27772 @itemize @bullet
27773 @item
27774 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
27775
27776 @item
27777 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
27778 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
27779 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
27780 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
27781 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
27782 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
27783 prior command.
27784
27785 @item
27786 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27787 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
27788 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
27789 prefixed by @samp{+}.
27790
27791 @item
27792 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27793 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
27794 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
27795 @samp{*}.
27796
27797 @item
27798 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27799 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
27800 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
27801 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
27802
27803 @item
27804 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27805 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
27806 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
27807 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
27808
27809 @item
27810 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27811 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
27812 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
27813
27814 @item
27815 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27816 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
27817 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
27818 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
27819
27820 @item
27821 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27822 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
27823 @var{values}.
27824
27825
27826 @end itemize
27827
27828 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
27829 details about the various output records.
27830
27831 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27832 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
27833 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
27834
27835 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
27836 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
27837
27838 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
27839 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
27840 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
27841 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
27842 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
27843 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
27844
27845 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
27846 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
27847 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
27848
27849 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27850 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
27851 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
27852 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
27853
27854 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
27855 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
27856
27857 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
27858 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
27859 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
27860 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
27861 might change.
27862
27863 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
27864 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
27865 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
27866 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
27867
27868 @itemize @bullet
27869 @item
27870 New MI commands may be added.
27871
27872 @item
27873 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
27874
27875 @item
27876 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
27877 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
27878
27879 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
27880 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
27881
27882 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
27883 @c resolve inconsistencies.
27884 @end itemize
27885
27886 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
27887 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
27888 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
27889 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
27890 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
27891
27892 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
27893 @c version?
27894
27895 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
27896 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
27897 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
27898 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
27899 @cindex mailing lists
27900
27901 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27902 @node GDB/MI Output Records
27903 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
27904
27905 @menu
27906 * GDB/MI Result Records::
27907 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
27908 * GDB/MI Async Records::
27909 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
27910 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
27911 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
27912 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
27913 @end menu
27914
27915 @node GDB/MI Result Records
27916 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
27917
27918 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27919 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
27920 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
27921 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
27922
27923 @table @code
27924 @findex ^done
27925 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
27926 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
27927 values.
27928
27929 @item "^running"
27930 @findex ^running
27931 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
27932 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
27933 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
27934 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
27935 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
27936 which threads are resumed.
27937
27938 @item "^connected"
27939 @findex ^connected
27940 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
27941
27942 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
27943 @findex ^error
27944 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
27945 error message.
27946
27947 @item "^exit"
27948 @findex ^exit
27949 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
27950
27951 @end table
27952
27953 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
27954 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
27955
27956 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
27957 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27958 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
27959 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
27960 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
27961
27962 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
27963 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
27964 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
27965 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
27966 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
27967
27968 @table @code
27969 @item "~" @var{string-output}
27970 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
27971 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
27972
27973 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
27974 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
27975 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
27976 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
27977
27978 @item "&" @var{string-output}
27979 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
27980 internals.
27981 @end table
27982
27983 @node GDB/MI Async Records
27984 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
27985
27986 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27987 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
27988 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
27989 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
27990 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
27991 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
27992
27993 The following is the list of possible async records:
27994
27995 @table @code
27996
27997 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
27998 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
27999 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
28000 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
28001 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
28002 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
28003 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
28004 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
28005 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
28006 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
28007
28008 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
28009 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
28010 following values:
28011
28012 @table @code
28013 @item breakpoint-hit
28014 A breakpoint was reached.
28015 @item watchpoint-trigger
28016 A watchpoint was triggered.
28017 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
28018 A read watchpoint was triggered.
28019 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
28020 An access watchpoint was triggered.
28021 @item function-finished
28022 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
28023 @item location-reached
28024 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
28025 @item watchpoint-scope
28026 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
28027 @item end-stepping-range
28028 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
28029 similar CLI command was accomplished.
28030 @item exited-signalled
28031 The inferior exited because of a signal.
28032 @item exited
28033 The inferior exited.
28034 @item exited-normally
28035 The inferior exited normally.
28036 @item signal-received
28037 A signal was received by the inferior.
28038 @item solib-event
28039 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
28040 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
28041 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
28042 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
28043 @item fork
28044 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
28045 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
28046 @item vfork
28047 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
28048 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
28049 @item syscall-entry
28050 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
28051 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
28052 @item syscall-entry
28053 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
28054 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
28055 @item exec
28056 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
28057 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
28058 @end table
28059
28060 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
28061 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
28062 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
28063 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
28064 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
28065 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
28066 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
28067 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
28068 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
28069 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
28070 if such information is not available.
28071
28072 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
28073 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
28074 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
28075 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
28076 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
28077 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
28078 cannot be used in any way.
28079
28080 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
28081 A thread group became associated with a running program,
28082 either because the program was just started or the thread group
28083 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
28084 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
28085 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
28086
28087 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
28088 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
28089 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
28090 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
28091 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
28092 only when the inferior exited with some code.
28093
28094 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
28095 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
28096 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
28097 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
28098 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
28099
28100 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
28101 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
28102 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
28103 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
28104 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
28105 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
28106 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
28107
28108 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
28109 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
28110 that thread.
28111
28112 @item =library-loaded,...
28113 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
28114 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
28115 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
28116 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
28117 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
28118 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
28119 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
28120 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
28121 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
28122 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
28123 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
28124 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
28125 thread groups.
28126
28127 @item =library-unloaded,...
28128 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
28129 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
28130 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
28131 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
28132 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
28133 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
28134 thread groups.
28135
28136 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
28137 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
28138 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
28139 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
28140 frame is @var{tpnum}.
28141
28142 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
28143 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
28144 initial value @var{initial}.
28145
28146 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
28147 @itemx =tsv-deleted
28148 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
28149 trace state variables are deleted.
28150
28151 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
28152 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
28153 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
28154 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
28155 value of trace state variable is known.
28156
28157 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
28158 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
28159 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
28160 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
28161 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
28162 user.
28163
28164 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
28165 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
28166 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
28167
28168 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
28169 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
28170
28171 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}"
28172 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
28173 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
28174 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
28175 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
28176
28177 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
28178 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
28179 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
28180 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
28181 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
28182 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
28183
28184 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
28185 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
28186 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
28187 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
28188 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
28189 executable code.
28190 @end table
28191
28192 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
28193 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
28194
28195 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
28196 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
28197 following fields:
28198
28199 @table @code
28200 @item number
28201 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
28202 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
28203 @samp{1.2}.
28204
28205 @item type
28206 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
28207 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
28208
28209 @item catch-type
28210 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
28211 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
28212
28213 @item disp
28214 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
28215 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
28216 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
28217
28218 @item enabled
28219 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
28220 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
28221 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
28222
28223 @item addr
28224 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
28225 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
28226 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
28227 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
28228 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
28229
28230 @item func
28231 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
28232 If not known, this field is not present.
28233
28234 @item filename
28235 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
28236 If not known, this field is not present.
28237
28238 @item fullname
28239 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
28240 known. If not known, this field is not present.
28241
28242 @item line
28243 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
28244 If not known, this field is not present.
28245
28246 @item at
28247 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
28248 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
28249 by a symbol name.
28250
28251 @item pending
28252 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
28253 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
28254
28255 @item evaluated-by
28256 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
28257 @samp{target}.
28258
28259 @item thread
28260 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
28261 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
28262
28263 @item task
28264 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
28265 field will hold the task identifier.
28266
28267 @item cond
28268 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
28269
28270 @item ignore
28271 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
28272
28273 @item enable
28274 The enable count of the breakpoint.
28275
28276 @item traceframe-usage
28277 FIXME.
28278
28279 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
28280 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
28281
28282 @item mask
28283 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
28284
28285 @item pass
28286 A tracepoint's pass count.
28287
28288 @item original-location
28289 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
28290 This field is optional.
28291
28292 @item times
28293 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
28294
28295 @item installed
28296 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
28297 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
28298 is not.
28299
28300 @item what
28301 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
28302
28303 @end table
28304
28305 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
28306 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
28307
28308 @smallexample
28309 -> -break-insert main
28310 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28311 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28312 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28313 times="0"@}
28314 <- (gdb)
28315 @end smallexample
28316
28317 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
28318 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
28319
28320 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
28321 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
28322 fields:
28323
28324 @table @code
28325 @item level
28326 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
28327 zero. This field is always present.
28328
28329 @item func
28330 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
28331 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
28332
28333 @item addr
28334 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
28335
28336 @item file
28337 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
28338 address. This field may be absent.
28339
28340 @item line
28341 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
28342 may be absent.
28343
28344 @item from
28345 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
28346 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
28347
28348 @end table
28349
28350 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
28351 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
28352
28353 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
28354 uses a tuple with the following fields:
28355
28356 @table @code
28357 @item id
28358 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
28359 always present.
28360
28361 @item target-id
28362 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
28363
28364 @item details
28365 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
28366 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
28367 frontend. This field is optional.
28368
28369 @item state
28370 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
28371 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
28372
28373 @item core
28374 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
28375 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
28376 @end table
28377
28378 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
28379 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
28380
28381 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
28382 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
28383 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
28384 the @code{exception-name} field.
28385
28386 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28387 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
28388 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
28389 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
28390
28391 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
28392 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
28393 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
28394 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
28395
28396 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
28397 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
28398
28399 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
28400
28401 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
28402 information of the breakpoint.
28403
28404 @smallexample
28405 -> -break-insert main
28406 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28407 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28408 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28409 times="0"@}
28410 <- (gdb)
28411 @end smallexample
28412
28413 @subheading Program Execution
28414
28415 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
28416 reason that execution stopped.
28417
28418 @smallexample
28419 -> -exec-run
28420 <- ^running
28421 <- (gdb)
28422 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
28423 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
28424 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
28425 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
28426 <- (gdb)
28427 -> -exec-continue
28428 <- ^running
28429 <- (gdb)
28430 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28431 <- (gdb)
28432 @end smallexample
28433
28434 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
28435
28436 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
28437
28438 @smallexample
28439 -> (gdb)
28440 <- -gdb-exit
28441 <- ^exit
28442 @end smallexample
28443
28444 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
28445 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
28446 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
28447 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
28448 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
28449 fails to exit in reasonable time.
28450
28451 @subheading A Bad Command
28452
28453 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
28454
28455 @smallexample
28456 -> -rubbish
28457 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
28458 <- (gdb)
28459 @end smallexample
28460
28461
28462 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28463 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
28464 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
28465
28466 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
28467 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
28468
28469 @subheading Motivation
28470
28471 The motivation for this collection of commands.
28472
28473 @subheading Introduction
28474
28475 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
28476
28477 @subheading Commands
28478
28479 For each command in the block, the following is described:
28480
28481 @subsubheading Synopsis
28482
28483 @smallexample
28484 -command @var{args}@dots{}
28485 @end smallexample
28486
28487 @subsubheading Result
28488
28489 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28490
28491 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
28492
28493 @subsubheading Example
28494
28495 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
28496 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
28497
28498
28499 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28500 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
28501 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
28502
28503 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
28504 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
28505 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28506 breakpoints.
28507
28508 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
28509 @findex -break-after
28510
28511 @subsubheading Synopsis
28512
28513 @smallexample
28514 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
28515 @end smallexample
28516
28517 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
28518 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
28519 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
28520 @samp{-break-list} command below.
28521
28522 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28523
28524 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
28525
28526 @subsubheading Example
28527
28528 @smallexample
28529 (gdb)
28530 -break-insert main
28531 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28532 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28533 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28534 times="0"@}
28535 (gdb)
28536 -break-after 1 3
28537 ~
28538 ^done
28539 (gdb)
28540 -break-list
28541 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28542 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28543 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28544 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28545 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28546 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28547 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28548 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28549 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28550 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28551 (gdb)
28552 @end smallexample
28553
28554 @ignore
28555 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
28556 @findex -break-catch
28557 @end ignore
28558
28559 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
28560 @findex -break-commands
28561
28562 @subsubheading Synopsis
28563
28564 @smallexample
28565 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
28566 @end smallexample
28567
28568 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
28569 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
28570 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
28571 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
28572 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
28573 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
28574
28575 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28576
28577 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
28578
28579 @subsubheading Example
28580
28581 @smallexample
28582 (gdb)
28583 -break-insert main
28584 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28585 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28586 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28587 times="0"@}
28588 (gdb)
28589 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
28590 ^done
28591 (gdb)
28592 @end smallexample
28593
28594 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
28595 @findex -break-condition
28596
28597 @subsubheading Synopsis
28598
28599 @smallexample
28600 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
28601 @end smallexample
28602
28603 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
28604 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
28605 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
28606 command below).
28607
28608 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28609
28610 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
28611
28612 @subsubheading Example
28613
28614 @smallexample
28615 (gdb)
28616 -break-condition 1 1
28617 ^done
28618 (gdb)
28619 -break-list
28620 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28621 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28622 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28623 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28624 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28625 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28626 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28627 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28628 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28629 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28630 (gdb)
28631 @end smallexample
28632
28633 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
28634 @findex -break-delete
28635
28636 @subsubheading Synopsis
28637
28638 @smallexample
28639 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28640 @end smallexample
28641
28642 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
28643 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
28644
28645 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28646
28647 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
28648
28649 @subsubheading Example
28650
28651 @smallexample
28652 (gdb)
28653 -break-delete 1
28654 ^done
28655 (gdb)
28656 -break-list
28657 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28658 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28659 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28660 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28661 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28662 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28663 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28664 body=[]@}
28665 (gdb)
28666 @end smallexample
28667
28668 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
28669 @findex -break-disable
28670
28671 @subsubheading Synopsis
28672
28673 @smallexample
28674 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28675 @end smallexample
28676
28677 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
28678 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
28679
28680 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28681
28682 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
28683
28684 @subsubheading Example
28685
28686 @smallexample
28687 (gdb)
28688 -break-disable 2
28689 ^done
28690 (gdb)
28691 -break-list
28692 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28693 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28694 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28695 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28696 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28697 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28698 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28699 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28700 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28701 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28702 (gdb)
28703 @end smallexample
28704
28705 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
28706 @findex -break-enable
28707
28708 @subsubheading Synopsis
28709
28710 @smallexample
28711 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28712 @end smallexample
28713
28714 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
28715
28716 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28717
28718 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
28719
28720 @subsubheading Example
28721
28722 @smallexample
28723 (gdb)
28724 -break-enable 2
28725 ^done
28726 (gdb)
28727 -break-list
28728 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28729 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28730 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28731 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28732 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28733 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28734 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28735 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28736 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28737 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28738 (gdb)
28739 @end smallexample
28740
28741 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
28742 @findex -break-info
28743
28744 @subsubheading Synopsis
28745
28746 @smallexample
28747 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
28748 @end smallexample
28749
28750 @c REDUNDANT???
28751 Get information about a single breakpoint.
28752
28753 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
28754 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
28755 table.
28756
28757 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28758
28759 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
28760
28761 @subsubheading Example
28762 N.A.
28763
28764 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
28765 @findex -break-insert
28766
28767 @subsubheading Synopsis
28768
28769 @smallexample
28770 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
28771 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28772 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
28773 @end smallexample
28774
28775 @noindent
28776 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
28777
28778 @itemize @bullet
28779 @item function
28780 @c @item +offset
28781 @c @item -offset
28782 @c @item linenum
28783 @item filename:linenum
28784 @item filename:function
28785 @item *address
28786 @end itemize
28787
28788 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28789
28790 @table @samp
28791 @item -t
28792 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28793 @item -h
28794 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
28795 @item -f
28796 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
28797 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28798 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28799 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28800 cannot be parsed.
28801 @item -d
28802 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28803 @item -a
28804 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
28805 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
28806 @item -c @var{condition}
28807 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28808 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28809 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
28810 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28811 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
28812 @end table
28813
28814 @subsubheading Result
28815
28816 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
28817 resulting breakpoint.
28818
28819 Note: this format is open to change.
28820 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28821
28822 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28823
28824 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
28825 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
28826
28827 @subsubheading Example
28828
28829 @smallexample
28830 (gdb)
28831 -break-insert main
28832 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
28833 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28834 times="0"@}
28835 (gdb)
28836 -break-insert -t foo
28837 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
28838 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28839 times="0"@}
28840 (gdb)
28841 -break-list
28842 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28843 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28844 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28845 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28846 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28847 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28848 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28849 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28850 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
28851 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28852 times="0"@},
28853 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28854 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
28855 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28856 times="0"@}]@}
28857 (gdb)
28858 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
28859 @c ~int foo(int, int);
28860 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
28861 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28862 @c times="0"@}
28863 @c (gdb)
28864 @end smallexample
28865
28866 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
28867 @findex -break-list
28868
28869 @subsubheading Synopsis
28870
28871 @smallexample
28872 -break-list
28873 @end smallexample
28874
28875 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
28876
28877 @table @samp
28878 @item Number
28879 number of the breakpoint
28880 @item Type
28881 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
28882 @item Disposition
28883 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
28884 or @samp{nokeep}
28885 @item Enabled
28886 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
28887 @item Address
28888 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
28889 @item What
28890 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
28891 name, line number
28892 @item Thread-groups
28893 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
28894 @item Times
28895 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
28896 @end table
28897
28898 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
28899 @code{body} field is an empty list.
28900
28901 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28902
28903 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
28904
28905 @subsubheading Example
28906
28907 @smallexample
28908 (gdb)
28909 -break-list
28910 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28911 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28912 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28913 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28914 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28915 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28916 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28917 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28918 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28919 times="0"@},
28920 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28921 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28922 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28923 (gdb)
28924 @end smallexample
28925
28926 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
28927
28928 @smallexample
28929 (gdb)
28930 -break-list
28931 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28932 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28933 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28934 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28935 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28936 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28937 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28938 body=[]@}
28939 (gdb)
28940 @end smallexample
28941
28942 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
28943 @findex -break-passcount
28944
28945 @subsubheading Synopsis
28946
28947 @smallexample
28948 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
28949 @end smallexample
28950
28951 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
28952 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
28953 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
28954 command @samp{passcount}.
28955
28956 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
28957 @findex -break-watch
28958
28959 @subsubheading Synopsis
28960
28961 @smallexample
28962 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
28963 @end smallexample
28964
28965 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
28966 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
28967 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
28968 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
28969 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
28970 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
28971 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
28972 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
28973
28974 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
28975 breakpoints inserted.
28976
28977 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28978
28979 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
28980 @samp{rwatch}.
28981
28982 @subsubheading Example
28983
28984 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
28985
28986 @smallexample
28987 (gdb)
28988 -break-watch x
28989 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
28990 (gdb)
28991 -exec-continue
28992 ^running
28993 (gdb)
28994 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
28995 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
28996 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28997 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
28998 (gdb)
28999 @end smallexample
29000
29001 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
29002 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
29003 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
29004
29005 @smallexample
29006 (gdb)
29007 -break-watch C
29008 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
29009 (gdb)
29010 -exec-continue
29011 ^running
29012 (gdb)
29013 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
29014 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
29015 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29016 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29017 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
29018 (gdb)
29019 -exec-continue
29020 ^running
29021 (gdb)
29022 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
29023 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
29024 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29025 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29026 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
29027 (gdb)
29028 @end smallexample
29029
29030 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
29031 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
29032 deleted.
29033
29034 @smallexample
29035 (gdb)
29036 -break-watch C
29037 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
29038 (gdb)
29039 -break-list
29040 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
29041 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29042 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29043 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29044 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29045 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29046 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29047 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29048 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29049 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29050 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
29051 times="1"@},
29052 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
29053 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
29054 (gdb)
29055 -exec-continue
29056 ^running
29057 (gdb)
29058 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
29059 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
29060 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29061 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29062 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
29063 (gdb)
29064 -break-list
29065 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
29066 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29067 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29068 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29069 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29070 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29071 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29072 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29073 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29074 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29075 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
29076 times="1"@},
29077 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
29078 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
29079 (gdb)
29080 -exec-continue
29081 ^running
29082 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
29083 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
29084 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29085 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29086 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
29087 (gdb)
29088 -break-list
29089 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29090 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29091 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29092 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29093 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29094 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29095 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29096 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29097 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29098 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29099 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
29100 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
29101 (gdb)
29102 @end smallexample
29103
29104
29105 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29106 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
29107 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
29108
29109 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
29110 catchpoints.
29111
29112 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
29113 @findex -catch-load
29114
29115 @subsubheading Synopsis
29116
29117 @smallexample
29118 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
29119 @end smallexample
29120
29121 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
29122 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
29123 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
29124 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
29125 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
29126
29127
29128 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29129
29130 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
29131
29132 @subsubheading Example
29133
29134 @smallexample
29135 -catch-load -t foo.so
29136 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
29137 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
29138 (gdb)
29139 @end smallexample
29140
29141
29142 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
29143 @findex -catch-unload
29144
29145 @subsubheading Synopsis
29146
29147 @smallexample
29148 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
29149 @end smallexample
29150
29151 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
29152 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
29153 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
29154 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
29155 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
29156
29157 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29158
29159 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
29160
29161 @subsubheading Example
29162
29163 @smallexample
29164 -catch-unload -d bar.so
29165 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
29166 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
29167 (gdb)
29168 @end smallexample
29169
29170
29171 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29172 @node GDB/MI Program Context
29173 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
29174
29175 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
29176 @findex -exec-arguments
29177
29178
29179 @subsubheading Synopsis
29180
29181 @smallexample
29182 -exec-arguments @var{args}
29183 @end smallexample
29184
29185 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
29186 @samp{-exec-run}.
29187
29188 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29189
29190 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
29191
29192 @subsubheading Example
29193
29194 @smallexample
29195 (gdb)
29196 -exec-arguments -v word
29197 ^done
29198 (gdb)
29199 @end smallexample
29200
29201
29202 @ignore
29203 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
29204 @findex -exec-show-arguments
29205
29206 @subsubheading Synopsis
29207
29208 @smallexample
29209 -exec-show-arguments
29210 @end smallexample
29211
29212 Print the arguments of the program.
29213
29214 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29215
29216 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
29217
29218 @subsubheading Example
29219 N.A.
29220 @end ignore
29221
29222
29223 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
29224 @findex -environment-cd
29225
29226 @subsubheading Synopsis
29227
29228 @smallexample
29229 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
29230 @end smallexample
29231
29232 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
29233
29234 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29235
29236 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
29237
29238 @subsubheading Example
29239
29240 @smallexample
29241 (gdb)
29242 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29243 ^done
29244 (gdb)
29245 @end smallexample
29246
29247
29248 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
29249 @findex -environment-directory
29250
29251 @subsubheading Synopsis
29252
29253 @smallexample
29254 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29255 @end smallexample
29256
29257 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
29258 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
29259 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
29260 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29261 occurs as normal.
29262 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29263 multiple directories in a single command
29264 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29265 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29266 If blanks are needed as
29267 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29268 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29269 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29270 character must not be used
29271 in any directory name.
29272 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
29273
29274 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29275
29276 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
29277
29278 @subsubheading Example
29279
29280 @smallexample
29281 (gdb)
29282 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29283 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29284 (gdb)
29285 -environment-directory ""
29286 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29287 (gdb)
29288 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
29289 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
29290 (gdb)
29291 -environment-directory -r
29292 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
29293 (gdb)
29294 @end smallexample
29295
29296
29297 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
29298 @findex -environment-path
29299
29300 @subsubheading Synopsis
29301
29302 @smallexample
29303 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29304 @end smallexample
29305
29306 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
29307 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
29308 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
29309 supplied in addition to the
29310 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29311 occurs as normal.
29312 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29313 multiple directories in a single command
29314 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29315 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29316 If blanks are needed as
29317 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29318 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29319 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29320 character must not be used
29321 in any directory name.
29322 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
29323
29324
29325 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29326
29327 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
29328
29329 @subsubheading Example
29330
29331 @smallexample
29332 (gdb)
29333 -environment-path
29334 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
29335 (gdb)
29336 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
29337 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
29338 (gdb)
29339 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
29340 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
29341 (gdb)
29342 @end smallexample
29343
29344
29345 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
29346 @findex -environment-pwd
29347
29348 @subsubheading Synopsis
29349
29350 @smallexample
29351 -environment-pwd
29352 @end smallexample
29353
29354 Show the current working directory.
29355
29356 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29357
29358 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
29359
29360 @subsubheading Example
29361
29362 @smallexample
29363 (gdb)
29364 -environment-pwd
29365 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
29366 (gdb)
29367 @end smallexample
29368
29369 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29370 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
29371 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
29372
29373
29374 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
29375 @findex -thread-info
29376
29377 @subsubheading Synopsis
29378
29379 @smallexample
29380 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
29381 @end smallexample
29382
29383 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
29384 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
29385 threads. When printing information about all threads,
29386 also reports the current thread.
29387
29388 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29389
29390 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
29391 about all threads.
29392
29393 @subsubheading Result
29394
29395 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
29396 defined for a given thread:
29397
29398 @table @samp
29399 @item current
29400 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
29401
29402 @item id
29403 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
29404
29405 @item target-id
29406 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
29407
29408 @item details
29409 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
29410 field is optional.
29411
29412 @item name
29413 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
29414 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
29415 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
29416 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
29417 field is omitted.
29418
29419 @item frame
29420 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
29421
29422 @item state
29423 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
29424 values:
29425
29426 @table @code
29427 @item stopped
29428 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
29429 threads.
29430
29431 @item running
29432 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
29433 threads.
29434
29435 @end table
29436
29437 @item core
29438 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
29439 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
29440
29441 @end table
29442
29443 @subsubheading Example
29444
29445 @smallexample
29446 -thread-info
29447 ^done,threads=[
29448 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
29449 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
29450 args=[]@},state="running"@},
29451 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
29452 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
29453 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
29454 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
29455 state="running"@}],
29456 current-thread-id="1"
29457 (gdb)
29458 @end smallexample
29459
29460 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
29461 @findex -thread-list-ids
29462
29463 @subsubheading Synopsis
29464
29465 @smallexample
29466 -thread-list-ids
29467 @end smallexample
29468
29469 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
29470 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
29471
29472 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
29473 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
29474
29475 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29476
29477 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
29478
29479 @subsubheading Example
29480
29481 @smallexample
29482 (gdb)
29483 -thread-list-ids
29484 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29485 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
29486 (gdb)
29487 @end smallexample
29488
29489
29490 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
29491 @findex -thread-select
29492
29493 @subsubheading Synopsis
29494
29495 @smallexample
29496 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
29497 @end smallexample
29498
29499 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
29500 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
29501
29502 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
29503 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
29504
29505 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29506
29507 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
29508
29509 @subsubheading Example
29510
29511 @smallexample
29512 (gdb)
29513 -exec-next
29514 ^running
29515 (gdb)
29516 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
29517 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
29518 (gdb)
29519 -thread-list-ids
29520 ^done,
29521 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29522 number-of-threads="3"
29523 (gdb)
29524 -thread-select 3
29525 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
29526 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
29527 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
29528 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
29529 (gdb)
29530 @end smallexample
29531
29532 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29533 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
29534 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
29535
29536 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
29537 @findex -ada-task-info
29538
29539 @subsubheading Synopsis
29540
29541 @smallexample
29542 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
29543 @end smallexample
29544
29545 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
29546 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
29547
29548 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29549
29550 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
29551 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
29552
29553 @subsubheading Result
29554
29555 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
29556 defined for each Ada task:
29557
29558 @table @samp
29559 @item current
29560 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
29561
29562 @item id
29563 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
29564
29565 @item task-id
29566 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
29567
29568 @item thread-id
29569 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
29570
29571 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
29572 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
29573 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
29574
29575 @item parent-id
29576 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
29577 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
29578
29579 @item priority
29580 The base priority of the task.
29581
29582 @item state
29583 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
29584 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
29585
29586 @item name
29587 The name of the task.
29588
29589 @end table
29590
29591 @subsubheading Example
29592
29593 @smallexample
29594 -ada-task-info
29595 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
29596 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
29597 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
29598 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
29599 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
29600 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
29601 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
29602 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
29603 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
29604 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
29605 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
29606 (gdb)
29607 @end smallexample
29608
29609 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29610 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
29611 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
29612
29613 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
29614 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
29615 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
29616 other cases.
29617
29618 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
29619 @findex -exec-continue
29620
29621 @subsubheading Synopsis
29622
29623 @smallexample
29624 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
29625 @end smallexample
29626
29627 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
29628 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
29629 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
29630 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
29631 @itemize @bullet
29632 @item
29633 breakpoints or watchpoints
29634 @item
29635 signals or exceptions
29636 @item
29637 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
29638 @item
29639 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
29640 @end itemize
29641 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
29642 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
29643 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
29644 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
29645 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
29646 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
29647
29648 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29649
29650 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
29651
29652 @subsubheading Example
29653
29654 @smallexample
29655 -exec-continue
29656 ^running
29657 (gdb)
29658 @@Hello world
29659 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
29660 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
29661 line="13"@}
29662 (gdb)
29663 @end smallexample
29664
29665
29666 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
29667 @findex -exec-finish
29668
29669 @subsubheading Synopsis
29670
29671 @smallexample
29672 -exec-finish [--reverse]
29673 @end smallexample
29674
29675 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
29676 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
29677 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
29678 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
29679 function was called.
