Avoid undefined behavior in expression dumping
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2018 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 * gdbserver: (gdb) Server. The GNU debugging server.
49 @end direntry
50
51 @copying
52 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
53 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2018 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
54
55 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
56 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
57 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
58 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
59 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
60 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
61
62 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
63 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
64 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
65 @c man end
66 @end copying
67
68 @ifnottex
69 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
70
71 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
72 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
73 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
74 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
75 @end ifset
76 Version @value{GDBVN}.
77
78 @insertcopying
79 @end ifnottex
80
81 @titlepage
82 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
83 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
84 @sp 1
85 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
86 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
87 @sp 1
88 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
89 @end ifset
90 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
91 @page
92 @tex
93 {\parskip=0pt
94 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
95 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
96 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
97 }
98 @end tex
99
100 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
101 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
102 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
103 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
104 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
105
106 @insertcopying
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2018 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
164
165 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
166
167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
168 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
169 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
170 @end ifset
171 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
174 @end ifclear
175 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
176 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
177 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
178 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
179 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
180 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
181 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
182 @value{GDBN}
183 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
184 the operating system
185 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
186 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
187 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
188 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
189 how you can copy and share GDB
190 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
191 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
192 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
193 functions, and Python data types
194 @end menu
195
196 @end ifnottex
197
198 @contents
199
200 @node Summary
201 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
202
203 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
204 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
205 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
206
207 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
208 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
209
210 @itemize @bullet
211 @item
212 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
213
214 @item
215 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
216
217 @item
218 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
219
220 @item
221 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
222 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
223 @end itemize
224
225 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
226 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
227 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
228
229 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
230 @ref{D,,D}.
231
232 @cindex Modula-2
233 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
234 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
235
236 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
237 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
238
239 @cindex Pascal
240 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
241 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
242 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
243 syntax.
244
245 @cindex Fortran
246 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
247 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
248 underscore.
249
250 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
251 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
252
253 @menu
254 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
255 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
257 @end menu
258
259 @node Free Software
260 @unnumberedsec Free Software
261
262 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
263 General Public License
264 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
265 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
266 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
267 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
268 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
269 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
270
271 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
272 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
273 from anyone else.
274
275 @node Free Documentation
276 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
277
278 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
279 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
280 include with the free software. Many of our most important
281 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
282 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
283 when an important free software package does not come with a free
284 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
285 gaps today.
286
287 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
288 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
289 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
290 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
291 them from the free software world.
292
293 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
294 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
295 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
296 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
297 contract to make it non-free.
298
299 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
300 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
301 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
302 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
303 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
304 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
305 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
306
307 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
308 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
309 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
310 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
311
312 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
313 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
314 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
315 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
316 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
317 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
318 community.
319
320 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
321 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
322 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
323 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
324 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
325 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
326 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
327 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
328 of the manual.
329
330 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
331 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
332 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
333 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
334 manual to replace it.
335
336 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
337 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
338 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
339 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
340 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
341 the free software community.
342
343 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
344 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
345 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
346 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
347 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
348 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
349 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
350 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
351 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
352
353 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
354 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
355 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
356 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
357 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
358 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
359 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
360 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
361
362 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
363 published by other publishers, at
364 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
365
366 @node Contributors
367 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
368
369 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
370 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
371 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
372 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
373 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
374 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
375 blow-by-blow account.
376
377 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
378
379 @quotation
380 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
381 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
382 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
383 @end quotation
384
385 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
386 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
387 releases:
388 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
389 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
390 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
391 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
392 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
393 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
394 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
395 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
396 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
397
398 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
399 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
400
401 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
402 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
403 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
404 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
405 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
406
407 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
408 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
409 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
410
411 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
412 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
413
414 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
415
416 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
417 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
418 support.
419 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
420 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
421 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
422 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
423 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
424 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
425 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
426 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
427 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
428 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
429 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
430 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
431 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
432 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
433 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
434 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
435
436 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
437
438 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
439 libraries.