29680
29681 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29682
29683 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
29684
29685 @subsubheading Example
29686
29687 Function returning @code{void}.
29688
29689 @smallexample
29690 -exec-finish
29691 ^running
29692 (gdb)
29693 @@hello from foo
29694 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29695 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
29696 (gdb)
29697 @end smallexample
29698
29699 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
29700 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
29701 value itself.
29702
29703 @smallexample
29704 -exec-finish
29705 ^running
29706 (gdb)
29707 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
29708 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
29709 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29710 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
29711 (gdb)
29712 @end smallexample
29713
29714
29715 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
29716 @findex -exec-interrupt
29717
29718 @subsubheading Synopsis
29719
29720 @smallexample
29721 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
29722 @end smallexample
29723
29724 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
29725 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
29726 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
29727 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
29728 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
29729
29730 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
29731 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
29732 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
29733 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
29734
29735 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
29736 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
29737 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
29738 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
29739
29740 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29741
29742 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
29743
29744 @subsubheading Example
29745
29746 @smallexample
29747 (gdb)
29748 111-exec-continue
29749 111^running
29750
29751 (gdb)
29752 222-exec-interrupt
29753 222^done
29754 (gdb)
29755 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
29756 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29757 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
29758 (gdb)
29759
29760 (gdb)
29761 -exec-interrupt
29762 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
29763 (gdb)
29764 @end smallexample
29765
29766 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
29767 @findex -exec-jump
29768
29769 @subsubheading Synopsis
29770
29771 @smallexample
29772 -exec-jump @var{location}
29773 @end smallexample
29774
29775 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
29776 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
29777 different forms of @var{location}.
29778
29779 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29780
29781 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
29782
29783 @subsubheading Example
29784
29785 @smallexample
29786 -exec-jump foo.c:10
29787 *running,thread-id="all"
29788 ^running
29789 @end smallexample
29790
29791
29792 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
29793 @findex -exec-next
29794
29795 @subsubheading Synopsis
29796
29797 @smallexample
29798 -exec-next [--reverse]
29799 @end smallexample
29800
29801 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29802 of the next source line is reached.
29803
29804 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29805 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
29806 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
29807 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
29808 source line where the function was called.
29809
29810
29811 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29812
29813 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
29814
29815 @subsubheading Example
29816
29817 @smallexample
29818 -exec-next
29819 ^running
29820 (gdb)
29821 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
29822 (gdb)
29823 @end smallexample
29824
29825
29826 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
29827 @findex -exec-next-instruction
29828
29829 @subsubheading Synopsis
29830
29831 @smallexample
29832 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
29833 @end smallexample
29834
29835 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
29836 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
29837 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
29838 printed as well.
29839
29840 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29841 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
29842 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
29843 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
29844 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
29845
29846 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29847
29848 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
29849
29850 @subsubheading Example
29851
29852 @smallexample
29853 (gdb)
29854 -exec-next-instruction
29855 ^running
29856
29857 (gdb)
29858 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29859 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
29860 (gdb)
29861 @end smallexample
29862
29863
29864 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
29865 @findex -exec-return
29866
29867 @subsubheading Synopsis
29868
29869 @smallexample
29870 -exec-return
29871 @end smallexample
29872
29873 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
29874 Displays the new current frame.
29875
29876 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29877
29878 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
29879
29880 @subsubheading Example
29881
29882 @smallexample
29883 (gdb)
29884 200-break-insert callee4
29885 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
29886 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29887 (gdb)
29888 000-exec-run
29889 000^running
29890 (gdb)
29891 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29892 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29893 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29894 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29895 (gdb)
29896 205-break-delete
29897 205^done
29898 (gdb)
29899 111-exec-return
29900 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
29901 args=[@{name="strarg",
29902 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29903 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29904 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
29905 (gdb)
29906 @end smallexample
29907
29908
29909 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
29910 @findex -exec-run
29911
29912 @subsubheading Synopsis
29913
29914 @smallexample
29915 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
29916 @end smallexample
29917
29918 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
29919 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
29920 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
29921 the program has exited exceptionally.
29922
29923 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
29924 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
29925 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
29926 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
29927
29928 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29929
29930 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
29931
29932 @subsubheading Examples
29933
29934 @smallexample
29935 (gdb)
29936 -break-insert main
29937 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29938 (gdb)
29939 -exec-run
29940 ^running
29941 (gdb)
29942 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29943 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
29944 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29945 (gdb)
29946 @end smallexample
29947
29948 @noindent
29949 Program exited normally:
29950
29951 @smallexample
29952 (gdb)
29953 -exec-run
29954 ^running
29955 (gdb)
29956 x = 55
29957 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29958 (gdb)
29959 @end smallexample
29960
29961 @noindent
29962 Program exited exceptionally:
29963
29964 @smallexample
29965 (gdb)
29966 -exec-run
29967 ^running
29968 (gdb)
29969 x = 55
29970 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
29971 (gdb)
29972 @end smallexample
29973
29974 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
29975 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
29976
29977 @smallexample
29978 (gdb)
29979 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
29980 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
29981 @end smallexample
29982
29983
29984 @c @subheading -exec-signal
29985
29986
29987 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
29988 @findex -exec-step
29989
29990 @subsubheading Synopsis
29991
29992 @smallexample
29993 -exec-step [--reverse]
29994 @end smallexample
29995
29996 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29997 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
29998 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
29999 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
30000 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
30001 previously executed source line.
30002
30003 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30004
30005 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
30006
30007 @subsubheading Example
30008
30009 Stepping into a function:
30010
30011 @smallexample
30012 -exec-step
30013 ^running
30014 (gdb)
30015 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30016 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
30017 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
30018 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
30019 (gdb)
30020 @end smallexample
30021
30022 Regular stepping:
30023
30024 @smallexample
30025 -exec-step
30026 ^running
30027 (gdb)
30028 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
30029 (gdb)
30030 @end smallexample
30031
30032
30033 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
30034 @findex -exec-step-instruction
30035
30036 @subsubheading Synopsis
30037
30038 @smallexample
30039 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
30040 @end smallexample
30041
30042 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
30043 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
30044 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
30045 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
30046 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
30047 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
30048 as well.
30049
30050 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30051
30052 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
30053
30054 @subsubheading Example
30055
30056 @smallexample
30057 (gdb)
30058 -exec-step-instruction
30059 ^running
30060
30061 (gdb)
30062 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30063 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30064 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
30065 (gdb)
30066 -exec-step-instruction
30067 ^running
30068
30069 (gdb)
30070 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30071 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30072 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
30073 (gdb)
30074 @end smallexample
30075
30076
30077 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
30078 @findex -exec-until
30079
30080 @subsubheading Synopsis
30081
30082 @smallexample
30083 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
30084 @end smallexample
30085
30086 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
30087 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
30088 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
30089 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
30090
30091 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30092
30093 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
30094
30095 @subsubheading Example
30096
30097 @smallexample
30098 (gdb)
30099 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
30100 ^running
30101 (gdb)
30102 x = 55
30103 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
30104 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
30105 (gdb)
30106 @end smallexample
30107
30108 @ignore
30109 @subheading -file-clear
30110 Is this going away????
30111 @end ignore
30112
30113 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30114 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
30115 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
30116
30117
30118 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
30119 @findex -stack-info-frame
30120
30121 @subsubheading Synopsis
30122
30123 @smallexample
30124 -stack-info-frame
30125 @end smallexample
30126
30127 Get info on the selected frame.
30128
30129 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30130
30131 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
30132 (without arguments).
30133
30134 @subsubheading Example
30135
30136 @smallexample
30137 (gdb)
30138 -stack-info-frame
30139 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30140 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30141 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
30142 (gdb)
30143 @end smallexample
30144
30145 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
30146 @findex -stack-info-depth
30147
30148 @subsubheading Synopsis
30149
30150 @smallexample
30151 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
30152 @end smallexample
30153
30154 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
30155 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
30156
30157 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30158
30159 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
30160
30161 @subsubheading Example
30162
30163 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
30164
30165 @smallexample
30166 (gdb)
30167 -stack-info-depth
30168 ^done,depth="12"
30169 (gdb)
30170 -stack-info-depth 4
30171 ^done,depth="4"
30172 (gdb)
30173 -stack-info-depth 12
30174 ^done,depth="12"
30175 (gdb)
30176 -stack-info-depth 11
30177 ^done,depth="11"
30178 (gdb)
30179 -stack-info-depth 13
30180 ^done,depth="12"
30181 (gdb)
30182 @end smallexample
30183
30184 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
30185 @findex -stack-list-arguments
30186
30187 @subsubheading Synopsis
30188
30189 @smallexample
30190 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
30191 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30192 @end smallexample
30193
30194 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
30195 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
30196 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
30197 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
30198 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
30199 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
30200 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
30201 which case only existing frames will be returned.
30202
30203 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30204 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30205 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30206 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30207 structures and unions.
30208
30209 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
30210 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30211
30212 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30213
30214 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
30215 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
30216 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
30217
30218 @subsubheading Example
30219
30220 @smallexample
30221 (gdb)
30222 -stack-list-frames
30223 ^done,
30224 stack=[
30225 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30226 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30227 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
30228 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30229 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30230 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
30231 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
30232 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30233 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
30234 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
30235 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30236 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
30237 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
30238 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30239 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
30240 (gdb)
30241 -stack-list-arguments 0
30242 ^done,
30243 stack-args=[
30244 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30245 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
30246 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
30247 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
30248 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30249 (gdb)
30250 -stack-list-arguments 1
30251 ^done,
30252 stack-args=[
30253 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30254 frame=@{level="1",
30255 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30256 frame=@{level="2",args=[
30257 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30258 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30259 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
30260 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30261 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
30262 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
30263 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30264 (gdb)
30265 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
30266 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
30267 (gdb)
30268 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
30269 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
30270 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30271 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
30272 (gdb)
30273 @end smallexample
30274
30275 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
30276
30277
30278 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
30279 @findex -stack-list-frames
30280
30281 @subsubheading Synopsis
30282
30283 @smallexample
30284 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30285 @end smallexample
30286
30287 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
30288 following info:
30289
30290 @table @samp
30291 @item @var{level}
30292 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
30293 @item @var{addr}
30294 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
30295 @item @var{func}
30296 Function name.
30297 @item @var{file}
30298 File name of the source file where the function lives.
30299 @item @var{fullname}
30300 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
30301 @item @var{line}
30302 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
30303 @item @var{from}
30304 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
30305 if the frame's function is not known.
30306 @end table
30307
30308 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
30309 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
30310 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
30311 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
30312 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
30313 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
30314 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
30315
30316 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30317
30318 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
30319
30320 @subsubheading Example
30321
30322 Full stack backtrace:
30323
30324 @smallexample
30325 (gdb)
30326 -stack-list-frames
30327 ^done,stack=
30328 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
30329 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
30330 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30331 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30332 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30333 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30334 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30335 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30336 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30337 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30338 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30339 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30340 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30341 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30342 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30343 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30344 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30345 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30346 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30347 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30348 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30349 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30350 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
30351 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
30352 (gdb)
30353 @end smallexample
30354
30355 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
30356
30357 @smallexample
30358 (gdb)
30359 -stack-list-frames 3 5
30360 ^done,stack=
30361 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30362 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30363 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30364 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30365 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30366 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
30367 (gdb)
30368 @end smallexample
30369
30370 Show a single frame:
30371
30372 @smallexample
30373 (gdb)
30374 -stack-list-frames 3 3
30375 ^done,stack=
30376 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30377 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
30378 (gdb)
30379 @end smallexample
30380
30381
30382 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
30383 @findex -stack-list-locals
30384
30385 @subsubheading Synopsis
30386
30387 @smallexample
30388 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
30389 @end smallexample
30390
30391 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
30392 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30393 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30394 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30395 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30396 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
30397 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
30398 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
30399 more detail.
30400
30401 This command is deprecated in favor of the
30402 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30403
30404 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30405
30406 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
30407
30408 @subsubheading Example
30409
30410 @smallexample
30411 (gdb)
30412 -stack-list-locals 0
30413 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
30414 (gdb)
30415 -stack-list-locals --all-values
30416 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
30417 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
30418 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
30419 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
30420 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
30421 (gdb)
30422 @end smallexample
30423
30424 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
30425 @findex -stack-list-variables
30426
30427 @subsubheading Synopsis
30428
30429 @smallexample
30430 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
30431 @end smallexample
30432
30433 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
30434 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30435 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30436 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30437 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30438 structures and unions.
30439
30440 @subsubheading Example
30441
30442 @smallexample
30443 (gdb)
30444 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
30445 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
30446 (gdb)
30447 @end smallexample
30448
30449
30450 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
30451 @findex -stack-select-frame
30452
30453 @subsubheading Synopsis
30454
30455 @smallexample
30456 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
30457 @end smallexample
30458
30459 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
30460 the stack.
30461
30462 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
30463 option to every command.
30464
30465 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30466
30467 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
30468 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
30469
30470 @subsubheading Example
30471
30472 @smallexample
30473 (gdb)
30474 -stack-select-frame 2
30475 ^done
30476 (gdb)
30477 @end smallexample
30478
30479 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30480 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
30481 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
30482
30483 @ignore
30484
30485 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30486
30487 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
30488 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
30489 used by @code{Insight}.
30490
30491 The two main reasons for that are:
30492
30493 @enumerate 1
30494 @item
30495 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
30496
30497 @item
30498 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
30499 now).
30500 @end enumerate
30501
30502 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
30503 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
30504 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
30505 hints about their use.
30506
30507 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
30508 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
30509 least, the following operations:
30510
30511 @itemize @bullet
30512 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
30513 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
30514 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
30515 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
30516 @end itemize
30517
30518 @end ignore
30519
30520 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
30521
30522 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30523
30524 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
30525 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
30526 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
30527 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
30528 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
30529 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
30530 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
30531 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
30532 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
30533 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
30534 object, or to change display format.
30535
30536 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
30537 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
30538 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
30539 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
30540 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
30541 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
30542 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
30543 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
30544 child will be created.
30545
30546 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
30547 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
30548 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
30549 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
30550 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
30551
30552 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
30553 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
30554 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
30555 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
30556 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
30557 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
30558 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
30559 variables that frontend has created.
30560
30561 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
30562 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
30563 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
30564 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
30565 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
30566 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
30567 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
30568 implicitly updated.
30569
30570 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
30571 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
30572 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
30573 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
30574 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
30575 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
30576 frame. Consider this example:
30577
30578 @smallexample
30579 void do_work(...)
30580 @{
30581 struct work_state state;
30582
30583 if (...)
30584 do_work(...);
30585 @}
30586 @end smallexample
30587
30588 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
30589 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
30590 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
30591 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
30592 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
30593
30594 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
30595 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
30596 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
30597 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
30598 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
30599 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
30600
30601 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
30602 access this functionality:
30603
30604 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
30605 @item @strong{Operation}
30606 @tab @strong{Description}
30607
30608 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
30609 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
30610 @item @code{-var-create}
30611 @tab create a variable object
30612 @item @code{-var-delete}
30613 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
30614 @item @code{-var-set-format}
30615 @tab set the display format of this variable
30616 @item @code{-var-show-format}
30617 @tab show the display format of this variable
30618 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
30619 @tab tells how many children this object has
30620 @item @code{-var-list-children}
30621 @tab return a list of the object's children
30622 @item @code{-var-info-type}
30623 @tab show the type of this variable object
30624 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
30625 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
30626 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
30627 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
30628 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
30629 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
30630 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
30631 @tab get the value of this variable
30632 @item @code{-var-assign}
30633 @tab set the value of this variable
30634 @item @code{-var-update}
30635 @tab update the variable and its children
30636 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
30637 @tab set frozeness attribute
30638 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
30639 @tab set range of children to display on update
30640 @end multitable
30641
30642 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
30643 how it can be used.
30644
30645 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
30646
30647 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
30648 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
30649
30650 @smallexample
30651 -enable-pretty-printing
30652 @end smallexample
30653
30654 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
30655 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
30656 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
30657 request that this functionality be enabled.
30658
30659 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
30660
30661 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
30662 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
30663
30664 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
30665 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
30666
30667 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
30668 @findex -var-create
30669
30670 @subsubheading Synopsis
30671
30672 @smallexample
30673 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
30674 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
30675 @end smallexample
30676
30677 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
30678 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
30679 register.
30680
30681 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
30682 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
30683 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
30684 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
30685 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
30686
30687 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
30688 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
30689 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
30690 object must be created.
30691
30692 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
30693 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
30694
30695 @itemize @bullet
30696 @item
30697 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
30698
30699 @item
30700 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
30701
30702 @item
30703 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
30704 @end itemize
30705
30706 @cindex dynamic varobj
30707 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
30708 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
30709 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
30710 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
30711 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
30712 compatibility for existing clients.
30713
30714 @subsubheading Result
30715
30716 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
30717 are:
30718
30719 @table @samp
30720 @item name
30721 The name of the varobj.
30722
30723 @item numchild
30724 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
30725 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
30726 @samp{has_more} attribute.
30727
30728 @item value
30729 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
30730 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
30731 will not be interesting.
30732
30733 @item type
30734 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
30735 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
30736 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30737 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30738 @emph{declared} one.
30739
30740 @item thread-id
30741 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
30742 thread's identifier.
30743
30744 @item has_more
30745 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
30746 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
30747
30748 @item dynamic
30749 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30750 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30751 then this attribute will not be present.
30752
30753 @item displayhint
30754 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30755 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30756 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30757 @end table
30758
30759 Typical output will look like this:
30760
30761 @smallexample
30762 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
30763 has_more="@var{has_more}"
30764 @end smallexample
30765
30766
30767 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
30768 @findex -var-delete
30769
30770 @subsubheading Synopsis
30771
30772 @smallexample
30773 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
30774 @end smallexample
30775
30776 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
30777 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
30778
30779 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
30780
30781
30782 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
30783 @findex -var-set-format
30784
30785 @subsubheading Synopsis
30786
30787 @smallexample
30788 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
30789 @end smallexample
30790
30791 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
30792 @var{format-spec}.
30793
30794 @anchor{-var-set-format}
30795 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
30796
30797 @smallexample
30798 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
30799 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
30800 @end smallexample
30801
30802 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
30803 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
30804 for pointers, etc.).
30805
30806 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
30807 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
30808
30809 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
30810 @findex -var-show-format
30811
30812 @subsubheading Synopsis
30813
30814 @smallexample
30815 -var-show-format @var{name}
30816 @end smallexample
30817
30818 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
30819
30820 @smallexample
30821 @var{format} @expansion{}
30822 @var{format-spec}
30823 @end smallexample
30824
30825
30826 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
30827 @findex -var-info-num-children
30828
30829 @subsubheading Synopsis
30830
30831 @smallexample
30832 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
30833 @end smallexample
30834
30835 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
30836
30837 @smallexample
30838 numchild=@var{n}
30839 @end smallexample
30840
30841 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
30842 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
30843 be available.
30844
30845
30846 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
30847 @findex -var-list-children
30848
30849 @subsubheading Synopsis
30850
30851 @smallexample
30852 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
30853 @end smallexample
30854 @anchor{-var-list-children}
30855
30856 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
30857 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
30858 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
30859 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
30860 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
30861 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
30862 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
30863 and unions.
30864
30865 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
30866 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
30867 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
30868 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
30869 reported.
30870
30871 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
30872 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
30873 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
30874 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
30875 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
30876 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
30877 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
30878 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
30879 the visible items.
30880
30881 For each child the following results are returned:
30882
30883 @table @var
30884
30885 @item name
30886 Name of the variable object created for this child.
30887
30888 @item exp
30889 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
30890 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
30891
30892 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
30893 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
30894
30895 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
30896 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
30897 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
30898 type and value are not present.
30899
30900 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
30901 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
30902 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
30903
30904 @item numchild
30905 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
30906 0.
30907
30908 @item type
30909 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
30910 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30911 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30912 @emph{declared} one.
30913
30914 @item value
30915 If values were requested, this is the value.
30916
30917 @item thread-id
30918 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
30919 Otherwise this result is not present.
30920
30921 @item frozen
30922 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
30923 @end table
30924
30925 The result may have its own attributes:
30926
30927 @table @samp
30928 @item displayhint
30929 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30930 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30931 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30932
30933 @item has_more
30934 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
30935 remaining after the end of the selected range.
30936 @end table
30937
30938 @subsubheading Example
30939
30940 @smallexample
30941 (gdb)
30942 -var-list-children n
30943 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30944 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30945 (gdb)
30946 -var-list-children --all-values n
30947 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30948 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30949 @end smallexample
30950
30951
30952 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30953 @findex -var-info-type
30954
30955 @subsubheading Synopsis
30956
30957 @smallexample
30958 -var-info-type @var{name}
30959 @end smallexample
30960
30961 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30962 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30963 @value{GDBN} CLI:
30964
30965 @smallexample
30966 type=@var{typename}
30967 @end smallexample
30968
30969
30970 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30971 @findex -var-info-expression
30972
30973 @subsubheading Synopsis
30974
30975 @smallexample
30976 -var-info-expression @var{name}
30977 @end smallexample
30978
30979 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
30980 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
30981 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
30982
30983 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
30984 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
30985
30986 @smallexample
30987 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
30988 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
30989 @end smallexample
30990
30991 @noindent
30992 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
30993
30994 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
30995 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
30996 is of limited use.
30997
30998 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
30999 @findex -var-info-path-expression
31000
31001 @subsubheading Synopsis
31002
31003 @smallexample
31004 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
31005 @end smallexample
31006
31007 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
31008 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
31009 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
31010 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
31011 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
31012 watchpoint from a variable object.
31013
31014 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
31015 and will give an error when invoked on one.
31016
31017 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
31018 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
31019 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
31020 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
31021 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
31022 @smallexample
31023 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
31024 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
31025 @end smallexample
31026
31027 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
31028 @findex -var-show-attributes
31029
31030 @subsubheading Synopsis
31031
31032 @smallexample
31033 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
31034 @end smallexample
31035
31036 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
31037
31038 @smallexample
31039 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
31040 @end smallexample
31041
31042 @noindent
31043 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
31044
31045 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
31046 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
31047
31048 @subsubheading Synopsis
31049
31050 @smallexample
31051 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
31052 @end smallexample
31053
31054 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
31055 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
31056 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
31057 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
31058 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
31059 the current display format will be used. The current display format
31060 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
31061
31062 @smallexample
31063 value=@var{value}
31064 @end smallexample
31065
31066 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
31067 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
31068
31069 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
31070 @findex -var-assign
31071
31072 @subsubheading Synopsis
31073
31074 @smallexample
31075 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
31076 @end smallexample
31077
31078 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
31079 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
31080 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
31081 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
31082
31083 @subsubheading Example
31084
31085 @smallexample
31086 (gdb)
31087 -var-assign var1 3
31088 ^done,value="3"
31089 (gdb)
31090 -var-update *
31091 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
31092 (gdb)
31093 @end smallexample
31094
31095 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
31096 @findex -var-update
31097
31098 @subsubheading Synopsis
31099
31100 @smallexample
31101 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
31102 @end smallexample
31103
31104 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
31105 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
31106 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
31107 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
31108 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
31109 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
31110 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
31111 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
31112 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
31113 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
31114 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
31115 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
31116 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
31117
31118 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
31119 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
31120 diagnostic.
31121
31122 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
31123 only the selected range of children will be reported.
31124
31125 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
31126 @samp{changelist}.
31127
31128 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
31129
31130 @table @samp
31131 @item name
31132 The name of the varobj.
31133
31134 @item value
31135 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
31136 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
31137
31138 @item in_scope
31139 @anchor{-var-update}
31140 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
31141
31142 @table @code
31143 @item "true"
31144 The variable object's current value is valid.
31145
31146 @item "false"
31147 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
31148 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
31149 scope.
31150
31151 @item "invalid"
31152 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
31153 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
31154 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
31155 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
31156 objects.
31157 @end table
31158
31159 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
31160 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
31161
31162 @item type_changed
31163 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
31164 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
31165 be @samp{false}.
31166
31167 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
31168 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
31169 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
31170 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
31171 unset.
31172
31173 @item new_type
31174 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
31175 hold the new type.
31176
31177 @item new_num_children
31178 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
31179 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
31180
31181 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
31182 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
31183 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
31184 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
31185 children which may be available.
31186
31187 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
31188 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
31189 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
31190 only happen at the end of the update range).
31191
31192 @item displayhint
31193 The display hint, if any.
31194
31195 @item has_more
31196 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
31197 available outside the varobj's update range.
31198
31199 @item dynamic
31200 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
31201 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
31202 then this attribute will not be present.
31203
31204 @item new_children
31205 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
31206 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
31207 be listed in this attribute.
31208 @end table
31209
31210 @subsubheading Example
31211
31212 @smallexample
31213 (gdb)
31214 -var-assign var1 3
31215 ^done,value="3"
31216 (gdb)
31217 -var-update --all-values var1
31218 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
31219 type_changed="false"@}]
31220 (gdb)
31221 @end smallexample
31222
31223 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
31224 @findex -var-set-frozen
31225 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
31226
31227 @subsubheading Synopsis
31228
31229 @smallexample
31230 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
31231 @end smallexample
31232
31233 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
31234 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
31235 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
31236 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
31237 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
31238 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
31239 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
31240 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
31241 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
31242 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
31243 @code{-var-update} does.
31244
31245 @subsubheading Example
31246
31247 @smallexample
31248 (gdb)
31249 -var-set-frozen V 1
31250 ^done
31251 (gdb)
31252 @end smallexample
31253
31254 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
31255 @findex -var-set-update-range
31256 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
31257
31258 @subsubheading Synopsis
31259
31260 @smallexample
31261 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
31262 @end smallexample
31263
31264 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
31265 @code{-var-update}.
31266
31267 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
31268 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
31269 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
31270 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
31271
31272 @subsubheading Example
31273
31274 @smallexample
31275 (gdb)
31276 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
31277 ^done
31278 @end smallexample
31279
31280 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
31281 @findex -var-set-visualizer
31282 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
31283
31284 @subsubheading Synopsis
31285
31286 @smallexample
31287 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
31288 @end smallexample
31289
31290 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
31291
31292 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
31293 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
31294
31295 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
31296 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
31297 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
31298 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
31299 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
31300 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
31301 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
31302
31303 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
31304 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
31305 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
31306 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
31307
31308 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
31309 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
31310 can be used to check this.
31311
31312 @subsubheading Example
31313
31314 Resetting the visualizer:
31315
31316 @smallexample
31317 (gdb)
31318 -var-set-visualizer V None
31319 ^done
31320 @end smallexample
31321
31322 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
31323
31324 @smallexample
31325 (gdb)
31326 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
31327 ^done
31328 @end smallexample
31329
31330 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
31331 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
31332
31333 @smallexample
31334 (gdb)
31335 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
31336 ^done
31337 @end smallexample
31338
31339 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31340 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
31341 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
31342
31343 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
31344 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
31345 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
31346 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
31347
31348 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
31349 @c @subheading -data-assign
31350 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
31351 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
31352 @c set variable
31353 @c @subsubheading Example
31354 @c N.A.
31355
31356 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
31357 @findex -data-disassemble
31358
31359 @subsubheading Synopsis
31360
31361 @smallexample
31362 -data-disassemble
31363 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
31364 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
31365 -- @var{mode}
31366 @end smallexample
31367
31368 @noindent
31369 Where:
31370
31371 @table @samp
31372 @item @var{start-addr}
31373 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
31374 @item @var{end-addr}
31375 is the end address
31376 @item @var{filename}
31377 is the name of the file to disassemble
31378 @item @var{linenum}
31379 is the line number to disassemble around
31380 @item @var{lines}
31381 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
31382 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
31383 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
31384 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
31385 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
31386 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
31387 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
31388 are displayed.
31389 @item @var{mode}
31390 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
31391 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
31392 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
31393 @end table
31394
31395 @subsubheading Result
31396
31397 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
31398 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
31399 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
31400
31401 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
31402 following fields:
31403
31404 @table @code
31405 @item address
31406 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
31407
31408 @item func-name
31409 The name of the function this instruction is within.
31410
31411 @item offset
31412 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
31413
31414 @item inst
31415 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
31416
31417 @item opcodes
31418 This field is only present for mode 2. This contains the raw opcode
31419 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
31420
31421 @end table
31422
31423 For modes 1 and 3 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
31424 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
31425
31426 @table @code
31427 @item line
31428 The line number within @samp{file}.
31429
31430 @item file
31431 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
31432 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
31433 used.
31434
31435 @item fullname
31436 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
31437 using the source file search path
31438 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
31439 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
31440
31441 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
31442 present in the debug information.
31443
31444 @item line_asm_insn
31445 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
31446 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
31447 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
31448 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
31449 @samp{opcodes}.
31450
31451 @end table
31452
31453 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
31454 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
31455 adjust its format.
31456
31457 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31458
31459 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
31460
31461 @subsubheading Example
31462
31463 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
31464
31465 @smallexample
31466 (gdb)
31467 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
31468 ^done,
31469 asm_insns=[
31470 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31471 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31472 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31473 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31474 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
31475 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
31476 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
31477 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31478 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
31479 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
31480 (gdb)
31481 @end smallexample
31482
31483 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
31484 @code{main}.
31485
31486 @smallexample
31487 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
31488 ^done,asm_insns=[
31489 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31490 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31491 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31492 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31493 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31494 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31495 [@dots{}]
31496 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
31497 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
31498 (gdb)
31499 @end smallexample
31500
31501 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
31502
31503 @smallexample
31504 (gdb)
31505 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
31506 ^done,asm_insns=[
31507 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31508 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31509 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31510 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31511 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31512 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
31513 (gdb)
31514 @end smallexample
31515
31516 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
31517
31518 @smallexample
31519 (gdb)
31520 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
31521 ^done,asm_insns=[
31522 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
31523 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31524 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31525 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
31526 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
31527 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
31528 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31529 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31530 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
31531 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31532 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31533 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
31534 (gdb)
31535 @end smallexample
31536
31537
31538 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
31539 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
31540
31541 @subsubheading Synopsis
31542
31543 @smallexample
31544 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
31545 @end smallexample
31546
31547 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
31548 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
31549 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
31550
31551 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31552
31553 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
31554 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
31555 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
31556
31557 @subsubheading Example
31558
31559 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
31560 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
31561 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
31562 output.
31563
31564 @smallexample
31565 211-data-evaluate-expression A
31566 211^done,value="1"
31567 (gdb)
31568 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
31569 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
31570 (gdb)
31571 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
31572 411^done,value="4"
31573 (gdb)
31574 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
31575 511^done,value="4"
31576 (gdb)
31577 @end smallexample
31578
31579
31580 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
31581 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
31582
31583 @subsubheading Synopsis
31584
31585 @smallexample
31586 -data-list-changed-registers
31587 @end smallexample
31588
31589 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
31590
31591 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31592
31593 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
31594 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
31595
31596 @subsubheading Example
31597
31598 On a PPC MBX board:
31599
31600 @smallexample
31601 (gdb)
31602 -exec-continue
31603 ^running
31604
31605 (gdb)
31606 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
31607 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
31608 line="5"@}
31609 (gdb)
31610 -data-list-changed-registers
31611 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
31612 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
31613 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
31614 (gdb)
31615 @end smallexample
31616
31617
31618 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
31619 @findex -data-list-register-names
31620
31621 @subsubheading Synopsis
31622
31623 @smallexample
31624 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
31625 @end smallexample
31626
31627 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
31628 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
31629 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
31630 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
31631 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
31632 include empty register names.
31633
31634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31635
31636 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
31637 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
31638 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
31639
31640 @subsubheading Example
31641
31642 For the PPC MBX board:
31643 @smallexample
31644 (gdb)
31645 -data-list-register-names
31646 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
31647 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
31648 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
31649 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
31650 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
31651 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
31652 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
31653 (gdb)
31654 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
31655 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
31656 (gdb)
31657 @end smallexample
31658
31659 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
31660 @findex -data-list-register-values
31661
31662 @subsubheading Synopsis
31663
31664 @smallexample
31665 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
31666 @end smallexample
31667
31668 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
31669 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
31670 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
31671 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
31672
31673 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
31674
31675 @table @code
31676 @item x
31677 Hexadecimal
31678 @item o
31679 Octal
31680 @item t
31681 Binary
31682 @item d
31683 Decimal
31684 @item r
31685 Raw
31686 @item N
31687 Natural
31688 @end table
31689
31690 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31691
31692 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
31693 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
31694
31695 @subsubheading Example
31696
31697 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
31698 don't appear in the actual output):
31699
31700 @smallexample
31701 (gdb)
31702 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
31703 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31704 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
31705 (gdb)
31706 -data-list-register-values x
31707 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
31708 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31709 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
31710 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
31711 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
31712 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
31713 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
31714 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
31715 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
31716 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31717 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
31718 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
31719 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
31720 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
31721 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
31722 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
31723 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
31724 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
31725 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
31726 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
31727 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
31728 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
31729 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
31730 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
31731 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
31732 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
31733 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
31734 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
31735 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
31736 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
31737 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
31738 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
31739 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31740 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
31741 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
31742 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
31743 (gdb)
31744 @end smallexample
31745
31746
31747 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
31748 @findex -data-read-memory
31749
31750 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
31751
31752 @subsubheading Synopsis
31753
31754 @smallexample
31755 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31756 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
31757 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
31758 @end smallexample
31759
31760 @noindent
31761 where:
31762
31763 @table @samp
31764 @item @var{address}
31765 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31766 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31767 quoted using the C convention.
31768
31769 @item @var{word-format}
31770 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
31771 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
31772 ,Output Formats}).
31773
31774 @item @var{word-size}
31775 The size of each memory word in bytes.
31776
31777 @item @var{nr-rows}
31778 The number of rows in the output table.
31779
31780 @item @var{nr-cols}
31781 The number of columns in the output table.
31782
31783 @item @var{aschar}
31784 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
31785 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
31786 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
31787 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
31788
31789 @item @var{byte-offset}
31790 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
31791 @end table
31792
31793 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
31794 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
31795 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
31796 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
31797 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
31798 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
31799 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
31800 @samp{addr}.
31801
31802 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
31803 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
31804 @samp{prev-page}.
31805
31806 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31807
31808 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
31809 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
31810
31811 @subsubheading Example
31812
31813 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
31814 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
31815 word. Display each word in hex.
31816
31817 @smallexample
31818 (gdb)
31819 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
31820 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
31821 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
31822 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
31823 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
31824 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
31825 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
31826 (gdb)
31827 @end smallexample
31828
31829 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
31830 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
31831
31832 @smallexample
31833 (gdb)
31834 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
31835 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
31836 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
31837 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
31838 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
31839 (gdb)
31840 @end smallexample
31841
31842 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
31843 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
31844 used as the non-printable character.
31845
31846 @smallexample
31847 (gdb)
31848 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
31849 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
31850 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
31851 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
31852 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31853 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31854 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31855 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31856 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
31857 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
31858 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
31859 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
31860 (gdb)
31861 @end smallexample
31862
31863 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
31864 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
31865
31866 @subsubheading Synopsis
31867
31868 @smallexample
31869 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31870 @var{address} @var{count}
31871 @end smallexample
31872
31873 @noindent
31874 where:
31875
31876 @table @samp
31877 @item @var{address}
31878 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31879 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31880 quoted using the C convention.
31881
31882 @item @var{count}
31883 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
31884
31885 @item @var{byte-offset}
31886 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
31887 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
31888 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
31889 perform address arithmetics itself.
31890
31891 @end table
31892
31893 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
31894 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
31895 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
31896 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
31897 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
31898 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
31899
31900 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
31901 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
31902 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
31903 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
31904 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
31905 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
31906 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
31907 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
31908
31909 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
31910 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
31911 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
31912 and has the following fields:
31913
31914 @table @code
31915 @item begin
31916 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31917
31918 @item end
31919 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31920
31921 @item offset
31922 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
31923 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
31924
31925 @item contents
31926 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
31927
31928 @end table
31929
31930
31931
31932 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31933
31934 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31935
31936 @subsubheading Example
31937
31938 @smallexample
31939 (gdb)
31940 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31941 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31942 end="0xbffff15e",
31943 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31944 (gdb)
31945 @end smallexample
31946
31947
31948 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
31949 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
31950
31951 @subsubheading Synopsis
31952
31953 @smallexample
31954 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
31955 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
31956 @end smallexample
31957
31958 @noindent
31959 where:
31960
31961 @table @samp
31962 @item @var{address}
31963 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31964 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31965 quoted using the C convention.
31966
31967 @item @var{contents}
31968 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
31969
31970 @item @var{count}
31971 Optional argument indicating the number of bytes to be written. If @var{count}
31972 is greater than @var{contents}' length, @value{GDBN} will repeatedly
31973 write @var{contents} until it fills @var{count} bytes.
31974
31975 @end table
31976
31977 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31978
31979 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31980
31981 @subsubheading Example
31982
31983 @smallexample
31984 (gdb)
31985 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
31986 ^done
31987 (gdb)
31988 @end smallexample
31989
31990 @smallexample
31991 (gdb)
31992 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
31993 ^done
31994 (gdb)
31995 @end smallexample
31996
31997 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31998 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
31999 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
32000
32001 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
32002 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
32003
32004 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
32005 @findex -trace-find
32006
32007 @subsubheading Synopsis
32008
32009 @smallexample
32010 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
32011 @end smallexample
32012
32013 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
32014 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
32015 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
32016
32017 @table @samp
32018
32019 @item none
32020 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
32021
32022 @item frame-number
32023 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
32024 that index.
32025
32026 @item tracepoint-number
32027 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
32028 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
32029
32030 @item pc
32031 An address is required as parameter. Finds
32032 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
32033 address.
32034
32035 @item pc-inside-range
32036 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
32037 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
32038 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
32039
32040 @item pc-outside-range
32041 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
32042 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
32043 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
32044
32045 @item line
32046 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
32047 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
32048 the specified location.
32049
32050 @end table
32051
32052 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
32053 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
32054
32055 @table @samp
32056 @item found
32057 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
32058 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
32059
32060 @item traceframe
32061 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
32062 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
32063
32064 @item tracepoint
32065 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
32066 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
32067
32068 @item frame
32069 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
32070 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
32071 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
32072
32073 @end table
32074
32075 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32076
32077 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
32078
32079 @subheading -trace-define-variable
32080 @findex -trace-define-variable
32081
32082 @subsubheading Synopsis
32083
32084 @smallexample
32085 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
32086 @end smallexample
32087
32088 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
32089 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
32090 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
32091 with the @samp{$} character.
32092
32093 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32094
32095 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
32096
32097 @subheading -trace-list-variables
32098 @findex -trace-list-variables
32099
32100 @subsubheading Synopsis
32101
32102 @smallexample
32103 -trace-list-variables
32104 @end smallexample
32105
32106 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
32107 table has the following fields:
32108
32109 @table @samp
32110 @item name
32111 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
32112
32113 @item initial
32114 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
32115 field is always present.
32116
32117 @item current
32118 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
32119 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
32120 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
32121 presently running.
32122
32123 @end table
32124
32125 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32126
32127 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
32128
32129 @subsubheading Example
32130
32131 @smallexample
32132 (gdb)
32133 -trace-list-variables
32134 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
32135 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
32136 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
32137 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
32138 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
32139 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
32140 (gdb)
32141 @end smallexample
32142
32143 @subheading -trace-save
32144 @findex -trace-save
32145
32146 @subsubheading Synopsis
32147
32148 @smallexample
32149 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
32150 @end smallexample
32151
32152 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
32153 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
32154 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
32155 to perform the save.
32156
32157 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32158
32159 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
32160
32161
32162 @subheading -trace-start
32163 @findex -trace-start
32164
32165 @subsubheading Synopsis
32166
32167 @smallexample
32168 -trace-start
32169 @end smallexample
32170
32171 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
32172 have any fields.
32173
32174 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32175
32176 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
32177
32178 @subheading -trace-status
32179 @findex -trace-status
32180
32181 @subsubheading Synopsis
32182
32183 @smallexample
32184 -trace-status
32185 @end smallexample
32186
32187 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
32188 the following fields:
32189
32190 @table @samp
32191
32192 @item supported
32193 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
32194 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
32195 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
32196 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
32197 started. This field is always present.
32198
32199 @item running
32200 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
32201 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
32202 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32203
32204 @item stop-reason
32205 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
32206 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
32207 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
32208 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
32209 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
32210 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
32211 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
32212 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
32213 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32214
32215 @item stopping-tracepoint
32216 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
32217 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
32218 @samp{passcount}.
32219
32220 @item frames
32221 @itemx frames-created
32222 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
32223 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
32224 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
32225 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
32226
32227 @item buffer-size
32228 @itemx buffer-free
32229 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
32230 remaining space. These fields are optional.
32231
32232 @item circular
32233 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
32234 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
32235 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
32236 and may fill up.
32237
32238 @item disconnected
32239 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
32240 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
32241 that the trace run will stop.
32242
32243 @item trace-file
32244 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
32245 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
32246
32247 @end table
32248
32249 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32250
32251 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
32252
32253 @subheading -trace-stop
32254 @findex -trace-stop
32255
32256 @subsubheading Synopsis
32257
32258 @smallexample
32259 -trace-stop
32260 @end smallexample
32261
32262 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
32263 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
32264 @samp{running} fields are not output.
32265
32266 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32267
32268 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
32269
32270
32271 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32272 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
32273 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
32274
32275
32276 @ignore
32277 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
32278 @findex -symbol-info-address
32279
32280 @subsubheading Synopsis
32281
32282 @smallexample
32283 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
32284 @end smallexample
32285
32286 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
32287
32288 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32289
32290 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
32291
32292 @subsubheading Example
32293 N.A.
32294
32295
32296 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
32297 @findex -symbol-info-file
32298
32299 @subsubheading Synopsis
32300
32301 @smallexample
32302 -symbol-info-file
32303 @end smallexample
32304
32305 Show the file for the symbol.
32306
32307 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32308
32309 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
32310 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
32311
32312 @subsubheading Example
32313 N.A.
32314
32315
32316 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
32317 @findex -symbol-info-function
32318
32319 @subsubheading Synopsis
32320
32321 @smallexample
32322 -symbol-info-function
32323 @end smallexample
32324
32325 Show which function the symbol lives in.
32326
32327 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32328
32329 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
32330
32331 @subsubheading Example
32332 N.A.
32333
32334
32335 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
32336 @findex -symbol-info-line
32337
32338 @subsubheading Synopsis
32339
32340 @smallexample
32341 -symbol-info-line
32342 @end smallexample
32343
32344 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
32345
32346 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32347
32348 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
32349 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
32350
32351 @subsubheading Example
32352 N.A.
32353
32354
32355 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
32356 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
32357
32358 @subsubheading Synopsis
32359
32360 @smallexample
32361 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
32362 @end smallexample
32363
32364 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
32365
32366 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32367
32368 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
32369
32370 @subsubheading Example
32371 N.A.
32372
32373
32374 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
32375 @findex -symbol-list-functions
32376
32377 @subsubheading Synopsis
32378
32379 @smallexample
32380 -symbol-list-functions
32381 @end smallexample
32382
32383 List the functions in the executable.
32384
32385 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32386
32387 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
32388 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32389
32390 @subsubheading Example
32391 N.A.
32392 @end ignore
32393
32394
32395 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
32396 @findex -symbol-list-lines
32397
32398 @subsubheading Synopsis
32399
32400 @smallexample
32401 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
32402 @end smallexample
32403
32404 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
32405 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
32406 ascending PC order.
32407
32408 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32409
32410 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32411
32412 @subsubheading Example
32413 @smallexample
32414 (gdb)
32415 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
32416 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
32417 (gdb)
32418 @end smallexample
32419
32420
32421 @ignore
32422 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
32423 @findex -symbol-list-types
32424
32425 @subsubheading Synopsis
32426
32427 @smallexample
32428 -symbol-list-types
32429 @end smallexample
32430
32431 List all the type names.
32432
32433 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32434
32435 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
32436 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32437
32438 @subsubheading Example
32439 N.A.
32440
32441
32442 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
32443 @findex -symbol-list-variables
32444
32445 @subsubheading Synopsis
32446
32447 @smallexample
32448 -symbol-list-variables
32449 @end smallexample
32450
32451 List all the global and static variable names.
32452
32453 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32454
32455 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32456
32457 @subsubheading Example
32458 N.A.
32459
32460
32461 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
32462 @findex -symbol-locate
32463
32464 @subsubheading Synopsis
32465
32466 @smallexample
32467 -symbol-locate
32468 @end smallexample
32469
32470 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32471
32472 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
32473
32474 @subsubheading Example
32475 N.A.
32476
32477
32478 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
32479 @findex -symbol-type
32480
32481 @subsubheading Synopsis
32482
32483 @smallexample
32484 -symbol-type @var{variable}
32485 @end smallexample
32486
32487 Show type of @var{variable}.
32488
32489 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32490
32491 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
32492 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
32493
32494 @subsubheading Example
32495 N.A.
32496 @end ignore
32497
32498
32499 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32500 @node GDB/MI File Commands
32501 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
32502
32503 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
32504 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
32505
32506 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
32507 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
32508
32509 @subsubheading Synopsis
32510
32511 @smallexample
32512 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
32513 @end smallexample
32514
32515 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
32516 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
32517 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
32518 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
32519 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
32520 notification.
32521
32522 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32523
32524 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
32525
32526 @subsubheading Example
32527
32528 @smallexample
32529 (gdb)
32530 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32531 ^done
32532 (gdb)
32533 @end smallexample
32534
32535
32536 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
32537 @findex -file-exec-file
32538
32539 @subsubheading Synopsis
32540
32541 @smallexample
32542 -file-exec-file @var{file}
32543 @end smallexample
32544
32545 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
32546 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
32547 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
32548 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
32549 notification.
32550
32551 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32552
32553 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
32554
32555 @subsubheading Example
32556
32557 @smallexample
32558 (gdb)
32559 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32560 ^done
32561 (gdb)
32562 @end smallexample
32563
32564
32565 @ignore
32566 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
32567 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
32568
32569 @subsubheading Synopsis
32570
32571 @smallexample
32572 -file-list-exec-sections
32573 @end smallexample
32574
32575 List the sections of the current executable file.
32576
32577 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32578
32579 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
32580 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
32581 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
32582
32583 @subsubheading Example
32584 N.A.
32585 @end ignore
32586
32587
32588 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
32589 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
32590
32591 @subsubheading Synopsis
32592
32593 @smallexample
32594 -file-list-exec-source-file
32595 @end smallexample
32596
32597 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
32598 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
32599 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
32600 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
32601
32602 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32603
32604 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
32605
32606 @subsubheading Example
32607
32608 @smallexample
32609 (gdb)
32610 123-file-list-exec-source-file
32611 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
32612 (gdb)
32613 @end smallexample
32614
32615
32616 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
32617 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
32618
32619 @subsubheading Synopsis
32620
32621 @smallexample
32622 -file-list-exec-source-files
32623 @end smallexample
32624
32625 List the source files for the current executable.
32626
32627 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
32628 name) of a source file.
32629
32630 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32631
32632 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
32633 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
32634
32635 @subsubheading Example
32636 @smallexample
32637 (gdb)
32638 -file-list-exec-source-files
32639 ^done,files=[
32640 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
32641 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
32642 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
32643 (gdb)
32644 @end smallexample
32645
32646 @ignore
32647 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
32648 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
32649
32650 @subsubheading Synopsis
32651
32652 @smallexample
32653 -file-list-shared-libraries
32654 @end smallexample
32655
32656 List the shared libraries in the program.
32657
32658 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32659
32660 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
32661
32662 @subsubheading Example
32663 N.A.
32664
32665
32666 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
32667 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
32668
32669 @subsubheading Synopsis
32670
32671 @smallexample
32672 -file-list-symbol-files
32673 @end smallexample
32674
32675 List symbol files.
32676
32677 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32678
32679 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
32680
32681 @subsubheading Example
32682 N.A.
32683 @end ignore
32684
32685
32686 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
32687 @findex -file-symbol-file
32688
32689 @subsubheading Synopsis
32690
32691 @smallexample
32692 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
32693 @end smallexample
32694
32695 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
32696 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
32697 produced, except for a completion notification.
32698
32699 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32700
32701 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
32702
32703 @subsubheading Example
32704
32705 @smallexample
32706 (gdb)
32707 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32708 ^done
32709 (gdb)
32710 @end smallexample
32711
32712 @ignore
32713 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32714 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
32715 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
32716
32717 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
32718
32719 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
32720
32721 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
32722
32723 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
32724
32725 @c @subheading -overlay-map
32726
32727 @c @subheading -overlay-off
32728
32729 @c @subheading -overlay-on
32730
32731 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
32732
32733 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32734 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
32735 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
32736
32737 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
32738
32739 @c @subheading -signal-handle
32740
32741 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
32742
32743 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
32744 @end ignore
32745
32746
32747 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32748 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
32749 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
32750
32751
32752 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
32753 @findex -target-attach
32754
32755 @subsubheading Synopsis
32756
32757 @smallexample
32758 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
32759 @end smallexample
32760
32761 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
32762 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
32763 group, the id previously returned by
32764 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
32765
32766 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32767
32768 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
32769
32770 @subsubheading Example
32771 @smallexample
32772 (gdb)
32773 -target-attach 34
32774 =thread-created,id="1"
32775 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
32776 ^done
32777 (gdb)
32778 @end smallexample
32779
32780 @ignore
32781 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
32782 @findex -target-compare-sections
32783
32784 @subsubheading Synopsis
32785
32786 @smallexample
32787 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
32788 @end smallexample
32789
32790 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
32791 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
32792
32793 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32794
32795 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
32796
32797 @subsubheading Example
32798 N.A.
32799 @end ignore
32800
32801
32802 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
32803 @findex -target-detach
32804
32805 @subsubheading Synopsis
32806
32807 @smallexample
32808 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
32809 @end smallexample
32810
32811 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
32812 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
32813 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
32814
32815 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32816
32817 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
32818
32819 @subsubheading Example
32820
32821 @smallexample
32822 (gdb)
32823 -target-detach
32824 ^done
32825 (gdb)
32826 @end smallexample
32827
32828
32829 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
32830 @findex -target-disconnect
32831
32832 @subsubheading Synopsis
32833
32834 @smallexample
32835 -target-disconnect
32836 @end smallexample
32837
32838 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
32839 generally not resumed.
32840
32841 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32842
32843 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
32844
32845 @subsubheading Example
32846
32847 @smallexample
32848 (gdb)
32849 -target-disconnect
32850 ^done
32851 (gdb)
32852 @end smallexample
32853
32854
32855 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
32856 @findex -target-download
32857
32858 @subsubheading Synopsis
32859
32860 @smallexample
32861 -target-download
32862 @end smallexample
32863
32864 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
32865 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
32866
32867 @table @samp
32868 @item section
32869 The name of the section.
32870 @item section-sent
32871 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
32872 @item section-size
32873 The size of the section.
32874 @item total-sent
32875 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
32876 @item total-size
32877 The size of the overall executable to download.
32878 @end table
32879
32880 @noindent
32881 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
32882 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
32883
32884 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
32885 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
32886
32887 @table @samp
32888 @item section
32889 The name of the section.
32890 @item section-size
32891 The size of the section.
32892 @item total-size
32893 The size of the overall executable to download.
32894 @end table
32895
32896 @noindent
32897 At the end, a summary is printed.
32898
32899 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32900
32901 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
32902
32903 @subsubheading Example
32904
32905 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
32906 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
32907
32908 @smallexample
32909 (gdb)
32910 -target-download
32911 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
32912 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
32913 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
32914 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
32915 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
32916 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
32917 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
32918 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
32919 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
32920 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
32921 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
32922 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
32923 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
32924 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
32925 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
32926 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
32927 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
32928 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
32929 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
32930 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
32931 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
32932 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
32933 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
32934 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
32935 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
32936 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
32937 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
32938 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32939 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32940 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
32941 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
32942 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
32943 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
32944 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
32945 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
32946 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
32947 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
32948 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
32949 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
32950 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
32951 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
32952 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
32953 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
32954 write-rate="429"
32955 (gdb)
32956 @end smallexample
32957
32958
32959 @ignore
32960 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
32961 @findex -target-exec-status
32962
32963 @subsubheading Synopsis
32964
32965 @smallexample
32966 -target-exec-status
32967 @end smallexample
32968
32969 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
32970 not, for instance).
32971
32972 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32973
32974 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
32975
32976 @subsubheading Example
32977 N.A.
32978
32979
32980 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
32981 @findex -target-list-available-targets
32982
32983 @subsubheading Synopsis
32984
32985 @smallexample
32986 -target-list-available-targets
32987 @end smallexample
32988
32989 List the possible targets to connect to.
32990
32991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32992
32993 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
32994
32995 @subsubheading Example
32996 N.A.
32997
32998
32999 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
33000 @findex -target-list-current-targets
33001
33002 @subsubheading Synopsis
33003
33004 @smallexample
33005 -target-list-current-targets
33006 @end smallexample
33007
33008 Describe the current target.
33009
33010 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33011
33012 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
33013 other things).
33014
33015 @subsubheading Example
33016 N.A.
33017
33018
33019 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
33020 @findex -target-list-parameters
33021
33022 @subsubheading Synopsis
33023
33024 @smallexample
33025 -target-list-parameters
33026 @end smallexample
33027
33028 @c ????
33029 @end ignore
33030
33031 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33032
33033 No equivalent.
33034
33035 @subsubheading Example
33036 N.A.
33037
33038
33039 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
33040 @findex -target-select
33041
33042 @subsubheading Synopsis
33043
33044 @smallexample
33045 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
33046 @end smallexample
33047
33048 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
33049
33050 @table @samp
33051 @item @var{type}
33052 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
33053 @item @var{parameters}
33054 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
33055 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
33056 @end table
33057
33058 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
33059 which the target program is, in the following form:
33060
33061 @smallexample
33062 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
33063 args=[@var{arg list}]
33064 @end smallexample
33065
33066 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33067
33068 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
33069
33070 @subsubheading Example
33071
33072 @smallexample
33073 (gdb)
33074 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
33075 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
33076 (gdb)
33077 @end smallexample
33078
33079 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33080 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
33081 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
33082
33083
33084 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
33085 @findex -target-file-put
33086
33087 @subsubheading Synopsis
33088
33089 @smallexample
33090 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
33091 @end smallexample
33092
33093 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
33094 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
33095
33096 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33097
33098 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
33099
33100 @subsubheading Example
33101
33102 @smallexample
33103 (gdb)
33104 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
33105 ^done
33106 (gdb)
33107 @end smallexample
33108
33109
33110 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
33111 @findex -target-file-get
33112
33113 @subsubheading Synopsis
33114
33115 @smallexample
33116 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
33117 @end smallexample
33118
33119 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
33120 on the host system.
33121
33122 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33123
33124 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
33125
33126 @subsubheading Example
33127
33128 @smallexample
33129 (gdb)
33130 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
33131 ^done
33132 (gdb)
33133 @end smallexample
33134
33135
33136 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
33137 @findex -target-file-delete
33138
33139 @subsubheading Synopsis
33140
33141 @smallexample
33142 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
33143 @end smallexample
33144
33145 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
33146
33147 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33148
33149 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
33150
33151 @subsubheading Example
33152
33153 @smallexample
33154 (gdb)
33155 -target-file-delete remotefile
33156 ^done
33157 (gdb)
33158 @end smallexample
33159
33160
33161 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33162 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
33163 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
33164
33165 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
33166
33167 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
33168 @findex -gdb-exit
33169
33170 @subsubheading Synopsis
33171
33172 @smallexample
33173 -gdb-exit
33174 @end smallexample
33175
33176 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
33177
33178 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33179
33180 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
33181
33182 @subsubheading Example
33183
33184 @smallexample
33185 (gdb)
33186 -gdb-exit
33187 ^exit
33188 @end smallexample
33189
33190
33191 @ignore
33192 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
33193 @findex -exec-abort
33194
33195 @subsubheading Synopsis
33196
33197 @smallexample
33198 -exec-abort
33199 @end smallexample
33200
33201 Kill the inferior running program.
33202
33203 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33204
33205 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
33206
33207 @subsubheading Example
33208 N.A.
33209 @end ignore
33210
33211
33212 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
33213 @findex -gdb-set
33214
33215 @subsubheading Synopsis
33216
33217 @smallexample
33218 -gdb-set
33219 @end smallexample
33220
33221 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
33222 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
33223
33224 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33225
33226 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
33227
33228 @subsubheading Example
33229
33230 @smallexample
33231 (gdb)
33232 -gdb-set $foo=3
33233 ^done
33234 (gdb)
33235 @end smallexample
33236
33237
33238 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
33239 @findex -gdb-show
33240
33241 @subsubheading Synopsis
33242
33243 @smallexample
33244 -gdb-show
33245 @end smallexample
33246
33247 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
33248
33249 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33250
33251 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
33252
33253 @subsubheading Example
33254
33255 @smallexample
33256 (gdb)
33257 -gdb-show annotate
33258 ^done,value="0"
33259 (gdb)
33260 @end smallexample
33261
33262 @c @subheading -gdb-source
33263
33264
33265 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
33266 @findex -gdb-version
33267
33268 @subsubheading Synopsis
33269
33270 @smallexample
33271 -gdb-version
33272 @end smallexample
33273
33274 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
33275
33276 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33277
33278 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
33279 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
33280
33281 @subsubheading Example
33282
33283 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
33284 @c box in TeX.