440
441 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
442 about several machine instruction sets.
443
444 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
445 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
446 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
447 and RDI targets, respectively.
448
449 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
450 command-line editing and command history.
451
452 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
453 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
454
455 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
456 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
457 symbols.
458
459 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
460 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
461
462 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
463
464 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
465 processors.
466
467 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
468
469 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
470
471 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
472
473 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
474 watchpoints.
475
476 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
477
478 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
479
480 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
481 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
482
483 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
484 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
485 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
486 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
487 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
488 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
489 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
490
491 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
492 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
493
494 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
495 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
496 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
497 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
498 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
499 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
500 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
501 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
502 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
503 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
504 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
505 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
506 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
507 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
508 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
509
510 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
511 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
512
513 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
514 Hat.
515
516 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
517 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
518 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
519 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
520 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
521 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
522
523 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
524 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
525 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
526 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
527 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
528 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
529 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
530 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
531 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
532 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
533 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
534 Weigand.
535
536 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
537 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
538 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
539 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
540
541 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
542 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
543
544 Initial support for the FreeBSD/mips target and native configuration
545 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
546 Computer Laboratory under DARPA/AFRL contract FA8750-10-C-0237
547 ("CTSRD"), as part of the DARPA CRASH research programme.
548
549 The original port to the OpenRISC 1000 is believed to be due to
550 Alessandro Forin and Per Bothner. More recent ports have been the work
551 of Jeremy Bennett, Franck Jullien, Stefan Wallentowitz and
552 Stafford Horne.
553
554 @node Sample Session
555 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
556
557 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
558 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
559 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
560
561 @iftex
562 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
563 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
564 @end iftex
565
566 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
567 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
568
569 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
570 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
571 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
572 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
573 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
574 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
575 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
576 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
577 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
578
579 @smallexample
580 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
581 $ @b{./m4}
582 @b{define(foo,0000)}
583
584 @b{foo}
585 0000
586 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
587
588 @b{bar}
589 0000
590 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
591
592 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
593 @b{baz}
594 @b{Ctrl-d}
595 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
596 @end smallexample
597
598 @noindent
599 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
600
601 @smallexample
602 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
603 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
604 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
605 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
606 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
607 the conditions.
608 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
609 for details.
610
611 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
612 (@value{GDBP})
613 @end smallexample
614
615 @noindent
616 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
617 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
618 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
619 that examples fit in this manual.
620
621 @smallexample
622 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
623 @end smallexample
624
625 @noindent
626 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
627 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
628 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
629 @code{break} command.
630
631 @smallexample
632 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
633 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
634 @end smallexample
635
636 @noindent
637 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
638 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
639 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
640
641 @smallexample
642 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
643 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
644 @b{define(foo,0000)}
645
646 @b{foo}
647 0000
648 @end smallexample
649
650 @noindent
651 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
652 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
653 context where it stops.
654
655 @smallexample
656 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
657
658 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
659 at builtin.c:879
660 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
661 @end smallexample
662
663 @noindent
664 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
665 the next line of the current function.
666
667 @smallexample
668 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
669 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
670 : nil,
671 @end smallexample
672
673 @noindent
674 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
675 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
676 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
677 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
678
679 @smallexample
680 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
681 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
682 at input.c:530
683 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
684 @end smallexample
685
686 @noindent
687 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
688 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
689 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
690 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
691 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
692 stack frame for each active subroutine.
693
694 @smallexample
695 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
696 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
697 at input.c:530
698 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
699 at builtin.c:882
700 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
701 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
702 at macro.c:71
703 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
704 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
705 @end smallexample
706
707 @noindent
708 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
709 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
710 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
711
712 @smallexample
713 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
714 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
715 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
716 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
717 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
718 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
719 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
720 : xstrdup(rq);
721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
722 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
723 @end smallexample
724
725 @noindent
726 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
727 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
728 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
729 (@code{print}) to see their values.