33285 @smallexample
33286 (gdb)
33287 -gdb-version
33288 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
33289 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33290 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
33291 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
33292 ~ certain conditions.
33293 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33294 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
33295 ~ details.
33296 ~This GDB was configured as
33297 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
33298 ^done
33299 (gdb)
33300 @end smallexample
33301
33302 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
33303 @findex -list-features
33304
33305 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
33306 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
33307 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
33308 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
33309 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
33310 startup.
33311
33312 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
33313 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
33314 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
33315 is given below.
33316
33317 Example output:
33318
33319 @smallexample
33320 (gdb) -list-features
33321 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
33322 @end smallexample
33323
33324 The current list of features is:
33325
33326 @table @samp
33327 @item frozen-varobjs
33328 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
33329 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
33330 of @code{-varobj-create}.
33331 @item pending-breakpoints
33332 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
33333 command.
33334 @item python
33335 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
33336 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
33337 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
33338 @item thread-info
33339 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
33340 @item data-read-memory-bytes
33341 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
33342 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
33343 @item breakpoint-notifications
33344 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
33345 CLI will be announced via async records.
33346 @item ada-task-info
33347 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
33348 @end table
33349
33350 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
33351 @findex -list-target-features
33352
33353 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
33354 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
33355 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
33356 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
33357 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
33358 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
33359 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
33360 Example output:
33361
33362 @smallexample
33363 (gdb) -list-features
33364 ^done,result=["async"]
33365 @end smallexample
33366
33367 The current list of features is:
33368
33369 @table @samp
33370 @item async
33371 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
33372 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
33373 while the target is running.
33374
33375 @item reverse
33376 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
33377 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
33378
33379 @end table
33380
33381 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
33382 @findex -list-thread-groups
33383
33384 @subheading Synopsis
33385
33386 @smallexample
33387 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
33388 @end smallexample
33389
33390 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
33391 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
33392 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
33393 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
33394 top-level thread groups.
33395
33396 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
33397 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
33398 available on the target.
33399
33400 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
33401 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
33402 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
33403 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
33404 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
33405 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
33406 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
33407 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
33408
33409 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
33410 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
33411 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
33412 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
33413 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
33414 @samp{threads} field.
33415
33416 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
33417 the following caveats:
33418
33419 @itemize @bullet
33420 @item
33421 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
33422 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
33423 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
33424
33425 @item
33426 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
33427 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
33428 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
33429 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
33430 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
33431 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
33432
33433 @end itemize
33434
33435 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
33436 have the following fields:
33437
33438 @table @code
33439 @item id
33440 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
33441 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
33442 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
33443
33444 @item type
33445 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
33446 valid type.
33447
33448 @item pid
33449 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
33450 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
33451
33452 @item num_children
33453 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
33454 absent for an available thread group.
33455
33456 @item threads
33457 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
33458 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
33459 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
33460
33461 @item cores
33462 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
33463 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
33464 such information is not available.
33465
33466 @item executable
33467 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
33468 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
33469 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
33470
33471 @end table
33472
33473 @subheading Example
33474
33475 @smallexample
33476 @value{GDBP}
33477 -list-thread-groups
33478 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
33479 -list-thread-groups 17
33480 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
33481 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
33482 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
33483 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
33484 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
33485 -list-thread-groups --available
33486 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
33487 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
33488 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33489 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33490 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
33491 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
33492 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33493 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33494 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
33495 @end smallexample
33496
33497 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
33498 @findex -info-os
33499
33500 @subsubheading Synopsis
33501
33502 @smallexample
33503 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
33504 @end smallexample
33505
33506 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
33507 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
33508 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
33509 of data of that type.
33510
33511 The types of information available depend on the target operating
33512 system.
33513
33514 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33515
33516 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
33517
33518 @subsubheading Example
33519
33520 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
33521 like this:
33522
33523 @smallexample
33524 @value{GDBP}
33525 -info-os
33526 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="3",
33527 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
33528 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
33529 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
33530 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
33531 col2="Processes"@},
33532 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
33533 col2="Process groups"@},
33534 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
33535 col2="Threads"@},
33536 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
33537 col2="File descriptors"@},
33538 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
33539 col2="Sockets"@},
33540 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
33541 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
33542 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
33543 col2="Semaphores"@},
33544 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
33545 col2="Message queues"@},
33546 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
33547 col2="Kernel modules"@}]@}
33548 @value{GDBP}
33549 -info-os processes
33550 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
33551 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
33552 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
33553 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
33554 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
33555 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
33556 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
33557 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
33558 ...
33559 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
33560 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
33561 (gdb)
33562 @end smallexample
33563
33564 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
33565 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
33566 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
33567 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
33568 @code{info os} omits it.)
33569
33570 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
33571 @findex -add-inferior
33572
33573 @subheading Synopsis
33574
33575 @smallexample
33576 -add-inferior
33577 @end smallexample
33578
33579 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
33580 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
33581 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
33582 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
33583 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
33584 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
33585
33586 @subheading Example
33587
33588 @smallexample
33589 @value{GDBP}
33590 -add-inferior
33591 ^done,thread-group="i3"
33592 @end smallexample
33593
33594 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
33595 @findex -interpreter-exec
33596
33597 @subheading Synopsis
33598
33599 @smallexample
33600 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
33601 @end smallexample
33602 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
33603
33604 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
33605
33606 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33607
33608 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
33609
33610 @subheading Example
33611
33612 @smallexample
33613 (gdb)
33614 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
33615 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
33616 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
33617 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
33618 ^done
33619 (gdb)
33620 @end smallexample
33621
33622 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
33623 @findex -inferior-tty-set
33624
33625 @subheading Synopsis
33626
33627 @smallexample
33628 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33629 @end smallexample
33630
33631 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
33632
33633 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33634
33635 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
33636
33637 @subheading Example
33638
33639 @smallexample
33640 (gdb)
33641 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33642 ^done
33643 (gdb)
33644 @end smallexample
33645
33646 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
33647 @findex -inferior-tty-show
33648
33649 @subheading Synopsis
33650
33651 @smallexample
33652 -inferior-tty-show
33653 @end smallexample
33654
33655 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
33656
33657 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33658
33659 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
33660
33661 @subheading Example
33662
33663 @smallexample
33664 (gdb)
33665 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33666 ^done
33667 (gdb)
33668 -inferior-tty-show
33669 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
33670 (gdb)
33671 @end smallexample
33672
33673 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
33674 @findex -enable-timings
33675
33676 @subheading Synopsis
33677
33678 @smallexample
33679 -enable-timings [yes | no]
33680 @end smallexample
33681
33682 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
33683 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
33684 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
33685 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
33686
33687 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33688
33689 No equivalent.
33690
33691 @subheading Example
33692
33693 @smallexample
33694 (gdb)
33695 -enable-timings
33696 ^done
33697 (gdb)
33698 -break-insert main
33699 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
33700 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
33701 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
33702 times="0"@},
33703 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
33704 (gdb)
33705 -enable-timings no
33706 ^done
33707 (gdb)
33708 -exec-run
33709 ^running
33710 (gdb)
33711 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
33712 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
33713 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
33714 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
33715 (gdb)
33716 @end smallexample
33717
33718 @node Annotations
33719 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
33720
33721 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
33722 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
33723 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
33724 relatively high level.
33725
33726 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
33727 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
33728
33729 @ignore
33730 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
33731 @end ignore
33732
33733 @menu
33734 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
33735 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
33736 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
33737 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
33738 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
33739 * Annotations for Running::
33740 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
33741 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
33742 @end menu
33743
33744 @node Annotations Overview
33745 @section What is an Annotation?
33746 @cindex annotations
33747
33748 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
33749 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
33750 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
33751 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
33752 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
33753 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
33754 cannot contain newline characters.
33755
33756 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
33757 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
33758 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
33759 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
33760 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
33761 means those three characters as output.
33762
33763 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
33764 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
33765 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
33766 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
33767 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
33768 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
33769 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
33770 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
33771 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
33772
33773 @table @code
33774 @kindex set annotate
33775 @item set annotate @var{level}
33776 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
33777 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
33778
33779 @item show annotate
33780 @kindex show annotate
33781 Show the current annotation level.
33782 @end table
33783
33784 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
33785
33786 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
33787
33788 @smallexample
33789 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
33790 GNU gdb 6.0
33791 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33792 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
33793 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
33794 under certain conditions.
33795 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33796 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
33797 for details.
33798 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
33799
33800 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33801 (@value{GDBP})
33802 ^Z^Zprompt
33803 @kbd{quit}
33804
33805 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33806 $
33807 @end smallexample
33808
33809 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
33810 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
33811 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
33812 output from @value{GDBN}.
33813
33814 @node Server Prefix
33815 @section The Server Prefix
33816 @cindex server prefix
33817
33818 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
33819 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
33820 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
33821 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
33822 a transparent manner.
33823
33824 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
33825 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
33826 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
33827 @code{print} command.
33828
33829 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
33830 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
33831
33832 @node Prompting
33833 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
33834
33835 @cindex annotations for prompts
33836 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
33837 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
33838 over, etc.
33839
33840 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
33841 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
33842 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
33843 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
33844 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
33845 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
33846 features the following annotations:
33847
33848 @smallexample
33849 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33850 ^Z^Zprompt
33851 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33852 @end smallexample
33853
33854 The input types are
33855
33856 @table @code
33857 @findex pre-prompt annotation
33858 @findex prompt annotation
33859 @findex post-prompt annotation
33860 @item prompt
33861 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
33862
33863 @findex pre-commands annotation
33864 @findex commands annotation
33865 @findex post-commands annotation
33866 @item commands
33867 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
33868 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
33869
33870 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
33871 @findex overload-choice annotation
33872 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
33873 @item overload-choice
33874 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
33875
33876 @findex pre-query annotation
33877 @findex query annotation
33878 @findex post-query annotation
33879 @item query
33880 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
33881
33882 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
33883 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
33884 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
33885 @item prompt-for-continue
33886 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
33887 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
33888 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
33889 presence of annotations.
33890 @end table
33891
33892 @node Errors
33893 @section Errors
33894 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
33895
33896 @findex quit annotation
33897 @smallexample
33898 ^Z^Zquit
33899 @end smallexample
33900
33901 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
33902
33903 @findex error annotation
33904 @smallexample
33905 ^Z^Zerror
33906 @end smallexample
33907
33908 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
33909
33910 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
33911 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
33912 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
33913 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
33914 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
33915 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
33916 to the top level.
33917
33918 @findex error-begin annotation
33919 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
33920
33921 @smallexample
33922 ^Z^Zerror-begin
33923 @end smallexample
33924
33925 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
33926 message.
33927
33928 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
33929 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
33930 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
33931
33932 @node Invalidation
33933 @section Invalidation Notices
33934
33935 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
33936 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
33937 changed.
33938
33939 @table @code
33940 @findex frames-invalid annotation
33941 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
33942
33943 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
33944 have changed.
33945
33946 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
33947 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
33948
33949 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
33950 deleted a breakpoint.
33951 @end table
33952
33953 @node Annotations for Running
33954 @section Running the Program
33955 @cindex annotations for running programs
33956
33957 @findex starting annotation
33958 @findex stopping annotation
33959 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
33960 @code{step} or @code{continue},
33961
33962 @smallexample
33963 ^Z^Zstarting
33964 @end smallexample
33965
33966 is output. When the program stops,
33967
33968 @smallexample
33969 ^Z^Zstopped
33970 @end smallexample
33971
33972 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
33973 annotations describe how the program stopped.
33974
33975 @table @code
33976 @findex exited annotation
33977 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
33978 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
33979 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
33980
33981 @findex signalled annotation
33982 @findex signal-name annotation
33983 @findex signal-name-end annotation
33984 @findex signal-string annotation
33985 @findex signal-string-end annotation
33986 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
33987 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
33988 annotation continues:
33989
33990 @smallexample
33991 @var{intro-text}
33992 ^Z^Zsignal-name
33993 @var{name}
33994 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
33995 @var{middle-text}
33996 ^Z^Zsignal-string
33997 @var{string}
33998 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
33999 @var{end-text}
34000 @end smallexample
34001
34002 @noindent
34003 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
34004 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
34005 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
34006 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
34007 user's benefit and have no particular format.
34008
34009 @findex signal annotation
34010 @item ^Z^Zsignal
34011 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
34012 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
34013 terminated with it.
34014
34015 @findex breakpoint annotation
34016 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
34017 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
34018
34019 @findex watchpoint annotation
34020 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
34021 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
34022 @end table
34023
34024 @node Source Annotations
34025 @section Displaying Source
34026 @cindex annotations for source display
34027
34028 @findex source annotation
34029 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
34030
34031 @smallexample
34032 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
34033 @end smallexample
34034
34035 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
34036 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
34037 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
34038 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
34039 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
34040 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
34041 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
34042 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
34043 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
34044 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
34045 depend on the language).
34046
34047 @node JIT Interface
34048 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
34049 @cindex just-in-time compilation
34050 @cindex JIT compilation interface
34051
34052 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
34053 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
34054 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
34055 performance while maintaining platform independence.
34056
34057 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
34058 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
34059 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
34060 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
34061 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
34062 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
34063
34064 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
34065 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
34066 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
34067 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
34068 LLVM JIT.
34069
34070 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
34071 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
34072 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
34073 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
34074 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
34075 out about additional code.
34076
34077 @menu
34078 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
34079 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
34080 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
34081 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
34082 @end menu
34083
34084 @node Declarations
34085 @section JIT Declarations
34086
34087 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
34088 implement the interface:
34089
34090 @smallexample
34091 typedef enum
34092 @{
34093 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
34094 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
34095 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
34096 @} jit_actions_t;
34097
34098 struct jit_code_entry
34099 @{
34100 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
34101 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
34102 const char *symfile_addr;
34103 uint64_t symfile_size;
34104 @};
34105
34106 struct jit_descriptor
34107 @{
34108 uint32_t version;
34109 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
34110 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
34111 uint32_t action_flag;
34112 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
34113 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
34114 @};
34115
34116 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
34117 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
34118
34119 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
34120 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
34121 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
34122 @end smallexample
34123
34124 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
34125 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
34126 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
34127
34128 @node Registering Code
34129 @section Registering Code
34130
34131 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
34132
34133 @itemize @bullet
34134 @item
34135 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
34136 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
34137
34138 @item
34139 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
34140 file.
34141
34142 @item
34143 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
34144
34145 @item
34146 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
34147
34148 @item
34149 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
34150 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34151 @end itemize
34152
34153 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
34154 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
34155 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
34156 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
34157
34158 @node Unregistering Code
34159 @section Unregistering Code
34160
34161 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
34162
34163 @itemize @bullet
34164 @item
34165 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
34166
34167 @item
34168 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
34169
34170 @item
34171 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
34172 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34173 @end itemize
34174
34175 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
34176 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
34177
34178 @node Custom Debug Info
34179 @section Custom Debug Info
34180 @cindex custom JIT debug info
34181 @cindex JIT debug info reader
34182
34183 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
34184 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
34185 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
34186 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
34187 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
34188 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
34189 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
34190 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
34191 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
34192
34193 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
34194 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
34195 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
34196 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
34197 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
34198 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
34199 compiler.
34200
34201 @menu
34202 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
34203 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
34204 @end menu
34205
34206 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34207 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34208 @kindex jit-reader-load
34209 @kindex jit-reader-unload
34210
34211 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
34212 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
34213
34214 @table @code
34215 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
34216 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}. @var{reader} is a shared
34217 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
34218 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
34219 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
34220 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
34221 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
34222
34223 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
34224 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
34225 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
34226 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
34227 @code{jit-reader-load}.
34228
34229 @item jit-reader-unload
34230 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
34231
34232 @end table
34233
34234 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34235 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34236 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
34237
34238 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
34239 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
34240
34241 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
34242 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
34243 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
34244 the system include directory.
34245
34246 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
34247 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
34248 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
34249
34250 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
34251 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
34252
34253 @findex gdb_init_reader
34254 @smallexample
34255 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
34256 @end smallexample
34257
34258 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
34259
34260 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
34261 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
34262 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
34263 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
34264 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
34265 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
34266
34267 @smallexample
34268 struct gdb_reader_funcs
34269 @{
34270 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
34271 int reader_version;
34272
34273 /* For use by the reader. */
34274 void *priv_data;
34275
34276 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
34277 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
34278 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
34279 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
34280 @};
34281 @end smallexample
34282
34283 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
34284 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
34285
34286 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
34287 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
34288 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
34289 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
34290 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
34291 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
34292 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
34293 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
34294 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
34295 target's address space.
34296
34297 @node In-Process Agent
34298 @chapter In-Process Agent
34299 @cindex debugging agent
34300 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
34301 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
34302 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
34303 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
34304 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
34305 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
34306 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
34307 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
34308 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
34309 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
34310 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
34311 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
34312 behavior without interrupting it.
34313
34314 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
34315 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
34316 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
34317 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
34318 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
34319 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
34320 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
34321 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
34322 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
34323
34324 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
34325 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
34326 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
34327 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
34328
34329 @anchor{Control Agent}
34330 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
34331 debugging with the following commands:
34332
34333 @table @code
34334 @kindex set agent on
34335 @item set agent on
34336 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
34337 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
34338 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
34339 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
34340 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
34341 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
34342
34343 @kindex set agent off
34344 @item set agent off
34345 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
34346 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
34347
34348 @kindex show agent
34349 @item show agent
34350 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
34351 the in-process agent.
34352 @end table
34353
34354 @menu
34355 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
34356 @end menu
34357
34358 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
34359 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
34360 @cindex in-process agent protocol
34361
34362 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
34363 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
34364 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
34365 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
34366 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
34367 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
34368 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
34369 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
34370 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
34371
34372 @menu
34373 * IPA Protocol Objects::
34374 * IPA Protocol Commands::
34375 @end menu
34376
34377 @node IPA Protocol Objects
34378 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
34379 @cindex ipa protocol objects
34380
34381 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
34382 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
34383
34384 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
34385 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
34386 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
34387 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
34388
34389 @enumerate
34390 @item
34391 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
34392 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
34393 @item
34394 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
34395 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
34396 the other one.
34397 @end enumerate
34398
34399 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
34400
34401 @enumerate
34402 @item
34403 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
34404 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
34405 @anchor{agent expression object}
34406 @item
34407 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
34408 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
34409 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
34410 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
34411 @item
34412 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
34413 @anchor{tracepoint object}
34414
34415 @end enumerate
34416
34417 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
34418 object:
34419
34420 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
34421 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
34422 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
34423 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
34424 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
34425 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
34426 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34427 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
34428 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
34429 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
34430 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
34431 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
34432 memory address for collecting.
34433 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
34434 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34435 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
34436 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34437 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
34438 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34439 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
34440 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
34441 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
34442 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
34443 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
34444 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
34445 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
34446 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
34447 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
34448 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
34449 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
34450 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
34451 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
34452 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
34453 @ref{agent expression object}
34454 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
34455 @ref{agent expression object}
34456 @item actions @tab variable
34457 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
34458 @end multitable
34459
34460 @node IPA Protocol Commands
34461 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
34462 @cindex ipa protocol commands
34463
34464 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
34465 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
34466
34467 @table @samp
34468
34469 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
34470 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
34471 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
34472 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
34473 in IPA finally.
34474
34475 Replies:
34476 @table @samp
34477 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
34478 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
34479 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
34480 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
34481 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
34482 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
34483 @item E @var{NN}
34484 for an error
34485
34486 @end table
34487
34488 @item close
34489 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
34490 is about to kill inferiors.
34491
34492 @item qTfSTM
34493 @xref{qTfSTM}.
34494 @item qTsSTM
34495 @xref{qTsSTM}.
34496 @item qTSTMat
34497 @xref{qTSTMat}.
34498 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
34499 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
34500
34501 Replies:
34502 @table @samp
34503 @item E @var{NN}
34504 for an error
34505 @end table
34506 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
34507 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
34508 @end table
34509
34510 @node GDB Bugs
34511 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
34512 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
34513 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
34514
34515 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
34516
34517 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
34518 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
34519 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
34520 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
34521
34522 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
34523 information that enables us to fix the bug.
34524
34525 @menu
34526 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
34527 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
34528 @end menu
34529
34530 @node Bug Criteria
34531 @section Have You Found a Bug?
34532 @cindex bug criteria
34533
34534 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
34535
34536 @itemize @bullet
34537 @cindex fatal signal
34538 @cindex debugger crash
34539 @cindex crash of debugger
34540 @item
34541 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
34542 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
34543
34544 @cindex error on valid input
34545 @item
34546 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
34547 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
34548 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
34549
34550 @cindex invalid input
34551 @item
34552 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
34553 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
34554 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
34555 for traditional practice''.
34556
34557 @item
34558 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
34559 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
34560 @end itemize
34561
34562 @node Bug Reporting
34563 @section How to Report Bugs
34564 @cindex bug reports
34565 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
34566
34567 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
34568 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
34569 contact that organization first.
34570
34571 You can find contact information for many support companies and
34572 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
34573 distribution.
34574 @c should add a web page ref...
34575
34576 @ifset BUGURL
34577 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
34578 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34579 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
34580 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
34581 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
34582 be used.
34583
34584 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
34585 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
34586 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
34587 @samp{bug-gdb}.
34588
34589 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
34590 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
34591 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
34592 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
34593 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
34594 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
34595 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
34596 bug reports to the mailing list.
34597 @end ifset
34598 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
34599 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34600 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
34601 @end ifclear
34602 @end ifset
34603
34604 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
34605 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
34606 fact or leave it out, state it!
34607
34608 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
34609 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
34610 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
34611 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
34612 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
34613 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
34614 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
34615 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
34616 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
34617
34618 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
34619 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
34620 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
34621 self-contained.
34622
34623 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
34624 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
34625 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
34626 bugs properly.
34627
34628 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
34629
34630 @itemize @bullet
34631 @item
34632 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
34633 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
34634 version}.
34635
34636 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
34637 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
34638
34639 @item
34640 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
34641 version number.
34642
34643 @item
34644 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
34645 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
34646 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
34647 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
34648
34649 @item
34650 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
34651 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
34652
34653 @item
34654 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
34655 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
34656 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
34657 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
34658 those compilers.
34659
34660 @item
34661 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
34662 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
34663 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
34664 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
34665
34666 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
34667 and then we might not encounter the bug.
34668
34669 @item
34670 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
34671 reproduce the bug.
34672
34673 @item
34674 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
34675 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
34676
34677 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
34678 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
34679 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
34680 a chance to make a mistake.
34681
34682 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
34683 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
34684 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
34685 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
34686 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
34687 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
34688 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
34689 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
34690
34691 @pindex script
34692 @cindex recording a session script
34693 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
34694 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
34695 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
34696 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
34697
34698 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
34699 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
34700
34701 @item
34702 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
34703 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
34704 it by context, not by line number.
34705
34706 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
34707 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
34708
34709 @end itemize
34710
34711 Here are some things that are not necessary:
34712
34713 @itemize @bullet
34714 @item
34715 A description of the envelope of the bug.
34716
34717 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
34718 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
34719 changes will not affect it.
34720
34721 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
34722 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
34723 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
34724 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
34725
34726 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
34727 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
34728 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
34729 less time, and so on.
34730
34731 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
34732 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
34733
34734 @item
34735 A patch for the bug.
34736
34737 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
34738 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
34739 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
34740 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
34741
34742 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
34743 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
34744 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
34745 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
34746
34747 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
34748 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
34749 help us to understand.
34750
34751 @item
34752 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
34753
34754 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
34755 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
34756 @end itemize
34757
34758 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
34759 @c and consists of the two following files:
34760 @c rluser.texi
34761 @c hsuser.texi
34762 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
34763 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
34764 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
34765 @include rluser.texi
34766 @include hsuser.texi
34767 @end ifclear
34768
34769 @node In Memoriam
34770 @appendix In Memoriam
34771
34772 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
34773 contributors:
34774
34775 @table @code
34776 @item Fred Fish
34777 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
34778 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
34779 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
34780
34781 @item Michael Snyder
34782 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
34783 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
34784 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
34785 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
34786 @end table
34787
34788 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
34789 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
34790
34791 @node Formatting Documentation
34792 @appendix Formatting Documentation
34793
34794 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
34795 @cindex reference card
34796 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
34797 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
34798 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
34799 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
34800 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
34801 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
34802
34803 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
34804 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
34805
34806 @smallexample
34807 make refcard.dvi
34808 @end smallexample
34809
34810 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
34811 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
34812 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
34813 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
34814 your @sc{dvi} output program.
34815
34816 @cindex documentation
34817
34818 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
34819 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
34820 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
34821 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
34822 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
34823 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
34824
34825 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
34826 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
34827 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
34828 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
34829 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
34830 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
34831 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
34832 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
34833
34834 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
34835 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
34836 @code{makeinfo}.
34837
34838 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
34839 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
34840 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
34841
34842 @smallexample
34843 cd gdb
34844 make gdb.info
34845 @end smallexample
34846
34847 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
34848 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
34849 Texinfo definitions file.
34850
34851 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
34852 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
34853 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
34854 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
34855 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
34856 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
34857 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
34858
34859 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
34860 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
34861 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
34862 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
34863 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
34864 directory.
34865
34866 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
34867 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
34868 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
34869 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
34870
34871 @smallexample
34872 make gdb.dvi
34873 @end smallexample
34874
34875 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
34876
34877 @node Installing GDB
34878 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
34879 @cindex installation
34880
34881 @menu
34882 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
34883 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
34884 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
34885 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
34886 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
34887 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
34888 @end menu
34889
34890 @node Requirements
34891 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
34892 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
34893
34894 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
34895 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
34896
34897 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
34898 @table @asis
34899 @item ISO C90 compiler
34900 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
34901 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
34902
34903 @end table
34904
34905 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
34906 @table @asis
34907 @item Expat
34908 @anchor{Expat}
34909 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
34910 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
34911 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
34912 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
34913 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
34914 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
34915
34916 Expat is used for:
34917
34918 @itemize @bullet
34919 @item
34920 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
34921 @item
34922 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
34923 @item
34924 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
34925 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
34926 @item
34927 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
34928 @item
34929 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
34930 @item
34931 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format})
34932 @end itemize
34933
34934 @item zlib
34935 @cindex compressed debug sections
34936 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
34937 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
34938 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
34939 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
34940 information in such binaries.
34941
34942 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
34943 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34944 @url{http://zlib.net}.
34945
34946 @item iconv
34947 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
34948 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
34949 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
34950 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
34951
34952 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
34953 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
34954 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
34955 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
34956
34957 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
34958 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
34959 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
34960
34961 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
34962 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
34963 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
34964 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
34965 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
34966 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
34967 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
34968 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
34969 @end table
34970
34971 @node Running Configure
34972 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
34973 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
34974 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
34975 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
34976 build the @code{gdb} program.
34977 @iftex
34978 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
34979 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
34980 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
34981 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
34982 @end iftex
34983
34984 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
34985 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
34986 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
34987
34988 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
34989 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
34990
34991 @table @code
34992 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
34993 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
34994
34995 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
34996 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
34997
34998 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
34999 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
35000
35001 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
35002 @sc{gnu} include files
35003
35004 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
35005 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
35006
35007 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
35008 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
35009
35010 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
35011 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
35012
35013 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
35014 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
35015
35016 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
35017 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
35018 @end table
35019
35020 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
35021 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
35022 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
35023
35024 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
35025 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
35026 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
35027 argument.
35028
35029 For example:
35030
35031 @smallexample
35032 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
35033 ./configure @var{host}
35034 make
35035 @end smallexample
35036
35037 @noindent
35038 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
35039 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
35040 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
35041 correct value by examining your system.)
35042
35043 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
35044 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
35045 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
35046 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
35047
35048 @need 750
35049 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
35050 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
35051 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
35052
35053 @smallexample
35054 sh configure @var{host}
35055 @end smallexample
35056
35057 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
35058 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
35059 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
35060 @file{configure}
35061 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
35062 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
35063
35064 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
35065 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
35066 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
35067 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
35068 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
35069 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
35070 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
35071 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
35072 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
35073
35074 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
35075 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
35076 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
35077 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
35078 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
35079
35080 @node Separate Objdir
35081 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
35082
35083 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
35084 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
35085 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
35086 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
35087 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
35088 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
35089 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
35090 program specified there.
35091
35092 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
35093 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
35094 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
35095 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
35096 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
35097 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
35098
35099 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
35100 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
35101
35102 @smallexample
35103 @group
35104 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
35105 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
35106 cd ../gdb-sun4
35107 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
35108 make
35109 @end group
35110 @end smallexample
35111
35112 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
35113 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
35114 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
35115 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
35116 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
35117 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
35118
35119 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
35120 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
35121 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
35122 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
35123 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
35124
35125 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
35126 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
35127 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
35128 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
35129 You specify a cross-debugging target by
35130 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
35131
35132 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
35133 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
35134 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
35135
35136 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
35137 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
35138 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
35139 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
35140 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
35141
35142 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
35143 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
35144 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
35145 with each other.
35146
35147 @node Config Names
35148 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
35149
35150 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
35151 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
35152 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
35153 of information in the following pattern:
35154
35155 @smallexample
35156 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
35157 @end smallexample
35158
35159 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
35160 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
35161 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
35162
35163 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
35164 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
35165 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
35166 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
35167 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
35168 abbreviations---for example:
35169
35170 @smallexample
35171 % sh config.sub i386-linux
35172 i386-pc-linux-gnu
35173 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
35174 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
35175 % sh config.sub hp9k700
35176 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
35177 % sh config.sub sun4
35178 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
35179 % sh config.sub sun3
35180 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
35181 % sh config.sub i986v
35182 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
35183 @end smallexample
35184
35185 @noindent
35186 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
35187 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
35188
35189 @node Configure Options
35190 @section @file{configure} Options
35191
35192 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
35193 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
35194 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
35195 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
35196
35197 @smallexample
35198 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
35199 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35200 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35201 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
35202 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
35203 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
35204 @var{host}
35205 @end smallexample
35206
35207 @noindent
35208 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
35209 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
35210 @samp{--}.
35211
35212 @table @code
35213 @item --help
35214 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
35215
35216 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
35217 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
35218 @file{@var{dir}}.
35219
35220 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
35221 Configure the source to install programs under directory
35222 @file{@var{dir}}.
35223
35224 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
35225 @need 2000
35226 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
35227 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
35228 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
35229 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
35230 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
35231 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
35232 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
35233 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
35234 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
35235 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
35236 @var{dirname}.
35237
35238 @item --norecursion
35239 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
35240 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
35241
35242 @item --target=@var{target}
35243 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
35244 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
35245 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
35246
35247 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
35248
35249 @item @var{host} @dots{}
35250 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
35251
35252 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
35253 @end table
35254
35255 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
35256 needed for special purposes only.
35257
35258 @node System-wide configuration
35259 @section System-wide configuration and settings
35260 @cindex system-wide init file
35261
35262 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
35263 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
35264 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
35265
35266 Here is the corresponding configure option:
35267
35268 @table @code
35269 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
35270 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
35271 @var{file}.
35272 @end table
35273
35274 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
35275 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
35276
35277 @itemize @bullet
35278 @item
35279 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
35280 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
35281 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
35282 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
35283 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
35284 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
35285
35286 @item
35287 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
35288 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
35289 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35290 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35291 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
35292 @end itemize
35293
35294 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
35295 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
35296 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
35297 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
35298 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
35299 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
35300 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
35301 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
35302 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
35303 reread.
35304
35305 @node Maintenance Commands
35306 @appendix Maintenance Commands
35307 @cindex maintenance commands
35308 @cindex internal commands
35309
35310 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
35311 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
35312 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
35313 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
35314 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
35315
35316 @table @code
35317 @kindex maint agent
35318 @kindex maint agent-eval
35319 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35320 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35321 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
35322 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
35323 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
35324 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
35325 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
35326 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
35327 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
35328 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
35329 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
35330 addition and return the sum.
35331 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
35332 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
35333
35334 @kindex maint agent-printf
35335 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
35336 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
35337 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
35338 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
35339 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
35340
35341 @kindex maint info breakpoints
35342 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
35343 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
35344 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
35345 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
35346 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
35347 is shown:
35348
35349 @table @code
35350 @item breakpoint
35351 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
35352
35353 @item watchpoint
35354 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
35355
35356 @item longjmp
35357 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
35358 @code{longjmp} calls.
35359
35360 @item longjmp resume
35361 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
35362
35363 @item until
35364 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
35365
35366 @item finish
35367 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
35368
35369 @item shlib events
35370 Shared library events.
35371
35372 @end table
35373
35374 @kindex maint info bfds
35375 @item maint info bfds
35376 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
35377 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Top, , BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}.
35378
35379 @kindex set displaced-stepping
35380 @kindex show displaced-stepping
35381 @cindex displaced stepping support
35382 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
35383 @item set displaced-stepping
35384 @itemx show displaced-stepping
35385 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
35386 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
35387 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
35388 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
35389 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
35390
35391 @table @code
35392 @item set displaced-stepping on
35393 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
35394 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
35395
35396 @item set displaced-stepping off
35397 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
35398 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
35399
35400 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
35401 @item set displaced-stepping auto
35402 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
35403 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
35404 architecture supports displaced stepping.
35405 @end table
35406
35407 @kindex maint check-symtabs
35408 @item maint check-symtabs
35409 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
35410
35411 @kindex maint cplus first_component
35412 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
35413 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
35414
35415 @kindex maint cplus namespace
35416 @item maint cplus namespace
35417 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
35418
35419 @kindex maint demangle
35420 @item maint demangle @var{name}
35421 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
35422
35423 @kindex maint deprecate
35424 @kindex maint undeprecate
35425 @cindex deprecated commands
35426 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
35427 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
35428 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
35429 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
35430 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
35431 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
35432 the replacement as part of the warning.
35433
35434 @kindex maint dump-me
35435 @item maint dump-me
35436 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
35437 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
35438 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
35439 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
35440
35441 @kindex maint internal-error
35442 @kindex maint internal-warning
35443 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
35444 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
35445 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
35446 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
35447 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
35448 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
35449 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
35450 @value{GDBN} session.
35451
35452 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
35453 used as the text of the error or warning message.
35454
35455 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
35456
35457 @smallexample
35458 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
35459 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
35460 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
35461 debugging may prove unreliable.
35462 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
35463 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
35464 (@value{GDBP})
35465 @end smallexample
35466
35467 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
35468 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
35469
35470 @kindex maint set internal-error
35471 @kindex maint show internal-error
35472 @kindex maint set internal-warning
35473 @kindex maint show internal-warning
35474 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
35475 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
35476 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
35477 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
35478 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
35479 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
35480 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
35481 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
35482 described in the table below.
35483
35484 @table @samp
35485 @item quit
35486 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
35487 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
35488
35489 @item corefile
35490 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
35491 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
35492 @end table
35493
35494 @kindex maint packet
35495 @item maint packet @var{text}
35496 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
35497 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
35498 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
35499 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
35500 checksum.
35501
35502 @kindex maint print architecture
35503 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35504 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
35505 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
35506
35507 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
35508 @item maint print c-tdesc
35509 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
35510 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
35511 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
35512
35513 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
35514 @item maint print dummy-frames
35515 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
35516
35517 @smallexample
35518 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
35519 @dots{}
35520 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
35521 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
35522 58 return (a + b);
35523 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
35524 @dots{}
35525 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
35526 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
35527 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
35528 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
35529 (@value{GDBP})
35530 @end smallexample
35531
35532 Takes an optional file parameter.
35533
35534 @kindex maint print registers
35535 @kindex maint print raw-registers
35536 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
35537 @kindex maint print register-groups
35538 @kindex maint print remote-registers
35539 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35540 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35541 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35542 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35543 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35544 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
35545
35546 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
35547 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
35548 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
35549 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
35550 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
35551 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
35552 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
35553 and offsets in the `G' packets. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
35554 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
35555
35556 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
35557 write the information.
35558
35559 @kindex maint print reggroups
35560 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35561 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
35562 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
35563 information.
35564
35565 The register groups info looks like this:
35566
35567 @smallexample
35568 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
35569 Group Type
35570 general user
35571 float user
35572 all user
35573 vector user
35574 system user
35575 save internal
35576 restore internal
35577 @end smallexample
35578
35579 @kindex flushregs
35580 @item flushregs
35581 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
35582
35583 @kindex maint print objfiles
35584 @cindex info for known object files
35585 @item maint print objfiles
35586 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
35587 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
35588 and symtabs.
35589
35590 @kindex maint print section-scripts
35591 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
35592 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
35593 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
35594 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
35595 matching @var{regexp}.
35596 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
35597 and the full path if known.
35598 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
35599
35600 @kindex maint print statistics
35601 @cindex bcache statistics
35602 @item maint print statistics
35603 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
35604 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
35605 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
35606 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
35607 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
35608 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
35609 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
35610 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
35611 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
35612 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
35613 lengths.
35614
35615 @kindex maint print target-stack
35616 @cindex target stack description
35617 @item maint print target-stack
35618 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
35619 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
35620 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
35621 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
35622 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
35623 address.
35624
35625 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
35626 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
35627
35628 @kindex maint print type
35629 @cindex type chain of a data type
35630 @item maint print type @var{expr}
35631 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
35632 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
35633 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
35634 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
35635 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
35636
35637 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
35638 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
35639 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
35640 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
35641 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
35642 information.
35643
35644 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
35645 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
35646 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
35647 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
35648 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
35649 always see the disassembly form.
35650
35651 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
35652
35653 @smallexample
35654 (gdb) info addr argc
35655 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
35656 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
35657 @end smallexample
35658
35659 For more information on these expressions, see
35660 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
35661
35662 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
35663 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
35664 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
35665 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
35666 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
35667
35668 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
35669 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
35670 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
35671 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
35672 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
35673 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
35674 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
35675 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
35676 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
35677
35678 @kindex maint set profile
35679 @kindex maint show profile
35680 @cindex profiling GDB
35681 @item maint set profile
35682 @itemx maint show profile
35683 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
35684
35685 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
35686 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
35687 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
35688 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
35689 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
35690 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
35691 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
35692
35693 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
35694 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
35695
35696 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
35697 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
35698 @cindex hardware debug registers
35699 @item maint set show-debug-regs
35700 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
35701 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
35702 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
35703 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
35704 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
35705 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
35706
35707 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
35708 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
35709 @item maint set show-all-tib
35710 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
35711 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
35712 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
35713 command.
35714
35715 @kindex maint set per-command
35716 @kindex maint show per-command
35717 @item maint set per-command
35718 @itemx maint show per-command
35719 @cindex resources used by commands
35720
35721 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
35722 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
35723
35724 @table @code
35725 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
35726 @itemx maint show per-command space
35727 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
35728 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
35729 took, following the command's own output.
35730 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35731 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35732
35733 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
35734 @itemx maint show per-command time
35735 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
35736 for each command.
35737 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
35738 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
35739 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
35740 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
35741 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
35742 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
35743 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
35744 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
35745 spent by the program been debugged.
35746 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35747 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35748
35749 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
35750 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
35751 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
35752 for each command.
35753 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
35754
35755 @enumerate a
35756 @item
35757 number of symbol tables
35758 @item
35759 number of primary symbol tables
35760 @item
35761 number of blocks in the blockvector
35762 @end enumerate
35763 @end table
35764
35765 @kindex maint space
35766 @cindex memory used by commands
35767 @item maint space @var{value}
35768 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
35769 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35770
35771 @kindex maint time
35772 @cindex time of command execution
35773 @item maint time @var{value}
35774 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
35775 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35776
35777 @kindex maint translate-address
35778 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
35779 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
35780 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
35781 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
35782 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
35783 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
35784 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
35785
35786 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
35787 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
35788 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
35789
35790 @end table
35791
35792 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
35793 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
35794
35795 @table @code
35796 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
35797 @kindex set watchdog
35798 @cindex watchdog timer
35799 @cindex timeout for commands
35800 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
35801 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
35802 reports and error and the command is aborted.
35803
35804 @item show watchdog
35805 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
35806 @end table
35807
35808 @node Remote Protocol
35809 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
35810
35811 @menu
35812 * Overview::
35813 * Packets::
35814 * Stop Reply Packets::
35815 * General Query Packets::
35816 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
35817 * Tracepoint Packets::
35818 * Host I/O Packets::
35819 * Interrupts::
35820 * Notification Packets::
35821 * Remote Non-Stop::
35822 * Packet Acknowledgment::
35823 * Examples::
35824 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
35825 * Library List Format::
35826 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
35827 * Memory Map Format::
35828 * Thread List Format::
35829 * Traceframe Info Format::
35830 * Branch Trace Format::
35831 @end menu
35832
35833 @node Overview
35834 @section Overview
35835
35836 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
35837 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
35838 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
35839 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
35840
35841 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
35842 transmitted and received data, respectively.
35843
35844 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
35845 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
35846 @cindex remote serial protocol
35847 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
35848 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
35849 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
35850 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
35851 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
35852
35853 @smallexample
35854 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35855 @end smallexample
35856 @noindent
35857
35858 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
35859 @noindent
35860 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
35861 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
35862 eight bit unsigned checksum).
35863
35864 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
35865 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
35866
35867 @smallexample
35868 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35869 @end smallexample
35870
35871 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
35872 @noindent
35873 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
35874 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
35875 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
35876
35877 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
35878 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
35879 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
35880 retransmission):
35881
35882 @smallexample
35883 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35884 <- @code{+}
35885 @end smallexample
35886 @noindent
35887
35888 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
35889 once a connection is established.
35890 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
35891
35892 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
35893 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
35894 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
35895 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
35896 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
35897 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
35898 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
35899
35900 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
35901 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
35902 exceptions).
35903
35904 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
35905 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
35906 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
35907 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
35908
35909 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
35910 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
35911 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
35912
35913 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
35914 @anchor{Binary Data}
35915 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
35916 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
35917 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
35918 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
35919 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
35920 binary data.
35921
35922 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
35923 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
35924 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
35925 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
35926 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
35927 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
35928 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
35929 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
35930 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
35931 (described next).
35932
35933 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
35934 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
35935 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
35936 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
35937 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
35938 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
35939 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
35940 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
35941 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
35942 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
35943 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
35944 3}} more times.
35945
35946 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
35947 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
35948 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
35949 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
35950 @samp{0*"00}.
35951
35952 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
35953 error number. That number is not well defined.
35954
35955 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35956 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35957 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35958 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35959 on that response.
35960
35961 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35962 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35963 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35964 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35965 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35966 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35967
35968 @node Packets
35969 @section Packets
35970
35971 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35972 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35973 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35974 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35975
35976 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35977 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35978 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35979 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35980 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35981 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35982 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35983 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35984 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35985 @var{baz}.
35986
35987 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35988 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35989 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35990 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35991 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35992 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35993 pick any thread.
35994
35995 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35996 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35997 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35998 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35999 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
36000 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
36001 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
36002 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
36003 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
36004 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
36005 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
36006 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
36007 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
36008
36009 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
36010 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
36011 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
36012 more information.
36013
36014 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
36015 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
36016
36017 Here are the packet descriptions.
36018
36019 @table @samp
36020
36021 @item !
36022 @cindex @samp{!} packet
36023 @anchor{extended mode}
36024 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
36025 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
36026 debugged.
36027
36028 Reply:
36029 @table @samp
36030 @item OK
36031 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
36032 @end table
36033
36034 @item ?
36035 @cindex @samp{?} packet
36036 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
36037 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
36038 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
36039
36040 Reply:
36041 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36042
36043 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
36044 @cindex @samp{A} packet
36045 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
36046 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
36047 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
36048
36049 Reply:
36050 @table @samp
36051 @item OK
36052 The arguments were set.
36053 @item E @var{NN}
36054 An error occurred.
36055 @end table
36056
36057 @item b @var{baud}
36058 @cindex @samp{b} packet
36059 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
36060 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
36061
36062 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
36063 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
36064 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
36065
36066 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
36067 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
36068 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
36069 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
36070 of view, nothing actually happened.}
36071
36072 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
36073 @cindex @samp{B} packet
36074 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
36075 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
36076
36077 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
36078 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
36079
36080 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
36081 @anchor{bc}
36082 @item bc
36083 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
36084 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
36085
36086 Reply:
36087 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36088
36089 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
36090 @anchor{bs}
36091 @item bs
36092 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
36093 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
36094
36095 Reply:
36096 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36097
36098 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
36099 @cindex @samp{c} packet
36100 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
36101 resume at current address.
36102
36103 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36104 packet}.
36105
36106 Reply:
36107 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36108
36109 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
36110 @cindex @samp{C} packet
36111 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
36112 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
36113
36114 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36115 packet}.
36116
36117 Reply:
36118 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36119
36120 @item d
36121 @cindex @samp{d} packet
36122 Toggle debug flag.
36123
36124 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
36125 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
36126
36127 @item D
36128 @itemx D;@var{pid}
36129 @cindex @samp{D} packet
36130 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
36131 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
36132 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
36133
36134 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
36135 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
36136 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
36137 big-endian hex string.
36138
36139 Reply:
36140 @table @samp
36141 @item OK
36142 for success
36143 @item E @var{NN}
36144 for an error
36145 @end table
36146
36147 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
36148 @cindex @samp{F} packet
36149 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
36150 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
36151 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
36152
36153 @item g
36154 @anchor{read registers packet}
36155 @cindex @samp{g} packet
36156 Read general registers.
36157
36158 Reply:
36159 @table @samp
36160 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
36161 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
36162 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
36163 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
36164 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
36165 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
36166 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
36167
36168 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
36169 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
36170 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
36171 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
36172 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
36173 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
36174 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
36175 have been collected, and both have zero value:
36176
36177 @smallexample
36178 -> @code{g}
36179 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
36180 @end smallexample
36181
36182 @item E @var{NN}
36183 for an error.
36184 @end table
36185
36186 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
36187 @cindex @samp{G} packet
36188 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
36189 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
36190
36191 Reply:
36192 @table @samp
36193 @item OK
36194 for success
36195 @item E @var{NN}
36196 for an error
36197 @end table
36198
36199 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
36200 @cindex @samp{H} packet
36201 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
36202 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
36203 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
36204 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
36205 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
36206 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
36207 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36208
36209 Reply:
36210 @table @samp
36211 @item OK
36212 for success
36213 @item E @var{NN}
36214 for an error
36215 @end table
36216
36217 @c FIXME: JTC:
36218 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
36219 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
36220 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
36221 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
36222 @c described. For example:
36223 @c
36224 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36225 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
36226 @c otherwise returns current registers.
36227 @c
36228 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36229 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
36230 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
36231
36232 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
36233 @anchor{cycle step packet}
36234 @cindex @samp{i} packet
36235 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
36236 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
36237 step starting at that address.
36238
36239 @item I
36240 @cindex @samp{I} packet
36241 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
36242 step packet}.
36243
36244 @item k
36245 @cindex @samp{k} packet
36246 Kill request.
36247
36248 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
36249 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
36250 thread?)}.
36251
36252 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
36253 @cindex @samp{m} packet
36254 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
36255 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
36256
36257 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
36258 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
36259 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
36260 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
36261 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
36262 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
36263 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
36264 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
36265
36266 Reply:
36267 @table @samp
36268 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
36269 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
36270 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
36271 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
36272 @item E @var{NN}
36273 @var{NN} is errno
36274 @end table
36275
36276 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36277 @cindex @samp{M} packet
36278 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
36279 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
36280 hexadecimal number.
36281
36282 Reply:
36283 @table @samp
36284 @item OK
36285 for success
36286 @item E @var{NN}
36287 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
36288 written).
36289 @end table
36290
36291 @item p @var{n}
36292 @cindex @samp{p} packet
36293 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
36294 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
36295 register value is encoded.
36296
36297 Reply:
36298 @table @samp
36299 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
36300 the register's value
36301 @item E @var{NN}
36302 for an error
36303 @item @w{}
36304 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
36305 @end table
36306
36307 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
36308 @anchor{write register packet}
36309 @cindex @samp{P} packet
36310 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
36311 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
36312 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
36313
36314 Reply:
36315 @table @samp
36316 @item OK
36317 for success
36318 @item E @var{NN}
36319 for an error
36320 @end table
36321
36322 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
36323 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
36324 @cindex @samp{q} packet
36325 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
36326 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
36327 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
36328
36329 @item r
36330 @cindex @samp{r} packet
36331 Reset the entire system.
36332
36333 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
36334
36335 @item R @var{XX}
36336 @cindex @samp{R} packet
36337 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
36338 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36339
36340 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
36341
36342 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
36343 @cindex @samp{s} packet
36344 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
36345 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
36346
36347 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36348 packet}.
36349
36350 Reply:
36351 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36352
36353 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
36354 @anchor{step with signal packet}
36355 @cindex @samp{S} packet
36356 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
36357 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
36358
36359 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36360 packet}.
36361
36362 Reply:
36363 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36364
36365 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
36366 @cindex @samp{t} packet
36367 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
36368 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
36369 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
36370
36371 @item T @var{thread-id}
36372 @cindex @samp{T} packet
36373 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36374
36375 Reply:
36376 @table @samp
36377 @item OK
36378 thread is still alive
36379 @item E @var{NN}
36380 thread is dead
36381 @end table
36382
36383 @item v
36384 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
36385 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
36386
36387 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
36388 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
36389 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
36390 The process ID is a
36391 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
36392 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
36393 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
36394
36395 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
36396 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
36397 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
36398 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
36399 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
36400 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
36401 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
36402 @c stopping or restarting threads.
36403
36404 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36405
36406 Reply:
36407 @table @samp
36408 @item E @var{nn}
36409 for an error
36410 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36411 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36412 @item OK
36413 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
36414 @end table
36415
36416 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
36417 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
36418 @anchor{vCont packet}
36419 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
36420 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
36421 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
36422 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
36423 in their current state in non-stop mode.
36424 Specifying multiple
36425 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
36426 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36427
36428 Currently supported actions are:
36429
36430 @table @samp
36431 @item c
36432 Continue.
36433 @item C @var{sig}
36434 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36435 @item s
36436 Step.
36437 @item S @var{sig}
36438 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36439 @item t
36440 Stop.
36441 @end table
36442
36443 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
36444 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
36445 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
36446
36447 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
36448 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
36449 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
36450 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
36451 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
36452 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
36453 as an implementation detail.
36454
36455 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
36456 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
36457 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
36458 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
36459 @var{thread-id}.
36460
36461 Reply:
36462 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36463
36464 @item vCont?
36465 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
36466 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
36467
36468 Reply:
36469 @table @samp
36470 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
36471 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
36472 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
36473 @item @w{}
36474 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
36475 @end table
36476
36477 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
36478 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
36479 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
36480 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
36481
36482 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
36483 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
36484 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
36485 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
36486 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
36487 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
36488 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
36489 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
36490 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36491 packet is received.
36492
36493 Reply:
36494 @table @samp
36495 @item OK
36496 for success
36497 @item E @var{NN}
36498 for an error
36499 @end table
36500
36501 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36502 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
36503 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
36504 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
36505 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
36506 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
36507 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
36508 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
36509 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
36510 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
36511 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
36512 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
36513
36514
36515 Reply:
36516 @table @samp
36517 @item OK
36518 for success
36519 @item E.memtype
36520 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
36521 @item E @var{NN}
36522 for an error
36523 @end table
36524
36525 @item vFlashDone
36526 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
36527 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
36528 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
36529 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
36530 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
36531 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36532 request is completed.
36533
36534 @item vKill;@var{pid}
36535 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
36536 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
36537 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
36538 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
36539 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
36540
36541 Reply:
36542 @table @samp
36543 @item E @var{nn}
36544 for an error
36545 @item OK
36546 for success
36547 @end table
36548
36549 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
36550 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
36551 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
36552 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
36553 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
36554 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
36555 state.
36556
36557 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
36558
36559 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36560
36561 Reply:
36562 @table @samp
36563 @item E @var{nn}
36564 for an error
36565 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36566 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36567 @end table
36568
36569 @item vStopped
36570 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
36571 @xref{Notification Packets}.
36572
36573 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36574 @anchor{X packet}
36575 @cindex @samp{X} packet
36576 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
36577 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
36578 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
36579
36580 Reply:
36581 @table @samp
36582 @item OK
36583 for success
36584 @item E @var{NN}
36585 for an error
36586 @end table
36587
36588 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36589 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36590 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
36591 @cindex @samp{z} packet
36592 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
36593 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
36594 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
36595
36596 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
36597 separately.
36598
36599 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
36600 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
36601 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
36602 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
36603 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
36604 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
36605
36606 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36607 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36608 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
36609 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
36610 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
36611 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
36612
36613 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
36614 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
36615 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
36616 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
36617 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
36618 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
36619 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
36620 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
36621 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
36622 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
36623
36624 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
36625 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
36626
36627 @table @samp
36628
36629 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36630 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36631 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
36632
36633 @end table
36634
36635 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
36636 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36637 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
36638 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
36639 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
36640 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
36641 separators. Each expression has the following form:
36642
36643 @table @samp
36644
36645 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36646 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36647 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
36648
36649 @end table
36650
36651 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
36652
36653 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
36654 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
36655 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
36656 target, is not defined.}
36657
36658 Reply:
36659 @table @samp
36660 @item OK
36661 success
36662 @item @w{}
36663 not supported
36664 @item E @var{NN}
36665 for an error
36666 @end table
36667
36668 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36669 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36670 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
36671 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
36672 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
36673 address @var{addr}.
36674
36675 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
36676 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
36677 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
36678
36679 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
36680 movement.}
36681
36682 Reply:
36683 @table @samp
36684 @item OK
36685 success
36686 @item @w{}
36687 not supported
36688 @item E @var{NN}
36689 for an error
36690 @end table
36691
36692 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36693 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36694 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
36695 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
36696 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36697 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
36698
36699 Reply:
36700 @table @samp
36701 @item OK
36702 success
36703 @item @w{}
36704 not supported
36705 @item E @var{NN}
36706 for an error
36707 @end table
36708
36709 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36710 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36711 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
36712 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
36713 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36714 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
36715
36716 Reply:
36717 @table @samp
36718 @item OK
36719 success
36720 @item @w{}
36721 not supported
36722 @item E @var{NN}
36723 for an error
36724 @end table
36725
36726 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36727 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36728 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
36729 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
36730 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36731 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
36732
36733 Reply:
36734 @table @samp
36735 @item OK
36736 success
36737 @item @w{}
36738 not supported
36739 @item E @var{NN}
36740 for an error
36741 @end table
36742
36743 @end table
36744
36745 @node Stop Reply Packets
36746 @section Stop Reply Packets
36747 @cindex stop reply packets
36748
36749 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
36750 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
36751 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
36752 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
36753 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
36754 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
36755 @value{GDBN} source code.
36756
36757 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
36758 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
36759 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
36760 components.
36761
36762 @table @samp
36763
36764 @item S @var{AA}
36765 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36766 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
36767 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
36768
36769 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
36770 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
36771 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36772 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
36773 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
36774 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
36775 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
36776 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
36777
36778 @itemize @bullet
36779 @item
36780 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
36781 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
36782 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
36783 two-digit hex number.
36784
36785 @item
36786 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
36787 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36788
36789 @item
36790 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
36791 the core on which the stop event was detected.
36792
36793 @item
36794 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
36795 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
36796 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
36797 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
36798
36799 @item
36800 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
36801 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
36802 future.
36803 @end itemize
36804
36805 The currently defined stop reasons are:
36806
36807 @table @samp
36808 @item watch
36809 @itemx rwatch
36810 @itemx awatch
36811 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
36812 hex.
36813
36814 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
36815 @item library
36816 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
36817 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
36818 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
36819
36820 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
36821 @item replaylog
36822 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
36823 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
36824 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
36825 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
36826 for more information.
36827 @end table
36828
36829 @item W @var{AA}
36830 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36831 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
36832 applicable to certain targets.
36833
36834 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
36835 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
36836 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
36837 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36838
36839 @item X @var{AA}
36840 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36841 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
36842
36843 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36844 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36845 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36846 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36847
36848 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
36849 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
36850 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
36851 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
36852 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
36853
36854 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
36855 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
36856 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
36857 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
36858 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
36859 system calls.
36860
36861 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
36862 this very system call.
36863
36864 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
36865 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
36866 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
36867 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
36868 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
36869 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
36870
36871 @end table
36872
36873 @node General Query Packets
36874 @section General Query Packets
36875 @cindex remote query requests
36876
36877 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
36878 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
36879 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
36880 sending information to and from the stub.