730
731 @smallexample
732 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
733 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
734 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
735 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
736 @end smallexample
737
738 @noindent
739 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
740 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
741 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
742
743 @smallexample
744 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
745 533 xfree(rquote);
746 534
747 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
748 : xstrdup (lq);
749 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
750 : xstrdup (rq);
751 537
752 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
753 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
754 540 @}
755 541
756 542 void
757 @end smallexample
758
759 @noindent
760 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
761 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
762
763 @smallexample
764 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
765 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
766 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
767 540 @}
768 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
769 $3 = 9
770 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
771 $4 = 7
772 @end smallexample
773
774 @noindent
775 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
776 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
777 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
778 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
779 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
780 assignments.
781
782 @smallexample
783 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
784 $5 = 7
785 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
786 $6 = 9
787 @end smallexample
788
789 @noindent
790 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
791 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
792 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
793 example that caused trouble initially:
794
795 @smallexample
796 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
797 Continuing.
798
799 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
800
801 baz
802 0000
803 @end smallexample
804
805 @noindent
806 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
807 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
808 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
809
810 @smallexample
811 @b{Ctrl-d}
812 Program exited normally.
813 @end smallexample
814
815 @noindent
816 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
817 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
818 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
819
820 @smallexample
821 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
822 @end smallexample
823
824 @node Invocation
825 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
826
827 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
828 The essentials are:
829 @itemize @bullet
830 @item
831 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
832 @item
833 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
834 @end itemize
835
836 @menu
837 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
838 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
839 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
840 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
841 @end menu
842
843 @node Invoking GDB
844 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
845
846 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
847 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
848
849 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
850 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
851
852 The command-line options described here are designed
853 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
854 options may effectively be unavailable.
855
856 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
857 specifying an executable program:
858
859 @smallexample
860 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
861 @end smallexample
862
863 @noindent
864 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
865 specified:
866
867 @smallexample
868 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
869 @end smallexample
870
871 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
872 to debug a running process:
873
874 @smallexample
875 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
876 @end smallexample
877
878 @noindent
879 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
880 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
881
882 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
883 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
884 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
885 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
886 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
887
888 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
889 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
890 option processing.
891 @smallexample
892 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
893 @end smallexample
894 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
895 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
896
897 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
898 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{--silent}
899 (or @code{-q}/@code{--quiet}):
900
901 @smallexample
902 @value{GDBP} --silent
903 @end smallexample
904
905 @noindent
906 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
907 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
908
909 @noindent
910 Type
911
912 @smallexample
913 @value{GDBP} -help
914 @end smallexample
915
916 @noindent
917 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
918 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
919
920 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
921 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
922 @samp{-x} option is used.
923
924
925 @menu
926 * File Options:: Choosing files
927 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
928 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
929 @end menu
930
931 @node File Options
932 @subsection Choosing Files
933
934 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
935 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
936 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
937 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
938 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
939 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
940 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
941 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
942 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
943 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
944 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
945 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
946 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
947
948 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
949 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
950 argument and ignore it.
951
952 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
953 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
954 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
955 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
956 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
957
958 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
959 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
960 @c it.
961
962 @table @code
963 @item -symbols @var{file}
964 @itemx -s @var{file}
965 @cindex @code{--symbols}
966 @cindex @code{-s}
967 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
968
969 @item -exec @var{file}
970 @itemx -e @var{file}
971 @cindex @code{--exec}
972 @cindex @code{-e}
973 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
974 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
975
976 @item -se @var{file}
977 @cindex @code{--se}
978 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
979 file.