36881
36882 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
36883 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
36884 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
36885 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
36886 conventions:
36887
36888 @itemize @bullet
36889 @item
36890 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
36891 @item
36892 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
36893 letter.
36894 @item
36895 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
36896 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
36897 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
36898 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
36899 @end itemize
36900
36901 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
36902 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
36903 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
36904 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
36905 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
36906 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
36907 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
36908 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
36909 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
36910 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
36911 packet.}.
36912
36913 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
36914 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
36915 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
36916 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
36917 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
36918
36919 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
36920
36921 @table @samp
36922
36923 @item QAgent:1
36924 @itemx QAgent:0
36925 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
36926 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
36927
36928 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
36929 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
36930 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
36931 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
36932 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
36933 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
36934 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
36935 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
36936 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
36937 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
36938 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
36939
36940 @item qC
36941 @cindex current thread, remote request
36942 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
36943 Return the current thread ID.
36944
36945 Reply:
36946 @table @samp
36947 @item QC @var{thread-id}
36948 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
36949 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36950 @item @r{(anything else)}
36951 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
36952 @end table
36953
36954 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
36955 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
36956 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
36957 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
36958 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36959 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36960 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36961
36962 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36963 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36964 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36965 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36966 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36967 detect trailing zeros.
36968
36969 Reply:
36970 @table @samp
36971 @item E @var{NN}
36972 An error (such as memory fault)
36973 @item C @var{crc32}
36974 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36975 @end table
36976
36977 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36978 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36979 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36980 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36981 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36982 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36983 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36984 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36985 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36986 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36987 randomization.
36988
36989 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36990
36991 Reply:
36992 @table @samp
36993 @item OK
36994 The request succeeded.
36995
36996 @item E @var{nn}
36997 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36998
36999 @item @w{}
37000 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
37001 by the stub.
37002 @end table
37003
37004 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37005 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37006 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
37007 address space randomization.
37008
37009 @item qfThreadInfo
37010 @itemx qsThreadInfo
37011 @cindex list active threads, remote request
37012 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
37013 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
37014 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
37015 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
37016 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
37017 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
37018 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
37019 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
37020
37021 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
37022
37023 Reply:
37024 @table @samp
37025 @item m @var{thread-id}
37026 A single thread ID
37027 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
37028 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
37029 @item l
37030 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
37031 @end table
37032
37033 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
37034 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
37035 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
37036 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
37037 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
37038 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
37039 fields.
37040
37041 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
37042 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
37043 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
37044 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
37045 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
37046
37047 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
37048 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
37049
37050 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
37051 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
37052 information associated with the variable.)
37053
37054 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
37055 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
37056 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
37057 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
37058 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
37059 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
37060
37061 Reply:
37062 @table @samp
37063 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37064 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
37065 local storage requested.
37066
37067 @item E @var{nn}
37068 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37069
37070 @item @w{}
37071 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
37072 @end table
37073
37074 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
37075 @cindex get thread information block address
37076 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
37077 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
37078
37079 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
37080
37081 Reply:
37082 @table @samp
37083 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37084 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
37085 thread information block.
37086
37087 @item E @var{nn}
37088 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
37089 address could not be retrieved.
37090
37091 @item @w{}
37092 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
37093 @end table
37094
37095 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
37096 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
37097 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
37098 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
37099 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
37100 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
37101 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
37102
37103 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
37104
37105 Reply:
37106 @table @samp
37107 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
37108 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
37109 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
37110 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
37111 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
37112 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
37113 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
37114 @end table
37115
37116 @item qOffsets
37117 @cindex section offsets, remote request
37118 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
37119 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
37120 image.
37121
37122 Reply:
37123 @table @samp
37124 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
37125 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
37126 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
37127 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
37128 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
37129 segments by the supplied offsets.
37130
37131 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
37132 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
37133 to the @code{Bss} section.}
37134
37135 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
37136 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
37137 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
37138 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
37139 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
37140 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
37141 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
37142 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
37143 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
37144 @end table
37145
37146 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
37147 @cindex thread information, remote request
37148 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
37149 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
37150 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
37151 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
37152
37153 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
37154 (see below).
37155
37156 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
37157
37158 @item QNonStop:1
37159 @itemx QNonStop:0
37160 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
37161 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
37162 @anchor{QNonStop}
37163 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
37164 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
37165
37166 Reply:
37167 @table @samp
37168 @item OK
37169 The request succeeded.
37170
37171 @item E @var{nn}
37172 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37173
37174 @item @w{}
37175 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
37176 the stub.
37177 @end table
37178
37179 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37180 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37181 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
37182 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
37183
37184 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37185 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
37186 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37187 @anchor{QPassSignals}
37188 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
37189 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37190 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37191 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
37192 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
37193 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
37194 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
37195 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
37196 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
37197
37198 Reply:
37199 @table @samp
37200 @item OK
37201 The request succeeded.
37202
37203 @item E @var{nn}
37204 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37205
37206 @item @w{}
37207 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
37208 the stub.
37209 @end table
37210
37211 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
37212 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
37213 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37214 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37215
37216 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37217 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
37218 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
37219 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
37220 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
37221 Others should be silently discarded.
37222
37223 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
37224 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
37225 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
37226 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
37227 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
37228 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
37229 signals.
37230
37231 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
37232 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
37233
37234 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37235 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37236 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
37237 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
37238 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37239
37240 Reply:
37241 @table @samp
37242 @item OK
37243 The request succeeded.
37244
37245 @item E @var{nn}
37246 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37247
37248 @item @w{}
37249 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
37250 by the stub.
37251 @end table
37252
37253 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
37254 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
37255 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37256 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37257
37258 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
37259 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
37260 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
37261 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
37262 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
37263 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
37264 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
37265 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
37266 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
37267
37268 Reply:
37269 @table @samp
37270 @item OK
37271 A command response with no output.
37272 @item @var{OUTPUT}
37273 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
37274 @item E @var{NN}
37275 Indicate a badly formed request.
37276 @item @w{}
37277 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
37278 @end table
37279
37280 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
37281 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37282 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37283 packets.)
37284
37285 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
37286 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
37287 @ifnotinfo
37288 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
37289 @end ifnotinfo
37290 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
37291 @anchor{qSearch memory}
37292 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
37293 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
37294 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
37295
37296 Reply:
37297 @table @samp
37298 @item 0
37299 The pattern was not found.
37300 @item 1,address
37301 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
37302 @item E @var{NN}
37303 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
37304 @item @w{}
37305 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
37306 @end table
37307
37308 @item QStartNoAckMode
37309 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
37310 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
37311 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
37312 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
37313
37314 Reply:
37315 @table @samp
37316 @item OK
37317 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
37318 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
37319 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
37320 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
37321 @item @w{}
37322 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
37323 @end table
37324
37325 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
37326 @cindex supported packets, remote query
37327 @cindex features of the remote protocol
37328 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
37329 @anchor{qSupported}
37330 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
37331 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
37332 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
37333 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
37334 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
37335 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
37336 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
37337 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
37338 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
37339 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
37340 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
37341 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
37342 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
37343 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
37344
37345 Reply:
37346 @table @samp
37347 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
37348 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
37349 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
37350 possible forms).
37351 @item @w{}
37352 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
37353 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
37354 @end table
37355
37356 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
37357 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
37358 are:
37359
37360 @table @samp
37361 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
37362 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
37363 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
37364 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
37365 @item @var{name}+
37366 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
37367 need an associated value.
37368 @item @var{name}-
37369 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
37370 @item @var{name}?
37371 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
37372 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
37373 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
37374 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
37375 @end table
37376
37377 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
37378 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
37379 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
37380 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
37381 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
37382
37383 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
37384 are defined:
37385
37386 @table @samp
37387 @item multiprocess
37388 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
37389 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37390 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37391 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37392 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
37393
37394 @item xmlRegisters
37395 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
37396 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
37397 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
37398 description.
37399
37400 @item qRelocInsn
37401 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
37402 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37403 instruction reply packet}).
37404 @end table
37405
37406 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
37407 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
37408 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
37409 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
37410 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
37411 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
37412 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
37413 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
37414 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
37415 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
37416 all the features it supports.
37417
37418 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
37419 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
37420
37421 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
37422 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
37423 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
37424 form response.
37425
37426 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
37427 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
37428 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
37429 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
37430
37431 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
37432 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
37433 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
37434 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
37435 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
37436
37437 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
37438
37439 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
37440 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
37441 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
37442 @item Feature Name
37443 @tab Value Required
37444 @tab Default
37445 @tab Probe Allowed
37446
37447 @item @samp{PacketSize}
37448 @tab Yes
37449 @tab @samp{-}
37450 @tab No
37451
37452 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
37453 @tab No
37454 @tab @samp{-}
37455 @tab Yes
37456
37457 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37458 @tab No
37459 @tab @samp{-}
37460 @tab Yes
37461
37462 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
37463 @tab No
37464 @tab @samp{-}
37465 @tab Yes
37466
37467 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
37468 @tab No
37469 @tab @samp{-}
37470 @tab Yes
37471
37472 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
37473 @tab No
37474 @tab @samp{-}
37475 @tab Yes
37476
37477 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
37478 @tab No
37479 @tab @samp{-}
37480 @tab Yes
37481
37482 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
37483 @tab No
37484 @tab @samp{-}
37485 @tab Yes
37486
37487 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
37488 @tab No
37489 @tab @samp{-}
37490 @tab Yes
37491
37492 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
37493 @tab No
37494 @tab @samp{-}
37495 @tab Yes
37496
37497 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
37498 @tab No
37499 @tab @samp{-}
37500 @tab Yes
37501
37502 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
37503 @tab No
37504 @tab @samp{-}
37505 @tab Yes
37506
37507 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37508 @tab No
37509 @tab @samp{-}
37510 @tab Yes
37511
37512 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37513 @tab No
37514 @tab @samp{-}
37515 @tab Yes
37516
37517 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37518 @tab No
37519 @tab @samp{-}
37520 @tab Yes
37521
37522 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
37523 @tab Yes
37524 @tab @samp{-}
37525 @tab Yes
37526
37527 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
37528 @tab Yes
37529 @tab @samp{-}
37530 @tab Yes
37531
37532 @item @samp{QNonStop}
37533 @tab No
37534 @tab @samp{-}
37535 @tab Yes
37536
37537 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
37538 @tab No
37539 @tab @samp{-}
37540 @tab Yes
37541
37542 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
37543 @tab No
37544 @tab @samp{-}
37545 @tab Yes
37546
37547 @item @samp{multiprocess}
37548 @tab No
37549 @tab @samp{-}
37550 @tab No
37551
37552 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
37553 @tab No
37554 @tab @samp{-}
37555 @tab No
37556
37557 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
37558 @tab No
37559 @tab @samp{-}
37560 @tab No
37561
37562 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
37563 @tab No
37564 @tab @samp{-}
37565 @tab No
37566
37567 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
37568 @tab No
37569 @tab @samp{-}
37570 @tab No
37571
37572 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
37573 @tab No
37574 @tab @samp{-}
37575 @tab No
37576
37577 @item @samp{QAgent}
37578 @tab No
37579 @tab @samp{-}
37580 @tab No
37581
37582 @item @samp{QAllow}
37583 @tab No
37584 @tab @samp{-}
37585 @tab No
37586
37587 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
37588 @tab No
37589 @tab @samp{-}
37590 @tab No
37591
37592 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
37593 @tab No
37594 @tab @samp{-}
37595 @tab No
37596
37597 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
37598 @tab No
37599 @tab @samp{-}
37600 @tab No
37601
37602 @item @samp{tracenz}
37603 @tab No
37604 @tab @samp{-}
37605 @tab No
37606
37607 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
37608 @tab No
37609 @tab @samp{-}
37610 @tab No
37611
37612 @end multitable
37613
37614 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
37615
37616 @table @samp
37617 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
37618 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
37619 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
37620 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
37621 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
37622 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
37623 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
37624 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
37625 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
37626 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
37627
37628 @item qXfer:auxv:read
37629 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
37630 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
37631
37632 @item qXfer:btrace:read
37633 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37634 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
37635
37636 @item qXfer:features:read
37637 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
37638 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
37639
37640 @item qXfer:libraries:read
37641 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
37642 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
37643
37644 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
37645 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37646 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37647
37648 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
37649 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
37650 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
37651
37652 @item qXfer:sdata:read
37653 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
37654 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
37655
37656 @item qXfer:spu:read
37657 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
37658 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
37659
37660 @item qXfer:spu:write
37661 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
37662 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
37663
37664 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
37665 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
37666 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
37667
37668 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
37669 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
37670 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
37671
37672 @item qXfer:threads:read
37673 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
37674 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
37675
37676 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
37677 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37678 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
37679
37680 @item qXfer:uib:read
37681 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37682 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
37683
37684 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
37685 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37686 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
37687
37688 @item QNonStop
37689 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
37690 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
37691
37692 @item QPassSignals
37693 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37694 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
37695
37696 @item QStartNoAckMode
37697 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
37698 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
37699
37700 @item multiprocess
37701 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
37702 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
37703 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
37704 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
37705 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
37706 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
37707 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
37708 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
37709 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
37710 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
37711 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
37712
37713 @item qXfer:osdata:read
37714 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
37715 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
37716
37717 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
37718 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
37719 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
37720 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
37721
37722 @item ConditionalTracepoints
37723 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
37724 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
37725
37726 @item ReverseContinue
37727 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
37728 (@pxref{bc}).
37729
37730 @item ReverseStep
37731 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
37732 (@pxref{bs}).
37733
37734 @item TracepointSource
37735 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
37736 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
37737
37738 @item QAgent
37739 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
37740
37741 @item QAllow
37742 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
37743
37744 @item QDisableRandomization
37745 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
37746
37747 @item StaticTracepoint
37748 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
37749 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
37750
37751 @item InstallInTrace
37752 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
37753 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
37754
37755 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
37756 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
37757 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
37758 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
37759
37760 @item QTBuffer:size
37761 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
37762 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
37763
37764 @item tracenz
37765 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
37766 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
37767 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
37768
37769 @item BreakpointCommands
37770 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
37771 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
37772 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
37773
37774 @item Qbtrace:off
37775 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
37776
37777 @item Qbtrace:bts
37778 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
37779
37780 @end table
37781
37782 @item qSymbol::
37783 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
37784 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
37785 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
37786 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
37787
37788 Reply:
37789 @table @samp
37790 @item OK
37791 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37792 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37793 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
37794 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
37795 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
37796 below.
37797 @end table
37798
37799 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
37800 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
37801
37802 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
37803 target has previously requested.
37804
37805 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
37806 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
37807 will be empty.
37808
37809 Reply:
37810 @table @samp
37811 @item OK
37812 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37813 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37814 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
37815 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
37816 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
37817 @end table
37818
37819 @item qTBuffer
37820 @itemx QTBuffer
37821 @itemx QTDisconnected
37822 @itemx QTDP
37823 @itemx QTDPsrc
37824 @itemx QTDV
37825 @itemx qTfP
37826 @itemx qTfV
37827 @itemx QTFrame
37828 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
37829
37830 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37831
37832 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
37833 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
37834 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
37835 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
37836 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
37837 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
37838 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
37839 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
37840 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
37841 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
37842 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
37843
37844 Reply:
37845 @table @samp
37846 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37847 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
37848 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
37849 the thread's attributes.
37850 @end table
37851
37852 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
37853 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37854 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37855 packets.)
37856
37857 @item QTNotes
37858 @itemx qTP
37859 @itemx QTSave
37860 @itemx qTsP
37861 @itemx qTsV
37862 @itemx QTStart
37863 @itemx QTStop
37864 @itemx QTEnable
37865 @itemx QTDisable
37866 @itemx QTinit
37867 @itemx QTro
37868 @itemx qTStatus
37869 @itemx qTV
37870 @itemx qTfSTM
37871 @itemx qTsSTM
37872 @itemx qTSTMat
37873 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37874
37875 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37876 @cindex read special object, remote request
37877 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
37878 @anchor{qXfer read}
37879 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
37880 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
37881 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
37882 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
37883 additional details about what data to access.
37884
37885 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
37886 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37887 formats, listed below.
37888
37889 @table @samp
37890 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37891 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
37892 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
37893 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
37894
37895 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37896 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37897
37898 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37899 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
37900
37901 Return a description of the current branch trace.
37902 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
37903 packet may have one of the following values:
37904
37905 @table @code
37906 @item all
37907 Returns all available branch trace.
37908
37909 @item new
37910 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
37911 the last read request.
37912 @end table
37913
37914 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
37915 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37916
37917 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37918 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
37919 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
37920 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
37921 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
37922
37923 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37924 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37925
37926 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37927 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
37928 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
37929 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37930 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37931
37932 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
37933 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
37934 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
37935
37936 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37937 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37938
37939 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37940 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
37941 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
37942 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
37943 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37944
37945 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
37946 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
37947
37948 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37949 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37950
37951 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37952 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
37953 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
37954 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37955 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37956
37957 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37958 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37959
37960 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37961 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
37962
37963 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
37964 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
37965 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
37966 Action Lists}.
37967
37968 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37969 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37970 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37971
37972 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37973 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
37974 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
37975 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37976 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37977
37978 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37979 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37980 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37981
37982 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37983 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
37984 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37985 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
37986 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37987 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37988 in that context to be accessed.
37989
37990 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37991 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37992 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37993
37994 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37995 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
37996 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
37997 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37998 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37999
38000 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38001 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38002
38003 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38004 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
38005
38006 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
38007 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
38008 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38009
38010 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38011 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38012
38013 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38014 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
38015
38016 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
38017 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
38018
38019 This packet is not probed by default.
38020
38021 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38022 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
38023 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
38024 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
38025 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
38026
38027 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38028 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38029
38030 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38031 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
38032 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
38033 @xref{Operating System Information}.
38034
38035 @end table
38036
38037 Reply:
38038 @table @samp
38039 @item m @var{data}
38040 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
38041 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
38042 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
38043 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
38044 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
38045 request.
38046
38047 @item l @var{data}
38048 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
38049 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
38050 than the @var{length} in the request.
38051
38052 @item l
38053 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
38054 There is no more data to be read.
38055
38056 @item E00
38057 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38058
38059 @item E @var{nn}
38060 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
38061 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38062
38063 @item @w{}
38064 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
38065 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
38066 @end table
38067
38068 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38069 @cindex write data into object, remote request
38070 @anchor{qXfer write}
38071 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
38072 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
38073 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
38074 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
38075 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
38076 to access.
38077
38078 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
38079 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
38080 formats, listed below.
38081
38082 @table @samp
38083 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38084 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
38085 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
38086 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
38087 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
38088
38089 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38090 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38091 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38092
38093 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38094 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
38095 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
38096 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
38097 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
38098 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
38099 in that context to be accessed.
38100
38101 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38102 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38103 @end table
38104
38105 Reply:
38106 @table @samp
38107 @item @var{nn}
38108 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
38109 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
38110
38111 @item E00
38112 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38113
38114 @item E @var{nn}
38115 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
38116 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38117
38118 @item @w{}
38119 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
38120 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
38121 @end table
38122
38123 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
38124 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
38125 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
38126 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
38127 must respond with an empty packet.
38128
38129 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
38130 @cindex query attached, remote request
38131 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
38132 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
38133 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
38134 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
38135 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
38136 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
38137 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
38138
38139 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
38140 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
38141 the @code{quit} command.
38142
38143 Reply:
38144 @table @samp
38145 @item 1
38146 The remote server attached to an existing process.
38147 @item 0
38148 The remote server created a new process.
38149 @item E @var{NN}
38150 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38151 @end table
38152
38153 @item Qbtrace:bts
38154 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using bts tracing.
38155
38156 Reply:
38157 @table @samp
38158 @item OK
38159 Branch tracing has been enabled.
38160 @item E.errtext
38161 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38162 @end table
38163
38164 @item Qbtrace:off
38165 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
38166
38167 Reply:
38168 @table @samp
38169 @item OK
38170 Branch tracing has been disabled.
38171 @item E.errtext
38172 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38173 @end table
38174
38175 @end table
38176
38177 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38178 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38179
38180 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
38181 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
38182 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
38183
38184 @menu
38185 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
38186 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
38187 @end menu
38188
38189 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
38190 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
38191
38192 @menu
38193 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
38194 @end menu
38195
38196 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
38197 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
38198 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
38199
38200 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38201
38202 @table @r
38203
38204 @item 2
38205 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
38206
38207 @item 3
38208 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
38209
38210 @item 4
38211 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
38212
38213 @end table
38214
38215 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
38216 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
38217
38218 @menu
38219 * MIPS Register packet Format::
38220 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
38221 @end menu
38222
38223 @node MIPS Register packet Format
38224 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
38225 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
38226
38227 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
38228 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
38229 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
38230 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
38231 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
38232 most-significant -- least-significant.
38233
38234 @table @r
38235
38236 @item MIPS32
38237 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
38238 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
38239 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
38240
38241 @item MIPS64
38242 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
38243 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
38244 as @code{MIPS32}.
38245
38246 @end table
38247
38248 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
38249 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
38250 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
38251
38252 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38253
38254 @table @r
38255
38256 @item 2
38257 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
38258
38259 @item 3
38260 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38261
38262 @item 4
38263 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
38264
38265 @item 5
38266 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38267
38268 @end table
38269
38270 @node Tracepoint Packets
38271 @section Tracepoint Packets
38272 @cindex tracepoint packets
38273 @cindex packets, tracepoint
38274
38275 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
38276 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
38277
38278 @table @samp
38279
38280 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
38281 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
38282 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
38283 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
38284 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
38285 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
38286 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
38287 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
38288 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
38289 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
38290 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
38291 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
38292 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
38293 actions.
38294
38295 Replies:
38296 @table @samp
38297 @item OK
38298 The packet was understood and carried out.
38299 @item qRelocInsn
38300 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38301 @item @w{}
38302 The packet was not recognized.
38303 @end table
38304
38305 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
38306 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
38307 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
38308 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
38309 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
38310 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
38311 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
38312
38313 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
38314 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
38315 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
38316 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
38317 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
38318 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
38319 tracepoint actions.
38320
38321 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
38322 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
38323 following forms:
38324
38325 @table @samp
38326
38327 @item R @var{mask}
38328 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
38329 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
38330 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
38331 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
38332 not fit in a 32-bit word.
38333
38334 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
38335 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
38336 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
38337 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
38338 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
38339 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
38340 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
38341
38342 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38343 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
38344 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
38345 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
38346 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
38347 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
38348 packet).
38349
38350 @end table
38351
38352 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
38353 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
38354 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
38355 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
38356 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
38357 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
38358 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
38359 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
38360
38361 Replies:
38362 @table @samp
38363 @item OK
38364 The packet was understood and carried out.
38365 @item qRelocInsn
38366 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38367 @item @w{}
38368 The packet was not recognized.
38369 @end table
38370
38371 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
38372 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
38373 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
38374 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
38375 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
38376 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
38377 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
38378 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
38379
38380 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
38381 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
38382 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
38383 fit in a single packet.
38384 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
38385 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
38386
38387 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
38388 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
38389 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
38390 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
38391
38392 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
38393 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
38394 query packets.
38395
38396 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
38397 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
38398 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
38399 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
38400 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
38401 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
38402 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
38403 be found.
38404
38405 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
38406 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
38407 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
38408 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
38409 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
38410 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
38411 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
38412 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
38413 mentioned in expressions.
38414
38415 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
38416 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
38417 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
38418 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
38419 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
38420
38421 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
38422 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
38423 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
38424 one of the following forms:
38425
38426 @table @samp
38427 @item F @var{f}
38428 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
38429 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
38430 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
38431
38432 @item T @var{t}
38433 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
38434 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
38435
38436 @end table
38437
38438 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
38439 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38440 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
38441 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
38442
38443 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
38444 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38445 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
38446 is a hexadecimal number.
38447
38448 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
38449 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38450 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
38451 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
38452 numbers.
38453
38454 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
38455 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
38456 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
38457
38458 @item qTMinFTPILen
38459 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
38460 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
38461 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
38462 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
38463 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
38464 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
38465 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
38466 arrange for that.
38467
38468 Replies:
38469
38470 @table @samp
38471 @item 0
38472 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
38473 @item @var{length}
38474 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
38475 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
38476 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
38477 @item E
38478 An error has occurred.
38479 @item @w{}
38480 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
38481 @end table
38482
38483 @item QTStart
38484 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
38485 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
38486 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
38487 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38488 instruction reply packet}).
38489
38490 @item QTStop
38491 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
38492 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
38493
38494 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38495 @anchor{QTEnable}
38496 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
38497 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38498 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
38499 of data from it will resume.
38500
38501 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38502 @anchor{QTDisable}
38503 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
38504 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38505 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
38506 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
38507
38508 @item QTinit
38509 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
38510 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
38511
38512 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
38513 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
38514 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
38515 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
38516 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
38517
38518 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
38519 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
38520 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
38521 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
38522
38523 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
38524 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
38525 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
38526 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
38527 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
38528 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
38529
38530 @item qTStatus
38531 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
38532 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
38533
38534 The reply has the form:
38535
38536 @table @samp
38537
38538 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
38539 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
38540 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
38541 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
38542
38543 @end table
38544
38545 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
38546 explanations as one of the optional fields:
38547
38548 @table @samp
38549
38550 @item tnotrun:0
38551 No trace has been run yet.
38552
38553 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
38554 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
38555 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
38556 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
38557 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
38558
38559 @item tfull:0
38560 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
38561
38562 @item tdisconnected:0
38563 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
38564
38565 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
38566 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
38567
38568 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
38569 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
38570 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
38571 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
38572 @var{text} is hex encoded.
38573
38574 @item tunknown:0
38575 The trace stopped for some other reason.
38576
38577 @end table
38578
38579 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
38580 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
38581 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
38582 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
38583 trace.
38584
38585 @table @samp
38586
38587 @item tframes:@var{n}
38588 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
38589
38590 @item tcreated:@var{n}
38591 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
38592 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
38593
38594 @item tsize:@var{n}
38595 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
38596
38597 @item tfree:@var{n}
38598 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
38599
38600 @item circular:@var{n}
38601 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
38602 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
38603 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
38604 and may fill up.
38605
38606 @item disconn:@var{n}
38607 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
38608 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
38609 that the trace run will stop.
38610
38611 @end table
38612
38613 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
38614 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
38615 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
38616 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
38617 address @var{addr}.
38618
38619 Replies:
38620 @table @samp
38621 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
38622 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
38623 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
38624 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
38625 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
38626
38627 @end table
38628
38629 @item qTV:@var{var}
38630 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
38631 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
38632 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
38633
38634 Replies:
38635 @table @samp
38636 @item V@var{value}
38637 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
38638 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
38639 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
38640 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
38641 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
38642 program is running.
38643
38644 @item U
38645 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
38646 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
38647 was not collected.
38648 @end table
38649
38650 @item qTfP
38651 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
38652 @itemx qTsP
38653 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
38654 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
38655 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
38656 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
38657 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
38658 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
38659
38660 @item qTfV
38661 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
38662 @itemx qTsV
38663 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
38664 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
38665 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
38666 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
38667 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
38668 trace state variables.
38669
38670 @item qTfSTM
38671 @itemx qTsSTM
38672 @anchor{qTfSTM}
38673 @anchor{qTsSTM}
38674 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
38675 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
38676 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
38677 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
38678 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
38679 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
38680
38681 Reply:
38682 @table @samp
38683 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
38684 A single marker
38685 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
38686 a comma-separated list of markers
38687 @item l
38688 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38689 @item E @var{nn}
38690 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38691 @item @w{}
38692 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
38693 stub.
38694 @end table
38695
38696 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
38697 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
38698
38699 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38700 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
38701 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
38702 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
38703 @dfn{last}).
38704
38705 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
38706 @anchor{qTSTMat}
38707 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
38708 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
38709 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
38710 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
38711 tracepoint markers.
38712
38713 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
38714 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
38715 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
38716 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
38717 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
38718 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
38719
38720 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
38721 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
38722 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
38723 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
38724 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
38725 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
38726 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
38727 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
38728 available.
38729
38730 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
38731 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
38732 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
38733
38734 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
38735 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
38736 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
38737 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
38738 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
38739 use whatever size it prefers.
38740
38741 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
38742 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
38743 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
38744 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
38745 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
38746
38747 @end table
38748
38749 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
38750 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
38751 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
38752 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
38753 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
38754 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
38755 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
38756 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
38757 it had executed in the original location.
38758
38759 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
38760 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
38761 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
38762 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
38763 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
38764 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
38765 format of the request is:
38766
38767 @table @samp
38768 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
38769
38770 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
38771 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
38772 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
38773 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
38774 memory starting at @var{to}.