980
981 @item -core @var{file}
982 @itemx -c @var{file}
983 @cindex @code{--core}
984 @cindex @code{-c}
985 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
986
987 @item -pid @var{number}
988 @itemx -p @var{number}
989 @cindex @code{--pid}
990 @cindex @code{-p}
991 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
992
993 @item -command @var{file}
994 @itemx -x @var{file}
995 @cindex @code{--command}
996 @cindex @code{-x}
997 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
998 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
999 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
1000
1001 @item -eval-command @var{command}
1002 @itemx -ex @var{command}
1003 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
1004 @cindex @code{-ex}
1005 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
1006
1007 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
1008 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
1009
1010 @smallexample
1011 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1012 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1013 @end smallexample
1014
1015 @item -init-command @var{file}
1016 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1017 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1018 @cindex @code{-ix}
1019 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1020 after loading gdbinit files).
1021 @xref{Startup}.
1022
1023 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1024 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1025 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1026 @cindex @code{-iex}
1027 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1028 after loading gdbinit files).
1029 @xref{Startup}.
1030
1031 @item -directory @var{directory}
1032 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1033 @cindex @code{--directory}
1034 @cindex @code{-d}
1035 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1036
1037 @item -r
1038 @itemx -readnow
1039 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1040 @cindex @code{-r}
1041 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1042 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1043 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1044
1045 @item --readnever
1046 @anchor{--readnever}
1047 @cindex @code{--readnever}, command-line option
1048 Do not read each symbol file's symbolic debug information. This makes
1049 startup faster but at the expense of not being able to perform
1050 symbolic debugging. DWARF unwind information is also not read,
1051 meaning backtraces may become incomplete or inaccurate. One use of
1052 this is when a user simply wants to do the following sequence: attach,
1053 dump core, detach. Loading the debugging information in this case is
1054 an unnecessary cause of delay.
1055 @end table
1056
1057 @node Mode Options
1058 @subsection Choosing Modes
1059
1060 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1061 batch mode or quiet mode.
1062
1063 @table @code
1064 @anchor{-nx}
1065 @item -nx
1066 @itemx -n
1067 @cindex @code{--nx}
1068 @cindex @code{-n}
1069 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1070 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1071
1072 @table @code
1073 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1074 This is the system-wide init file.
1075 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1076 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1077 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1078 have been processed.
1079 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1080 This is the init file in your home directory.
1081 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1082 command options have been processed.
1083 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1084 This is the init file in the current directory.
1085 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1086 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1087 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1088 @end table
1089
1090 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1091 For documentation on how to write command files,
1092 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1093
1094 @anchor{-nh}
1095 @item -nh
1096 @cindex @code{--nh}
1097 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1098 in your home directory.
1099 @xref{Startup}.
1100
1101 @item -quiet
1102 @itemx -silent
1103 @itemx -q
1104 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1105 @cindex @code{--silent}
1106 @cindex @code{-q}
1107 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1108 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1109
1110 @item -batch
1111 @cindex @code{--batch}
1112 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1113 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1114 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1115 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1116 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1117 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1118 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1119
1120 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1121 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1122 make this more useful, the message
1123
1124 @smallexample
1125 Program exited normally.
1126 @end smallexample
1127
1128 @noindent
1129 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1130 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1131 mode.
1132
1133 @item -batch-silent
1134 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1135 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1136 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1137 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1138 for an interactive session.
1139
1140 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1141 messages, for example.
1142
1143 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1144 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1145
1146 @item -return-child-result
1147 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1148 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1149 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1150
1151 @itemize @bullet
1152 @item
1153 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1154 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1155 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1156 @item
1157 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1158 @item
1159 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1160 the exit code will be -1.
1161 @end itemize
1162
1163 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1164 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1165 interface.
1166
1167 @item -nowindows
1168 @itemx -nw
1169 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1170 @cindex @code{-nw}
1171 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1172 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1173 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1174
1175 @item -windows
1176 @itemx -w
1177 @cindex @code{--windows}
1178 @cindex @code{-w}
1179 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1180 used if possible.
1181
1182 @item -cd @var{directory}
1183 @cindex @code{--cd}
1184 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1185 instead of the current directory.
1186
1187 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1188 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1189 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1190 @cindex @code{-D}
1191 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1192 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1193 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1194
1195 @item -fullname
1196 @itemx -f
1197 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1198 @cindex @code{-f}
1199 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1200 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1201 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1202 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1203 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1204 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1205 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1206 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1207 frame.
1208
1209 @item -annotate @var{level}
1210 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1211 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1212 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1213 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1214 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1215 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1216 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1217 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1218 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1219
1220 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1221 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1222
1223 @item --args
1224 @cindex @code{--args}
1225 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1226 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1227 This option stops option processing.
1228
1229 @item -baud @var{bps}
1230 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1231 @cindex @code{--baud}
1232 @cindex @code{-b}
1233 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1234 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1235
1236 @item -l @var{timeout}
1237 @cindex @code{-l}
1238 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1239 for remote debugging.
1240
1241 @item -tty @var{device}
1242 @itemx -t @var{device}
1243 @cindex @code{--tty}
1244 @cindex @code{-t}
1245 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1246 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1247
1248 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1249 @item -tui
1250 @cindex @code{--tui}
1251 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1252 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1253 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1254 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1255 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1256 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1257
1258 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1259 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1260 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1261 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1262 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1263 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1264
1265 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1266 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1267 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1268 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1269 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1270 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1271
1272 @item -write
1273 @cindex @code{--write}
1274 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1275 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1276 (@pxref{Patching}).
1277
1278 @item -statistics
1279 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1280 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1281 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1282
1283 @item -version
1284 @cindex @code{--version}
1285 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1286 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1287
1288 @item -configuration
1289 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1290 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1291 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1292 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1293
1294 @end table
1295
1296 @node Startup
1297 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1298 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1299
1300 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1301
1302 @enumerate
1303 @item
1304 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1305 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1306
1307 @item
1308 @cindex init file
1309 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1310 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1311 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1312 that file.
1313
1314 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1315 @item
1316 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1317 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1318 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1319 that file.
1320
1321 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1322 @item
1323 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1324 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1325 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1326 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1327 gets loaded.
1328
1329 @item
1330 Processes command line options and operands.
1331
1332 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1333 @item
1334 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1335 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1336 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1337 This is only done if the current directory is
1338 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1339 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1340 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1341 @value{GDBN}.
1342
1343 @item
1344 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1345 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1346 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1347 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1348
1349 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1350 you must do something like the following:
1351
1352 @smallexample
1353 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1354 @end smallexample
1355
1356 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1357 off too late.
1358
1359 @item
1360 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1361 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1362 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1363
1364 @item
1365 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1366 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1367 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1368 @end enumerate
1369
1370 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1371 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1372 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1373 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1374 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1375 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1376
1377 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1378 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1379
1380 @cindex init file name
1381 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1382 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1383 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1384 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1385 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1386 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1387 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1388 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1389
1390
1391 @node Quitting GDB
1392 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1393 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1394 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1395
1396 @table @code
1397 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1398 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1399 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1400 @itemx q
1401 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1402 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1403 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1404 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1405 error code.
1406 @end table
1407
1408 @cindex interrupt
1409 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1410 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1411 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1412 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1413 until a time when it is safe.
1414
1415 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1416 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1417 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1418
1419 @node Shell Commands
1420 @section Shell Commands
1421
1422 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1423 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1424 just use the @code{shell} command.
1425
1426 @table @code
1427 @kindex shell
1428 @kindex !