38775 @end table
38776
38777 Replies:
38778 @table @samp
38779 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
38780 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
38781 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
38782 @item E @var{NN}
38783 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
38784 relocating the instruction.
38785 @end table
38786
38787 @node Host I/O Packets
38788 @section Host I/O Packets
38789 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
38790 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
38791
38792 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
38793 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
38794 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
38795 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
38796 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
38797 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
38798 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
38799 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
38800 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
38801 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
38802
38803 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
38804 its arguments. They have this format:
38805
38806 @table @samp
38807
38808 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
38809 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
38810 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
38811 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
38812 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
38813 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
38814 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
38815 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
38816 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
38817
38818 @end table
38819
38820 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
38821
38822 @table @samp
38823
38824 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
38825 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
38826 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
38827 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
38828 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
38829 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
38830 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
38831 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
38832 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
38833 @var{attachment}.
38834
38835 @item @w{}
38836 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
38837
38838 @end table
38839
38840 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
38841
38842 @table @samp
38843 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
38844 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
38845 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
38846 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
38847 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
38848 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
38849 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
38850
38851 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
38852 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
38853 -1 if an error occurs.
38854
38855 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
38856 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
38857 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
38858 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
38859 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
38860 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
38861 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
38862 @var{count} was zero.
38863
38864 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38865 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38866 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38867 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38868 some characters were escaped.
38869
38870 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
38871 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
38872 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
38873 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
38874 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
38875 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
38876 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
38877 error occurred.
38878
38879 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
38880 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
38881 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
38882
38883 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
38884 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
38885 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
38886
38887 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
38888 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
38889 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
38890 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
38891 some characters were escaped.
38892
38893 @end table
38894
38895 @node Interrupts
38896 @section Interrupts
38897 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
38898
38899 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
38900 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
38901 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
38902 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
38903
38904 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
38905 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
38906 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
38907 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
38908 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
38909
38910 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
38911 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
38912 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
38913 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
38914 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
38915 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
38916 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
38917 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
38918
38919 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
38920 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
38921 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
38922
38923 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
38924 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
38925 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
38926 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
38927 currently-executing threads and processes.
38928 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
38929 running program, it should send one of the stop
38930 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
38931 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
38932 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
38933 Interrupts received while the
38934 program is stopped are discarded.
38935
38936 @node Notification Packets
38937 @section Notification Packets
38938 @cindex notification packets
38939 @cindex packets, notification
38940
38941 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
38942 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
38943 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
38944 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
38945 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
38946 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
38947 is not a problem.
38948
38949 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
38950 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
38951 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
38952 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
38953 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
38954 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
38955 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
38956
38957 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
38958 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
38959
38960 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
38961 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
38962 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
38963 not they understand it.
38964
38965 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
38966 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
38967 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
38968 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
38969 recipients.
38970
38971 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
38972 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
38973 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
38974 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
38975 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
38976
38977 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
38978 @table @samp
38979 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
38980 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
38981 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
38982 carrying the specific information about the notification.
38983 @var{name} is the name of the notification.
38984 @item @var{ack}
38985 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
38986 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
38987 @end table
38988
38989 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
38990 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
38991
38992 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
38993 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
38994 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
38995 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
38996 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
38997 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
38998 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
38999 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
39000 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
39001 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
39002
39003 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
39004 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
39005 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
39006 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
39007 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
39008 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
39009
39010 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
39011 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
39012 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
39013 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
39014 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
39015
39016 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
39017 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
39018 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
39019 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
39020 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
39021 normally.
39022
39023 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
39024 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
39025 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
39026 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
39027 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
39028 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
39029 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
39030 the process shall be repeated.
39031
39032 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
39033 following example:
39034 @smallexample
39035 <- @code{%%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
39036 @code{...}
39037 -> @code{vStopped}
39038 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
39039 -> @code{vStopped}
39040 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
39041 -> @code{vStopped}
39042 <- @code{OK}
39043 @end smallexample
39044
39045 The following notifications are defined:
39046 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
39047
39048 @item Notification
39049 @tab Ack
39050 @tab Event
39051 @tab Description
39052
39053 @item Stop
39054 @tab vStopped
39055 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
39056 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
39057 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
39058 @value{GDBN}.
39059 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
39060
39061 @end multitable
39062
39063 @node Remote Non-Stop
39064 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
39065
39066 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
39067 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
39068 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
39069 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39070
39071 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
39072 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
39073 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
39074 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
39075 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
39076 probe the target state after a mode change.
39077
39078 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
39079 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
39080 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
39081 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
39082 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
39083 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
39084 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
39085 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
39086 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
39087 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
39088 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
39089
39090 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
39091 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
39092 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
39093 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
39094 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
39095 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
39096 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
39097 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
39098 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
39099 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
39100 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
39101 @samp{OK}.
39102
39103 @node Packet Acknowledgment
39104 @section Packet Acknowledgment
39105
39106 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39107 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39108 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
39109 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
39110 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
39111 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
39112 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
39113
39114 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
39115 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
39116 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
39117 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
39118 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
39119
39120 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
39121 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
39122 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
39123 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
39124
39125 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
39126 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
39127 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
39128 @pxref{qSupported}.
39129 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
39130 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
39131 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
39132 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
39133 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
39134 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
39135 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
39136
39137 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
39138 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
39139 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
39140 connection.
39141 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
39142 new connection is established,
39143 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
39144 for the current connection, once disabled.
39145
39146 @node Examples
39147 @section Examples
39148
39149 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
39150 does not get any direct output:
39151
39152 @smallexample
39153 -> @code{R00}
39154 <- @code{+}
39155 @emph{target restarts}
39156 -> @code{?}
39157 <- @code{+}
39158 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39159 -> @code{+}
39160 @end smallexample
39161
39162 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
39163
39164 @smallexample
39165 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
39166 <- @code{+}
39167 -> @code{s}
39168 <- @code{+}
39169 @emph{time passes}
39170 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39171 -> @code{+}
39172 -> @code{g}
39173 <- @code{+}
39174 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
39175 -> @code{+}
39176 @end smallexample
39177
39178 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39179 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39180 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
39181
39182 @menu
39183 * File-I/O Overview::
39184 * Protocol Basics::
39185 * The F Request Packet::
39186 * The F Reply Packet::
39187 * The Ctrl-C Message::
39188 * Console I/O::
39189 * List of Supported Calls::
39190 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
39191 * Constants::
39192 * File-I/O Examples::
39193 @end menu
39194
39195 @node File-I/O Overview
39196 @subsection File-I/O Overview
39197 @cindex file-i/o overview
39198
39199 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
39200 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
39201 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
39202 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
39203 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
39204 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
39205
39206 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
39207 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
39208 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
39209 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
39210 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
39211
39212 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
39213 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
39214 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
39215 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
39216 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
39217 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
39218 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
39219
39220 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
39221 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
39222 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
39223 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
39224 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
39225
39226 @smallexample
39227 (@value{GDBP}) continue
39228 <- target requests 'system call X'
39229 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
39230 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
39231 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
39232 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
39233 @end smallexample
39234
39235 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
39236 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
39237 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
39238 system are not supported by this protocol.
39239
39240 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
39241
39242 @node Protocol Basics
39243 @subsection Protocol Basics
39244 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
39245
39246 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
39247 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
39248 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
39249 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
39250 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
39251 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
39252 to call the appropriate host system call:
39253
39254 @itemize @bullet
39255 @item
39256 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
39257
39258 @item
39259 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
39260 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
39261 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
39262 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
39263
39264 @end itemize
39265
39266 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
39267
39268 @itemize @bullet
39269 @item
39270 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
39271 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
39272 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
39273 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
39274 packet.
39275
39276 @item
39277 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
39278 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
39279
39280 @item
39281 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
39282
39283 @item
39284 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
39285
39286 @item
39287 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
39288 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
39289 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
39290 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
39291 packet.
39292
39293 @end itemize
39294
39295 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
39296 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
39297
39298 @itemize @bullet
39299 @item
39300 Return value.
39301
39302 @item
39303 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
39304
39305 @item
39306 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
39307
39308 @end itemize
39309
39310 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
39311 the latest continue or step action.
39312
39313 @node The F Request Packet
39314 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
39315 @cindex file-i/o request packet
39316 @cindex @code{F} request packet
39317
39318 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
39319
39320 @table @samp
39321 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
39322
39323 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
39324 This is just the name of the function.
39325
39326 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
39327 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
39328 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
39329 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
39330 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
39331 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
39332 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
39333
39334 @end table
39335
39336
39337
39338 @node The F Reply Packet
39339 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
39340 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
39341 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
39342
39343 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
39344
39345 @table @samp
39346
39347 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
39348
39349 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
39350
39351 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
39352 representation.
39353 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
39354
39355 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
39356 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
39357 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
39358
39359 @smallexample
39360 F0,0,C
39361 @end smallexample
39362
39363 @noindent
39364 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
39365
39366 @smallexample
39367 F-1,4,C
39368 @end smallexample
39369
39370 @noindent
39371 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
39372
39373 @end table
39374
39375
39376 @node The Ctrl-C Message
39377 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
39378 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
39379
39380 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
39381 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
39382 the target should behave as if it had
39383 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
39384 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
39385 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
39386 packet.
39387
39388 It's important for the target to know in which
39389 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
39390
39391 @itemize @bullet
39392 @item
39393 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
39394
39395 @item
39396 The system call on the host has been finished.
39397
39398 @end itemize
39399
39400 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
39401 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
39402 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
39403 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
39404 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
39405 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
39406
39407 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
39408 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
39409 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
39410 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
39411 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
39412 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
39413 or the full action has been completed.
39414
39415 @node Console I/O
39416 @subsection Console I/O
39417 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
39418
39419 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
39420 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
39421 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
39422 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
39423 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
39424 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
39425 conditions is met:
39426
39427 @itemize @bullet
39428 @item
39429 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
39430 @code{read}
39431 system call is treated as finished.
39432
39433 @item
39434 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
39435 newline.
39436
39437 @item
39438 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
39439 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
39440
39441 @end itemize
39442
39443 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
39444 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
39445 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
39446 is stopped at the user's request.
39447
39448
39449 @node List of Supported Calls
39450 @subsection List of Supported Calls
39451 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
39452
39453 @menu
39454 * open::
39455 * close::
39456 * read::
39457 * write::
39458 * lseek::
39459 * rename::
39460 * unlink::
39461 * stat/fstat::
39462 * gettimeofday::
39463 * isatty::
39464 * system::
39465 @end menu
39466
39467 @node open
39468 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
39469 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
39470
39471 @table @asis
39472 @item Synopsis:
39473 @smallexample
39474 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
39475 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
39476 @end smallexample
39477
39478 @item Request:
39479 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
39480
39481 @noindent
39482 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39483
39484 @table @code
39485 @item O_CREAT
39486 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
39487 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
39488 are concerned.
39489
39490 @item O_EXCL
39491 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
39492 an error and open() fails.
39493
39494 @item O_TRUNC
39495 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
39496 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
39497 truncated to zero length.
39498
39499 @item O_APPEND
39500 The file is opened in append mode.
39501
39502 @item O_RDONLY
39503 The file is opened for reading only.
39504
39505 @item O_WRONLY
39506 The file is opened for writing only.
39507
39508 @item O_RDWR
39509 The file is opened for reading and writing.
39510 @end table
39511
39512 @noindent
39513 Other bits are silently ignored.
39514
39515
39516 @noindent
39517 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39518
39519 @table @code
39520 @item S_IRUSR
39521 User has read permission.
39522
39523 @item S_IWUSR
39524 User has write permission.
39525
39526 @item S_IRGRP
39527 Group has read permission.
39528
39529 @item S_IWGRP
39530 Group has write permission.
39531
39532 @item S_IROTH
39533 Others have read permission.
39534
39535 @item S_IWOTH
39536 Others have write permission.
39537 @end table
39538
39539 @noindent
39540 Other bits are silently ignored.
39541
39542
39543 @item Return value:
39544 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
39545 occurred.
39546
39547 @item Errors:
39548
39549 @table @code
39550 @item EEXIST
39551 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
39552
39553 @item EISDIR
39554 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
39555
39556 @item EACCES
39557 The requested access is not allowed.
39558
39559 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39560 @var{pathname} was too long.
39561
39562 @item ENOENT
39563 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39564
39565 @item ENODEV
39566 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
39567
39568 @item EROFS
39569 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
39570 write access was requested.
39571
39572 @item EFAULT
39573 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
39574
39575 @item ENOSPC
39576 No space on device to create the file.
39577
39578 @item EMFILE
39579 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
39580
39581 @item ENFILE
39582 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
39583 has been reached.
39584
39585 @item EINTR
39586 The call was interrupted by the user.
39587 @end table
39588
39589 @end table
39590
39591 @node close
39592 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
39593 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
39594
39595 @table @asis
39596 @item Synopsis:
39597 @smallexample
39598 int close(int fd);
39599 @end smallexample
39600
39601 @item Request:
39602 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
39603
39604 @item Return value:
39605 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
39606
39607 @item Errors:
39608
39609 @table @code
39610 @item EBADF
39611 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
39612
39613 @item EINTR
39614 The call was interrupted by the user.
39615 @end table
39616
39617 @end table
39618
39619 @node read
39620 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
39621 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
39622
39623 @table @asis
39624 @item Synopsis:
39625 @smallexample
39626 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
39627 @end smallexample
39628
39629 @item Request:
39630 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39631
39632 @item Return value:
39633 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
39634 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
39635 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
39636
39637 @item Errors:
39638
39639 @table @code
39640 @item EBADF
39641 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39642 reading.
39643
39644 @item EFAULT
39645 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39646
39647 @item EINTR
39648 The call was interrupted by the user.
39649 @end table
39650
39651 @end table
39652
39653 @node write
39654 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
39655 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
39656
39657 @table @asis
39658 @item Synopsis:
39659 @smallexample
39660 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
39661 @end smallexample
39662
39663 @item Request:
39664 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39665
39666 @item Return value:
39667 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
39668 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
39669 is returned.
39670
39671 @item Errors:
39672
39673 @table @code
39674 @item EBADF
39675 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39676 writing.
39677
39678 @item EFAULT
39679 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39680
39681 @item EFBIG
39682 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
39683 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
39684
39685 @item ENOSPC
39686 No space on device to write the data.
39687
39688 @item EINTR
39689 The call was interrupted by the user.
39690 @end table
39691
39692 @end table
39693
39694 @node lseek
39695 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
39696 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
39697
39698 @table @asis
39699 @item Synopsis:
39700 @smallexample
39701 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
39702 @end smallexample
39703
39704 @item Request:
39705 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
39706
39707 @var{flag} is one of:
39708
39709 @table @code
39710 @item SEEK_SET
39711 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
39712
39713 @item SEEK_CUR
39714 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
39715 bytes.
39716
39717 @item SEEK_END
39718 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
39719 bytes.
39720 @end table
39721
39722 @item Return value:
39723 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
39724 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
39725 value of -1 is returned.
39726
39727 @item Errors:
39728
39729 @table @code
39730 @item EBADF
39731 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
39732
39733 @item ESPIPE
39734 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
39735
39736 @item EINVAL
39737 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
39738
39739 @item EINTR
39740 The call was interrupted by the user.
39741 @end table
39742
39743 @end table
39744
39745 @node rename
39746 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
39747 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
39748
39749 @table @asis
39750 @item Synopsis:
39751 @smallexample
39752 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
39753 @end smallexample
39754
39755 @item Request:
39756 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
39757
39758 @item Return value:
39759 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39760
39761 @item Errors:
39762
39763 @table @code
39764 @item EISDIR
39765 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
39766 directory.
39767
39768 @item EEXIST
39769 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
39770
39771 @item EBUSY
39772 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
39773 process.
39774
39775 @item EINVAL
39776 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
39777 of itself.
39778
39779 @item ENOTDIR
39780 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
39781 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
39782 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
39783
39784 @item EFAULT
39785 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
39786
39787 @item EACCES
39788 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39789
39790 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39791
39792 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
39793
39794 @item ENOENT
39795 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
39796
39797 @item EROFS
39798 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39799
39800 @item ENOSPC
39801 The device containing the file has no room for the new
39802 directory entry.
39803
39804 @item EINTR
39805 The call was interrupted by the user.
39806 @end table
39807
39808 @end table
39809
39810 @node unlink
39811 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
39812 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
39813
39814 @table @asis
39815 @item Synopsis:
39816 @smallexample
39817 int unlink(const char *pathname);
39818 @end smallexample
39819
39820 @item Request:
39821 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
39822
39823 @item Return value:
39824 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39825
39826 @item Errors:
39827
39828 @table @code
39829 @item EACCES
39830 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39831
39832 @item EPERM
39833 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
39834
39835 @item EBUSY
39836 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
39837 being used by another process.
39838
39839 @item EFAULT
39840 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39841
39842 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39843 @var{pathname} was too long.
39844
39845 @item ENOENT
39846 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39847
39848 @item ENOTDIR
39849 A component of the path is not a directory.
39850
39851 @item EROFS
39852 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
39853
39854 @item EINTR
39855 The call was interrupted by the user.
39856 @end table
39857
39858 @end table
39859
39860 @node stat/fstat
39861 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
39862 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
39863 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
39864
39865 @table @asis
39866 @item Synopsis:
39867 @smallexample
39868 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
39869 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
39870 @end smallexample
39871
39872 @item Request:
39873 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
39874 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
39875
39876 @item Return value:
39877 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
39878
39879 @item Errors:
39880
39881 @table @code
39882 @item EBADF
39883 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
39884
39885 @item ENOENT
39886 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
39887 path is an empty string.
39888
39889 @item ENOTDIR
39890 A component of the path is not a directory.
39891
39892 @item EFAULT
39893 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39894
39895 @item EACCES
39896 No access to the file or the path of the file.
39897
39898 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39899 @var{pathname} was too long.
39900
39901 @item EINTR
39902 The call was interrupted by the user.
39903 @end table
39904
39905 @end table
39906
39907 @node gettimeofday
39908 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
39909 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
39910
39911 @table @asis
39912 @item Synopsis:
39913 @smallexample
39914 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
39915 @end smallexample
39916
39917 @item Request:
39918 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
39919
39920 @item Return value:
39921 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
39922
39923 @item Errors:
39924
39925 @table @code
39926 @item EINVAL
39927 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
39928
39929 @item EFAULT
39930 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39931 @end table
39932
39933 @end table
39934
39935 @node isatty
39936 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
39937 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
39938
39939 @table @asis
39940 @item Synopsis:
39941 @smallexample
39942 int isatty(int fd);
39943 @end smallexample
39944
39945 @item Request:
39946 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
39947
39948 @item Return value:
39949 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
39950
39951 @item Errors:
39952
39953 @table @code
39954 @item EINTR
39955 The call was interrupted by the user.
39956 @end table
39957
39958 @end table
39959
39960 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
39961 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
39962 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
39963 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
39964 needed.
39965
39966
39967 @node system
39968 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
39969 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
39970
39971 @table @asis
39972 @item Synopsis:
39973 @smallexample
39974 int system(const char *command);
39975 @end smallexample
39976
39977 @item Request:
39978 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
39979
39980 @item Return value:
39981 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
39982 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
39983 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
39984 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
39985 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
39986 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
39987 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
39988
39989 @item Errors:
39990
39991 @table @code
39992 @item EINTR
39993 The call was interrupted by the user.
39994 @end table
39995
39996 @end table
39997
39998 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
39999 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
40000 the host is simplified before it's returned
40001 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
40002 is discarded, and the return value consists
40003 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
40004
40005 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
40006 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
40007 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
40008
40009 @table @code
40010 @item set remote system-call-allowed
40011 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
40012 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
40013 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
40014
40015 @item show remote system-call-allowed
40016 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
40017 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
40018 protocol.
40019 @end table
40020
40021 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40022 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40023 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40024
40025 @menu
40026 * Integral Datatypes::
40027 * Pointer Values::
40028 * Memory Transfer::
40029 * struct stat::
40030 * struct timeval::
40031 @end menu
40032
40033 @node Integral Datatypes
40034 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
40035 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40036
40037 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
40038 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
40039 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
40040
40041 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
40042 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
40043
40044 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
40045
40046 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
40047 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
40048
40049 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
40050
40051 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
40052 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
40053 byte order.
40054
40055 @node Pointer Values
40056 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
40057 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
40058
40059 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
40060 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
40061 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
40062 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
40063
40064 @smallexample
40065 @code{1aaf/12}
40066 @end smallexample
40067
40068 @noindent
40069 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
40070 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
40071 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
40072 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
40073
40074 @smallexample
40075 @code{123456/d}
40076 @end smallexample
40077
40078 @node Memory Transfer
40079 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
40080 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
40081
40082 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
40083 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
40084 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
40085 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
40086 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
40087 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
40088 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
40089
40090
40091 @node struct stat
40092 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
40093 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
40094
40095 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
40096 is defined as follows:
40097
40098 @smallexample
40099 struct stat @{
40100 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
40101 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
40102 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
40103 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
40104 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
40105 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
40106 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
40107 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
40108 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
40109 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
40110 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
40111 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
40112 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
40113 @};
40114 @end smallexample
40115
40116 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40117 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40118 structure is of size 64 bytes.
40119
40120 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
40121 range of values.
40122
40123 @table @code
40124
40125 @item st_dev
40126 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
40127
40128 @item st_ino
40129 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40130
40131 @item st_mode
40132 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
40133 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
40134
40135 @item st_uid
40136 @itemx st_gid
40137 @itemx st_rdev
40138 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40139
40140 @item st_atime
40141 @itemx st_mtime
40142 @itemx st_ctime
40143 These values have a host and file system dependent
40144 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
40145 support exact timing values.
40146 @end table
40147
40148 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
40149 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
40150 continuing.
40151
40152 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
40153 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
40154 get truncated on the target.
40155
40156 @node struct timeval
40157 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
40158 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
40159
40160 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
40161 is defined as follows:
40162
40163 @smallexample
40164 struct timeval @{
40165 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
40166 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
40167 @};
40168 @end smallexample
40169
40170 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40171 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40172 structure is of size 8 bytes.
40173
40174 @node Constants
40175 @subsection Constants
40176 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
40177
40178 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
40179 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
40180 values before and after the call as needed.
40181
40182 @menu
40183 * Open Flags::
40184 * mode_t Values::
40185 * Errno Values::
40186 * Lseek Flags::
40187 * Limits::
40188 @end menu
40189
40190 @node Open Flags
40191 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
40192 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
40193
40194 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
40195
40196 @smallexample
40197 O_RDONLY 0x0
40198 O_WRONLY 0x1
40199 O_RDWR 0x2
40200 O_APPEND 0x8
40201 O_CREAT 0x200
40202 O_TRUNC 0x400
40203 O_EXCL 0x800
40204 @end smallexample
40205
40206 @node mode_t Values
40207 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
40208 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
40209
40210 All values are given in octal representation.
40211
40212 @smallexample
40213 S_IFREG 0100000
40214 S_IFDIR 040000
40215 S_IRUSR 0400
40216 S_IWUSR 0200
40217 S_IXUSR 0100
40218 S_IRGRP 040
40219 S_IWGRP 020
40220 S_IXGRP 010
40221 S_IROTH 04
40222 S_IWOTH 02
40223 S_IXOTH 01
40224 @end smallexample
40225
40226 @node Errno Values
40227 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
40228 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
40229
40230 All values are given in decimal representation.
40231
40232 @smallexample
40233 EPERM 1
40234 ENOENT 2
40235 EINTR 4
40236 EBADF 9
40237 EACCES 13
40238 EFAULT 14
40239 EBUSY 16
40240 EEXIST 17
40241 ENODEV 19
40242 ENOTDIR 20
40243 EISDIR 21
40244 EINVAL 22
40245 ENFILE 23
40246 EMFILE 24
40247 EFBIG 27
40248 ENOSPC 28
40249 ESPIPE 29
40250 EROFS 30
40251 ENAMETOOLONG 91
40252 EUNKNOWN 9999
40253 @end smallexample
40254
40255 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
40256 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
40257
40258 @node Lseek Flags
40259 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
40260 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
40261
40262 @smallexample
40263 SEEK_SET 0
40264 SEEK_CUR 1
40265 SEEK_END 2
40266 @end smallexample
40267
40268 @node Limits
40269 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
40270 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
40271
40272 All values are given in decimal representation.
40273
40274 @smallexample
40275 INT_MIN -2147483648
40276 INT_MAX 2147483647
40277 UINT_MAX 4294967295
40278 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
40279 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
40280 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
40281 @end smallexample
40282
40283 @node File-I/O Examples
40284 @subsection File-I/O Examples
40285 @cindex file-i/o examples
40286
40287 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40288 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
40289
40290 @smallexample
40291 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
40292 @emph{request memory read from target}
40293 -> @code{m1234,6}
40294 <- XXXXXX
40295 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
40296 -> @code{F6}
40297 @end smallexample
40298
40299 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40300 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
40301
40302 @smallexample
40303 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40304 @emph{request memory write to target}
40305 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40306 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
40307 -> @code{F6}
40308 @end smallexample
40309
40310 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
40311 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
40312
40313 @smallexample
40314 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40315 -> @code{F-1,9}
40316 @end smallexample
40317
40318 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
40319 host is called:
40320
40321 @smallexample
40322 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40323 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
40324 <- @code{T02}
40325 @end smallexample
40326
40327 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
40328 host is called:
40329
40330 @smallexample
40331 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40332 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40333 <- @code{T02}
40334 @end smallexample
40335
40336 @node Library List Format
40337 @section Library List Format
40338 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40339
40340 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
40341 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
40342 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
40343 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
40344 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
40345 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
40346 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
40347 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
40348 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
40349 are loaded.
40350
40351 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
40352 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
40353 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
40354 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
40355
40356 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
40357 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
40358 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
40359 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
40360 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
40361 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
40362
40363 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40364 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40365
40366 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
40367 offset, looks like this:
40368
40369 @smallexample
40370 <library-list>
40371 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
40372 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
40373 </library>
40374 </library-list>
40375 @end smallexample
40376
40377 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
40378 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
40379
40380 @smallexample
40381 <library-list>
40382 <library name="sharedlib.o">
40383 <section address="0x10000000"/>
40384 <section address="0x20000000"/>
40385 <section address="0x30000000"/>
40386 </library>
40387 </library-list>
40388 @end smallexample
40389
40390 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
40391
40392 @smallexample
40393 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
40394 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
40395 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40396 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
40397 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40398 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
40399 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40400 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
40401 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40402 @end smallexample
40403
40404 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
40405 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
40406 section for each library.
40407
40408 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40409 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40410 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40411
40412 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
40413 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
40414 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
40415 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
40416
40417 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
40418 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
40419 target, the following parameters are reported:
40420
40421 @itemize @minus
40422 @item
40423 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
40424 @code{struct link_map}.
40425 @item
40426 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
40427 (Thread Local Storage) access.
40428 @item
40429 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
40430 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
40431 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
40432 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
40433 @item
40434 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
40435 @end itemize
40436
40437 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
40438 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
40439 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
40440
40441 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40442 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40443
40444 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
40445 looks like this:
40446
40447 @smallexample
40448 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
40449 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
40450 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
40451 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
40452 l_ld="0x152350"/>
40453 </library-list-svr>
40454 @end smallexample
40455
40456 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
40457
40458 @smallexample
40459 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
40460 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
40461 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40462 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
40463 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
40464 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40465 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
40466 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
40467 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
40468 @end smallexample
40469
40470 @node Memory Map Format
40471 @section Memory Map Format
40472 @cindex memory map format
40473
40474 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
40475 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
40476 memory map.
40477
40478 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
40479 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
40480 lists memory regions.
40481
40482 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40483 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
40484
40485 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40486
40487 @smallexample
40488 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40489 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
40490 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40491 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
40492 <memory-map>
40493 region...
40494 </memory-map>
40495 @end smallexample
40496
40497 Each region can be either:
40498
40499 @itemize
40500
40501 @item
40502 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
40503 bytes from there:
40504
40505 @smallexample
40506 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40507 @end smallexample
40508
40509
40510 @item
40511 A region of read-only memory:
40512
40513 @smallexample
40514 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40515 @end smallexample
40516
40517
40518 @item
40519 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
40520 bytes in length:
40521
40522 @smallexample
40523 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
40524 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
40525 </memory>
40526 @end smallexample
40527
40528 @end itemize
40529
40530 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
40531 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
40532 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
40533
40534 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
40535
40536 @smallexample
40537 <!-- ................................................... -->
40538 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
40539 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
40540 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
40541 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
40542 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
40543 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
40544 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
40545 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
40546 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
40547 and its type, or device. -->
40548 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
40549 start CDATA #REQUIRED
40550 length CDATA #REQUIRED
40551 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
40552 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
40553 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
40554 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40555 @end smallexample
40556
40557 @node Thread List Format
40558 @section Thread List Format
40559 @cindex thread list format
40560
40561 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
40562 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
40563 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
40564 the following structure:
40565
40566 @smallexample
40567 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40568 <threads>
40569 <thread id="id" core="0">
40570 ... description ...
40571 </thread>
40572 </threads>
40573 @end smallexample
40574
40575 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
40576 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
40577 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
40578 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
40579 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
40580
40581 @node Traceframe Info Format
40582 @section Traceframe Info Format
40583 @cindex traceframe info format
40584
40585 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
40586 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
40587 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
40588 collected in a traceframe.
40589
40590 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
40591 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
40592
40593 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40594 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40595
40596 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40597
40598 @smallexample
40599 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40600 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
40601 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40602 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
40603 <traceframe-info>
40604 block...
40605 </traceframe-info>
40606 @end smallexample
40607
40608 Each traceframe block can be either:
40609
40610 @itemize
40611
40612 @item
40613 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
40614 @var{length} bytes from there:
40615
40616 @smallexample
40617 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40618 @end smallexample
40619
40620 @end itemize
40621
40622 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
40623
40624 @smallexample
40625 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory)* >
40626 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40627
40628 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
40629 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
40630 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
40631 @end smallexample
40632
40633 @node Branch Trace Format
40634 @section Branch Trace Format
40635 @cindex branch trace format
40636
40637 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
40638 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
40639 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
40640 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
40641
40642 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
40643 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
40644
40645 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40646 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40647
40648 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40649
40650 @smallexample
40651 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40652 <!DOCTYPE btrace
40653 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
40654 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
40655 <btrace>
40656 block...
40657 </btrace>
40658 @end smallexample
40659
40660 @itemize
40661
40662 @item
40663 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
40664 and ending at @var{end}:
40665
40666 @smallexample
40667 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
40668 @end smallexample
40669
40670 @end itemize
40671
40672 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
40673
40674 @smallexample
40675 <!ELEMENT btrace (block)* >
40676 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40677
40678 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
40679 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
40680 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
40681 @end smallexample
40682
40683 @include agentexpr.texi
40684
40685 @node Target Descriptions
40686 @appendix Target Descriptions
40687 @cindex target descriptions
40688
40689 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
40690 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
40691 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
40692 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
40693 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
40694 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
40695 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
40696
40697 @itemize @bullet
40698 @item
40699 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
40700 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
40701 @item
40702 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
40703 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
40704 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
40705 @item
40706 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
40707 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
40708 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
40709 @end itemize
40710
40711 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
40712 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
40713 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
40714 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
40715 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
40716
40717 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40718 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
40719
40720 @menu
40721 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
40722 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
40723 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
40724 descriptions.
40725 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
40726 @end menu
40727
40728 @node Retrieving Descriptions
40729 @section Retrieving Descriptions
40730
40731 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
40732 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
40733 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
40734 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
40735 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
40736 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
40737 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
40738 Format}.
40739
40740 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
40741 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
40742 specify a file are:
40743
40744 @table @code
40745 @cindex set tdesc filename
40746 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
40747 Read the target description from @var{path}.
40748
40749 @cindex unset tdesc filename
40750 @item unset tdesc filename
40751 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
40752 will use the description supplied by the current target.
40753
40754 @cindex show tdesc filename
40755 @item show tdesc filename
40756 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
40757 @end table
40758
40759
40760 @node Target Description Format
40761 @section Target Description Format
40762 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
40763
40764 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
40765 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
40766 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
40767 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
40768 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
40769 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
40770 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
40771
40772 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
40773 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
40774 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
40775 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
40776 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
40777
40778 Here is a simple target description:
40779
40780 @smallexample
40781 <target version="1.0">
40782 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
40783 </target>
40784 @end smallexample
40785
40786 @noindent
40787 This minimal description only says that the target uses
40788 the x86-64 architecture.
40789
40790 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
40791 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
40792 are explained further below.
40793
40794 @smallexample
40795 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40796 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
40797 <target version="1.0">
40798 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
40799 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
40800 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
40801 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
40802 </target>
40803 @end smallexample
40804
40805 @noindent
40806 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
40807 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
40808 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
40809 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
40810 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
40811 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
40812 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
40813 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
40814 the version mismatch.
40815
40816 @subsection Inclusion
40817 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
40818 @cindex XInclude
40819 @ifnotinfo
40820 @cindex <xi:include>
40821 @end ifnotinfo
40822
40823 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
40824 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
40825 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
40826 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
40827 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
40828
40829 @smallexample
40830 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
40831 @end smallexample
40832
40833 @noindent
40834 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
40835 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
40836 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
40837 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
40838 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
40839 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
40840 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
40841 original description.
40842
40843 @subsection Architecture
40844 @cindex <architecture>
40845
40846 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
40847
40848 @smallexample
40849 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
40850 @end smallexample
40851
40852 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40853 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40854
40855 @subsection OS ABI
40856 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
40857
40858 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40859 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40860
40861 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
40862
40863 @smallexample
40864 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
40865 @end smallexample
40866
40867 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
40868 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
40869
40870 @subsection Compatible Architecture
40871 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
40872
40873 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
40874 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
40875
40876 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
40877
40878 @smallexample
40879 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
40880 @end smallexample
40881
40882 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
40883 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
40884
40885 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
40886 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
40887 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
40888 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
40889 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
40890 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
40891 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
40892
40893 @smallexample
40894 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
40895 <compatible>spu</compatible>
40896 @end smallexample
40897
40898 @subsection Features
40899 @cindex <feature>
40900
40901 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
40902 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
40903 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
40904 has this form:
40905
40906 @smallexample
40907 <feature name="@var{name}">
40908 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
40909 @var{reg}@dots{}
40910 </feature>
40911 @end smallexample
40912
40913 @noindent
40914 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
40915 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
40916 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
40917 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
40918
40919 @subsection Types
40920
40921 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
40922 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
40923 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
40924 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
40925 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
40926
40927 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
40928 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
40929 Types must be defined before they are used.
40930
40931 @cindex <vector>
40932 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
40933 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
40934 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
40935 @var{count}:
40936
40937 @smallexample
40938 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
40939 @end smallexample
40940
40941 @cindex <union>
40942 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
40943 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
40944 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
40945 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
40946
40947 @smallexample
40948 <union id="@var{id}">
40949 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40950 @dots{}
40951 </union>
40952 @end smallexample
40953
40954 @cindex <struct>
40955 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
40956 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
40957 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
40958 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
40959 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
40960 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
40961 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
40962 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
40963
40964 @smallexample
40965 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40966 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
40967 @dots{}
40968 </struct>
40969 @end smallexample
40970
40971 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
40972 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
40973
40974 @smallexample
40975 <struct id="@var{id}">
40976 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
40977 @dots{}
40978 </struct>
40979 @end smallexample
40980
40981 @cindex <flags>
40982 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
40983 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
40984 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
40985 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
40986 are supported.
40987
40988 @smallexample
40989 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
40990 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
40991 @dots{}
40992 </flags>
40993 @end smallexample
40994
40995 @subsection Registers
40996 @cindex <reg>
40997
40998 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
40999
41000 @smallexample
41001 <reg name="@var{name}"
41002 bitsize="@var{size}"
41003 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
41004 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
41005 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
41006 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
41007 @end smallexample
41008
41009 @noindent
41010 The components are as follows:
41011
41012 @table @var
41013
41014 @item name
41015 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
41016
41017 @item bitsize
41018 The register's size, in bits.
41019
41020 @item regnum
41021 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
41022 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
41023 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
41024 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
41025 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
41026 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
41027 in order of increasing register number.
41028
41029 @item save-restore
41030 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
41031 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
41032 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
41033 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
41034 ABI.
41035
41036 @item type
41037 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
41038 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
41039 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
41040 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
41041 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
41042 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
41043
41044 @item group
41045 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
41046 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
41047 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
41048 in @code{info registers}.
41049
41050 @end table
41051
41052 @node Predefined Target Types
41053 @section Predefined Target Types
41054 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
41055
41056 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
41057 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
41058 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
41059 types. The currently supported types are:
41060
41061 @table @code
41062
41063 @item int8
41064 @itemx int16
41065 @itemx int32
41066 @itemx int64
41067 @itemx int128
41068 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41069
41070 @item uint8
41071 @itemx uint16
41072 @itemx uint32
41073 @itemx uint64
41074 @itemx uint128
41075 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41076
41077 @item code_ptr
41078 @itemx data_ptr
41079 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
41080 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
41081 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
41082 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
41083 may be marked as data pointers.
41084
41085 @item ieee_single
41086 Single precision IEEE floating point.
41087
41088 @item ieee_double
41089 Double precision IEEE floating point.
41090
41091 @item arm_fpa_ext
41092 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
41093
41094 @item i387_ext
41095 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
41096
41097 @item i386_eflags
41098 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
41099
41100 @item i386_mxcsr
41101 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
41102
41103 @end table
41104
41105 @node Standard Target Features
41106 @section Standard Target Features
41107 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
41108
41109 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
41110 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
41111 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
41112 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
41113 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
41114 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
41115 can recognize them.
41116
41117 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
41118 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
41119 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
41120 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
41121 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
41122 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
41123 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
41124 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
41125
41126 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
41127 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
41128 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
41129
41130 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
41131 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
41132 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
41133 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
41134
41135 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
41136 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
41137 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
41138
41139 @menu
41140 * AArch64 Features::
41141 * ARM Features::
41142 * i386 Features::
41143 * MIPS Features::
41144 * M68K Features::
41145 * PowerPC Features::
41146 * TIC6x Features::
41147 @end menu
41148
41149
41150 @node AArch64 Features
41151 @subsection AArch64 Features
41152 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
41153
41154 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
41155 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
41156 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41157
41158 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41159 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
41160 and @samp{fpcr}.
41161
41162 @node ARM Features
41163 @subsection ARM Features
41164 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
41165
41166 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
41167 ARM targets.
41168 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
41169 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41170
41171 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
41172 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
41173 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
41174 and @samp{xpsr}.
41175
41176 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
41177 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
41178
41179 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
41180 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
41181 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
41182 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
41183
41184 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
41185 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
41186 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
41187 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
41188 halves of the double-precision registers.
41189
41190 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
41191 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
41192 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
41193 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
41194 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
41195 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
41196
41197 @node i386 Features
41198 @subsection i386 Features
41199 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
41200
41201 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
41202 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41203
41204 @itemize @minus
41205 @item
41206 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
41207 @item
41208 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
41209 @item
41210 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
41211 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
41212 @item
41213 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
41214 @item
41215 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
41216 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
41217 @end itemize
41218
41219 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
41220
41221 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
41222 describe registers:
41223
41224 @itemize @minus
41225 @item
41226 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
41227 @item
41228 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
41229 @item
41230 @samp{mxcsr}
41231 @end itemize
41232
41233 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
41234 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
41235 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
41236
41237 @itemize @minus
41238 @item
41239 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
41240 @item
41241 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
41242 @end itemize
41243
41244 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
41245 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
41246
41247 @node MIPS Features
41248 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
41249 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
41250
41251 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
41252 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
41253 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
41254 on the target.
41255
41256 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
41257 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
41258 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41259
41260 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
41261 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
41262 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
41263 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41264
41265 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
41266 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
41267 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
41268 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41269
41270 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
41271 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
41272 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
41273
41274 @node M68K Features
41275 @subsection M68K Features
41276 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
41277
41278 @table @code
41279 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
41280 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
41281 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
41282 One of those features must be always present.
41283 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
41284 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
41285 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
41286 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
41287
41288 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
41289 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
41290 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
41291 @samp{fpiaddr}.
41292 @end table
41293
41294 @node PowerPC Features
41295 @subsection PowerPC Features
41296 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
41297
41298 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
41299 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41300 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
41301 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41302
41303 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
41304 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
41305
41306 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
41307 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
41308 and @samp{vrsave}.
41309
41310 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
41311 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
41312 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
41313 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
41314 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
41315 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
41316
41317 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
41318 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
41319 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
41320 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
41321 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
41322 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
41323 user.
41324
41325 @node TIC6x Features
41326 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
41327 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
41328 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
41329 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
41330 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
41331 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
41332
41333 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
41334 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
41335 through @samp{B31}.
41336
41337 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
41338 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
41339
41340 @node Operating System Information
41341 @appendix Operating System Information
41342 @cindex operating system information
41343
41344 @menu
41345 * Process list::
41346 @end menu
41347
41348 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
41349 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
41350 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
41351 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
41352 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
41353 on a different aspect of target.
41354
41355 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
41356 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
41357 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
41358 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
41359
41360 @node Process list
41361 @appendixsection Process list
41362 @cindex operating system information, process list
41363
41364 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
41365 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
41366 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
41367 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
41368
41369 An example document is:
41370
41371 @smallexample
41372 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41373 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
41374 <osdata type="processes">
41375 <item>
41376 <column name="pid">1</column>
41377 <column name="user">root</column>
41378 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
41379 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
41380 </item>
41381 </osdata>
41382 @end smallexample
41383
41384 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
41385 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
41386 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
41387 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
41388 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
41389 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
41390 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
41391
41392 @node Trace File Format
41393 @appendix Trace File Format
41394 @cindex trace file format
41395
41396 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
41397 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
41398
41399 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
41400 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
41401 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
41402 in the future.
41403
41404 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
41405 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
41406 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
41407 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
41408 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
41409 of this section.
41410
41411 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
41412
41413 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
41414 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
41415 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
41416 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
41417 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
41418 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
41419 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
41420 endianness.
41421
41422 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
41423
41424 @table @code
41425 @item R @var{bytes}
41426 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
41427 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
41428 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
41429 hexadecimal encoding.
41430
41431 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
41432 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
41433 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
41434 @var{length} bytes.
41435
41436 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
41437 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
41438 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
41439
41440 @end table
41441
41442 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
41443 of blocks.
41444
41445 @node Index Section Format
41446 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
41447 @cindex .gdb_index section format
41448 @cindex index section format
41449
41450 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
41451 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
41452 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
41453 description.
41454
41455 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
41456 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
41457 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
41458 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
41459 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
41460 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
41461
41462 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
41463
41464 @enumerate
41465 @item
41466 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
41467 unless otherwise noted:
41468
41469 @enumerate
41470 @item
41471 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
41472 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
41473 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
41474 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
41475 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
41476 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
41477 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
41478
41479 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
41480 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
41481 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
41482 currently not flagged as deprecated.
41483
41484 @item
41485 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
41486
41487 @item
41488 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
41489 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
41490 to the next offset.
41491
41492 @item
41493 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
41494
41495 @item
41496 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
41497
41498 @item
41499 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
41500 @end enumerate
41501
41502 @item
41503 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
41504 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
41505 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
41506 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
41507 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
41508 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
41509 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
41510 CU indices.
41511
41512 @item
41513 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
41514 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
41515 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
41516 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
41517
41518 @item
41519 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
41520 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
41521
41522 @enumerate
41523 @item
41524 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
41525
41526 @item
41527 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
41528 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
41529
41530 @item
41531 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
41532 @end enumerate
41533
41534 @item
41535 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
41536 the hash table is always a power of 2.
41537
41538 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
41539 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
41540 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
41541 constant pool.
41542
41543 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
41544 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
41545 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
41546
41547 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
41548 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
41549 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
41550 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
41551 index version:
41552
41553 @table @asis
41554 @item Version 4
41555 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
41556
41557 @item Versions 5 to 7
41558 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
41559 @end table
41560
41561 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
41562
41563 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
41564 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
41565 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
41566 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
41567 collision.
41568
41569 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
41570 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
41571 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
41572 the code.
41573
41574 @item
41575 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
41576 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
41577 strings.
41578
41579 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
41580 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
41581 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
41582 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
41583 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
41584 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
41585
41586 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
41587 @end enumerate
41588
41589 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
41590 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
41591 CU index+attributes value for each use.
41592
41593 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
41594 (bit 0 = LSB):
41595
41596 @table @asis
41597
41598 @item Bits 0-23
41599 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
41600 @item Bits 24-27
41601 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
41602 @item Bits 28-30
41603 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
41604
41605 @table @asis
41606 @item 0
41607 This value is reserved and should not be used.
41608 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
41609 with previous versions of the index.
41610 @item 1
41611 The symbol is a type.
41612 @item 2
41613 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
41614 @item 3
41615 The symbol is a function.
41616 @item 4
41617 Any other kind of symbol.
41618 @item 5,6,7
41619 These values are reserved.
41620 @end table
41621
41622 @item Bit 31
41623 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
41624
41625 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
41626 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
41627 @value{GDBN} sources.
41628
41629 @end table
41630
41631 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
41632 global/static attributes in the index.
41633
41634 @smallexample
41635 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
41636 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
41637 switch (die->tag)
41638 @{
41639 case DW_TAG_typedef:
41640 case DW_TAG_base_type:
41641 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
41642 kind = TYPE;
41643 is_static = 1;
41644 break;
41645 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
41646 kind = VARIABLE;
41647 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
41648 break;
41649 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
41650 kind = FUNCTION;
41651 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
41652 break;
41653 case DW_TAG_constant:
41654 kind = VARIABLE;
41655 is_static = ! is_external;
41656 break;
41657 case DW_TAG_variable:
41658 kind = VARIABLE;
41659 is_static = ! is_external;
41660 break;
41661 case DW_TAG_namespace:
41662 kind = TYPE;
41663 is_static = 0;
41664 break;
41665 case DW_TAG_class_type:
41666 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
41667 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
41668 case DW_TAG_union_type:
41669 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
41670 kind = TYPE;
41671 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
41672 break;
41673 default:
41674 assert (0);
41675 @}
41676 @end smallexample
41677
41678 @node Man Pages
41679 @appendix Manual pages
41680 @cindex Man pages
41681
41682 @menu
41683 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
41684 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
41685 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
41686 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
41687 @end menu
41688
41689 @node gdb man
41690 @heading gdb man
41691
41692 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
41693
41694 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
41695 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
41696 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
41697 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
41698 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
41699 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
41700 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
41701 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
41702 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
41703 @c man end
41704
41705 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
41706 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
41707 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
41708 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
41709
41710 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
41711 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
41712
41713 @itemize @bullet
41714 @item
41715 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
41716
41717 @item
41718 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
41719
41720 @item
41721 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
41722
41723 @item
41724 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
41725 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
41726 @end itemize
41727
41728 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
41729 Modula-2.
41730
41731 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
41732 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
41733 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
41734 by using the command @code{help}.
41735
41736 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
41737 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
41738 executable program as the argument:
41739
41740 @smallexample
41741 gdb program
41742 @end smallexample
41743
41744 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
41745
41746 @smallexample
41747 gdb program core
41748 @end smallexample
41749
41750 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
41751 to debug a running process:
41752
41753 @smallexample
41754 gdb program 1234
41755 gdb -p 1234
41756 @end smallexample
41757
41758 @noindent
41759 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
41760 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
41761 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
41762
41763 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
41764
41765 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
41766 @table @env
41767 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{functiop}
41768 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
41769
41770 @item run [@var{arglist}]
41771 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
41772
41773 @item bt
41774 Backtrace: display the program stack.
41775
41776 @item print @var{expr}
41777 Display the value of an expression.
41778
41779 @item c
41780 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
41781
41782 @item next
41783 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
41784 function calls in the line.
41785
41786 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
41787 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
41788
41789 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
41790 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
41791
41792 @item step
41793 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
41794 function calls in the line.
41795
41796 @item help [@var{name}]
41797 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
41798 about using @value{GDBN}.
41799
41800 @item quit
41801 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
41802 @end table
41803
41804 @ifset man
41805 For full details on @value{GDBN},
41806 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41807 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
41808 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
41809 @end ifset
41810 @c man end
41811
41812 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
41813 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
41814 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
41815 encountered with no
41816 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
41817 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
41818 Many options have
41819 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
41820 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
41821 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
41822 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
41823 more usual convention.)
41824
41825 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
41826 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
41827 option is used.
41828
41829 @table @env
41830 @item -help
41831 @itemx -h
41832 List all options, with brief explanations.
41833
41834 @item -symbols=@var{file}
41835 @itemx -s @var{file}
41836 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
41837
41838 @item -write
41839 Enable writing into executable and core files.
41840
41841 @item -exec=@var{file}
41842 @itemx -e @var{file}
41843 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
41844 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
41845 dump.
41846
41847 @item -se=@var{file}
41848 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
41849 file.
41850
41851 @item -core=@var{file}
41852 @itemx -c @var{file}
41853 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
41854
41855 @item -command=@var{file}
41856 @itemx -x @var{file}
41857 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
41858
41859 @item -ex @var{command}
41860 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
41861
41862 @item -directory=@var{directory}
41863 @itemx -d @var{directory}
41864 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
41865
41866 @item -nh
41867 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
41868
41869 @item -nx
41870 @itemx -n
41871 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
41872
41873 @item -quiet
41874 @itemx -q
41875 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
41876 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
41877
41878 @item -batch
41879 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
41880 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
41881 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
41882 commands in the command files.
41883
41884 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
41885 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
41886 more useful, the message
41887
41888 @smallexample
41889 Program exited normally.
41890 @end smallexample
41891
41892 @noindent
41893 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
41894 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
41895
41896 @item -cd=@var{directory}
41897 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
41898 instead of the current directory.
41899
41900 @item -fullname
41901 @itemx -f
41902 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
41903 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
41904 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
41905 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
41906 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
41907 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
41908 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
41909 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
41910
41911 @item -b @var{bps}
41912 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
41913 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
41914
41915 @item -tty=@var{device}
41916 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
41917 @end table
41918 @c man end
41919
41920 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
41921 @ifset man
41922 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
41923 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
41924 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
41925
41926 @smallexample
41927 info gdb
41928 @end smallexample
41929
41930 @noindent
41931 should give you access to the complete manual.
41932
41933 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
41934 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
41935 @end ifset
41936 @c man end
41937
41938 @node gdbserver man
41939 @heading gdbserver man
41940
41941 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
41942 @format
41943 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
41944 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
41945
41946 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
41947
41948 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
41949 @c man end
41950 @end format
41951
41952 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
41953 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
41954 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
41955
41956 @ifclear man
41957 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
41958 @end ifclear
41959 @ifset man
41960 Usage (server (target) side):
41961 @end ifset
41962
41963 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
41964 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
41965 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
41966 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
41967
41968 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
41969 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
41970 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
41971
41972 @smallexample
41973 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
41974 @end smallexample
41975
41976 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
41977
41978 @smallexample
41979 @ifset man
41980 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
41981 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
41982 @end ifset
41983 @ifclear man
41984 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
41985 @end ifclear
41986 @end smallexample
41987
41988 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
41989 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
41990 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
41991
41992 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
41993
41994 @smallexample
41995 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
41996 @end smallexample
41997
41998 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
41999 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
42000 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
42001 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
42002 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
42003 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
42004 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
42005 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
42006 print an error message and exit.
42007
42008 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
42009 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
42010
42011 @smallexample
42012 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42013 @end smallexample
42014
42015 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42016 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42017
42018 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42019 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
42020 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
42021 the program you want to debug.
42022
42023 @smallexample
42024 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42025 @end smallexample
42026
42027 @ifclear man
42028 @subheading Usage (host side)
42029 @end ifclear
42030 @ifset man
42031 Usage (host side):
42032 @end ifset
42033
42034 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
42035 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
42036 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
42037 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
42038 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
42039 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
42040 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
42041 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
42042 descriptor. For example:
42043
42044 @smallexample
42045 @ifset man
42046 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
42047 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
42048 @end ifset
42049 @ifclear man
42050 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
42051 @end ifclear
42052 @end smallexample
42053
42054 @noindent
42055 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
42056
42057 @smallexample
42058 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
42059 @end smallexample
42060
42061 @noindent
42062 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
42063 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
42064 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
42065 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
42066 `Connection refused'.
42067
42068 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
42069 described in
42070 @ifset man
42071 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
42072 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
42073 @end ifset
42074 @ifclear man
42075 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
42076 @end ifclear
42077 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
42078
42079 @smallexample
42080 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
42081 @end smallexample
42082
42083 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
42084 case.
42085 @c man end
42086
42087 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
42088 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
42089
42090 @itemize @bullet
42091
42092 @item
42093 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
42094
42095 @smallexample
42096 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42097 @end smallexample
42098
42099 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
42100 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
42101 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
42102 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
42103 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
42104 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
42105 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42106
42107 @item
42108 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
42109 program:
42110
42111 @smallexample
42112 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42113 @end smallexample
42114
42115 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
42116 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
42117 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
42118 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42119
42120 @item
42121 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
42122
42123 @smallexample
42124 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42125 @end smallexample
42126
42127 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
42128 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
42129 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
42130 debug several processes in the same session.
42131 @end itemize
42132
42133 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
42134
42135 @table @env
42136
42137 @item --help
42138 List all options, with brief explanations.
42139
42140 @item --version
42141 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
42142
42143 @item --attach
42144 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
42145
42146 @smallexample
42147 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42148 @end smallexample
42149
42150 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42151 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42152
42153 @item --multi
42154 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42155 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
42156 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
42157 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
42158
42159 @smallexample
42160 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42161 @end smallexample
42162
42163 @item --debug
42164 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
42165 process.
42166 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42167 the developers.
42168
42169 @item --remote-debug
42170 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
42171 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42172 the developers.
42173
42174 @item --wrapper
42175 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
42176 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
42177 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
42178 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
42179
42180 @item --once
42181 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
42182 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
42183 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
42184 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
42185
42186 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
42187
42188 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
42189 @c QDisableRandomization.
42190
42191 @end table
42192 @c man end
42193
42194 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
42195 @ifset man
42196 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42197 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42198 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42199
42200 @smallexample
42201 info gdb
42202 @end smallexample
42203
42204 should give you access to the complete manual.
42205
42206 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42207 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42208 @end ifset
42209 @c man end
42210
42211 @node gcore man
42212 @heading gcore
42213
42214 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
42215
42216 @format
42217 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
42218 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
42219 @c man end
42220 @end format
42221
42222 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
42223 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
42224 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
42225 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
42226 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
42227 running without any change.
42228 @c man end
42229
42230 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
42231 @table @env
42232 @item -o @var{filename}
42233 The optional argument
42234 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
42235 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
42236 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
42237 @end table
42238 @c man end
42239
42240 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
42241 @ifset man
42242 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42243 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42244 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42245
42246 @smallexample
42247 info gdb
42248 @end smallexample
42249
42250 @noindent
42251 should give you access to the complete manual.
42252
42253 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42254 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42255 @end ifset
42256 @c man end
42257
42258 @node gdbinit man
42259 @heading gdbinit
42260
42261 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
42262
42263 @format
42264 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
42265 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42266 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
42267 @end ifset
42268
42269 ~/.gdbinit
42270
42271 ./.gdbinit
42272 @c man end
42273 @end format
42274
42275 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
42276 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
42277 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
42278 described in
42279 @ifset man
42280 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
42281 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
42282 @end ifset
42283 @ifclear man
42284 @ref{Sequences}.
42285 @end ifclear
42286
42287 Please read more in
42288 @ifset man
42289 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
42290 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
42291 @end ifset
42292 @ifclear man
42293 @ref{Startup}.
42294 @end ifclear
42295
42296 @table @env
42297 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42298 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
42299 @end ifset
42300 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42301 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
42302 @end ifclear
42303 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
42304 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
42305 See more in
42306 @ifset man
42307 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
42308 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
42309 @end ifset
42310 @ifclear man
42311 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
42312 @end ifclear
42313
42314 @item ~/.gdbinit
42315 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
42316 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
42317
42318 @item ./.gdbinit
42319 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
42320 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
42321 See more in
42322 @ifset man
42323 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
42324 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
42325 @end ifset
42326 @ifclear man
42327 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
42328 @end ifclear
42329 @end table
42330 @c man end
42331
42332 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
42333 @ifset man
42334 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
42335
42336 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42337 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42338 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42339
42340 @smallexample
42341 info gdb
42342 @end smallexample
42343
42344 should give you access to the complete manual.
42345
42346 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42347 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42348 @end ifset
42349 @c man end
42350
42351 @include gpl.texi
42352
42353 @node GNU Free Documentation License
42354 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
42355 @include fdl.texi
42356
42357 @node Concept Index
42358 @unnumbered Concept Index
42359
42360 @printindex cp
42361
42362 @node Command and Variable Index
42363 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
42364
42365 @printindex fn
42366
42367 @tex
42368 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
42369 % meantime:
42370 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
42371 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
42372 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
42373 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
42374 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
42375 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
42376 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
42377 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
42378 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
42379 \page\colophon
42380 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
42381 @end tex
42382
42383 @bye
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