1429 @cindex shell escape
1430 @item shell @var{command-string}
1431 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1432 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1433 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1434 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1435 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1436 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1437 @end table
1438
1439 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1440 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1441 @value{GDBN}:
1442
1443 @table @code
1444 @kindex make
1445 @cindex calling make
1446 @item make @var{make-args}
1447 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1448 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1449 @end table
1450
1451 @node Logging Output
1452 @section Logging Output
1453 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1454 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1455
1456 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1457 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1458
1459 @table @code
1460 @kindex set logging
1461 @item set logging on
1462 Enable logging.
1463 @item set logging off
1464 Disable logging.
1465 @cindex logging file name
1466 @item set logging file @var{file}
1467 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1468 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1469 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1470 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1471 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1472 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1473 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1474 @kindex show logging
1475 @item show logging
1476 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1477 @end table
1478
1479 @node Commands
1480 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1481
1482 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1483 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1484 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1485 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1486 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1487
1488 @menu
1489 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1490 * Completion:: Command completion
1491 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1492 @end menu
1493
1494 @node Command Syntax
1495 @section Command Syntax
1496
1497 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1498 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1499 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1500 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1501 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1502 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1503
1504 @cindex abbreviation
1505 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1506 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1507 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1508 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1509 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1510 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1511 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1512
1513 @cindex repeating commands
1514 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1515 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1516 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1517 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1518 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1519 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1520 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1521
1522 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1523 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1524 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1525
1526 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1527 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1528 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1529 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1530 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1531
1532 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1533 @cindex comment
1534 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1535 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1536 Files,,Command Files}).
1537
1538 @cindex repeating command sequences
1539 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1540 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1541 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1542 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1543 for editing.
1544
1545 @node Completion
1546 @section Command Completion
1547
1548 @cindex completion
1549 @cindex word completion
1550 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1551 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1552 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1553 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1554
1555 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1556 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1557 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1558 enter it). For example, if you type
1559
1560 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1561 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1562 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1563 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1564 @smallexample
1565 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1566 @end smallexample
1567
1568 @noindent
1569 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1570 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1571
1572 @smallexample
1573 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1574 @end smallexample
1575
1576 @noindent
1577 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1578 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1579 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1580 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1581 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1582 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1583
1584 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1585 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1586 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1587 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1588 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1589 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1590 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1591 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1592 example:
1593
1594 @smallexample
1595 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1596 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1597 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1598 make_abs_section make_function_type
1599 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1600 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1601 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1602 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1603 @end smallexample
1604
1605 @noindent
1606 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1607 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1608 command.
1609
1610 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1611 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1612 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1613 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1614 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1615
1616 If the number of possible completions is large, @value{GDBN} will
1617 print as much of the list as it has collected, as well as a message
1618 indicating that the list may be truncated.
1619
1620 @smallexample
1621 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1622 main
1623 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1624 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1625 (@value{GDBP}) b m
1626 @end smallexample
1627
1628 @noindent
1629 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
1630
1631 @table @code
1632 @kindex set max-completions
1633 @item set max-completions @var{limit}
1634 @itemx set max-completions unlimited
1635 Set the maximum number of completion candidates. @value{GDBN} will
1636 stop looking for more completions once it collects this many candidates.
1637 This is useful when completing on things like function names as collecting
1638 all the possible candidates can be time consuming.
1639 The default value is 200. A value of zero disables tab-completion.
1640 Note that setting either no limit or a very large limit can make
1641 completion slow.
1642 @kindex show max-completions
1643 @item show max-completions
1644 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
1645 during completion.
1646 @end table
1647
1648 @cindex quotes in commands
1649 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1650 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1651 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1652 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1653 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1654 @value{GDBN} commands.
1655
1656 A likely situation where you might need this is in typing an
1657 expression that involves a C@t{++} symbol name with template
1658 parameters. This is because when completing expressions, GDB treats
1659 the @samp{<} character as word delimiter, assuming that it's the
1660 less-than comparison operator (@pxref{C Operators, , C and C@t{++}
1661 Operators}).
1662
1663 For example, when you want to call a C@t{++} template function
1664 interactively using the @code{print} or @code{call} commands, you may
1665 need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name} that
1666 was specialized for @code{int}, @code{name<int>()}, or the version
1667 that was specialized for @code{float}, @code{name<float>()}. To use
1668 the word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1669 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1670 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1671 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1672
1673 @smallexample
1674 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func< @kbd{M-?}
1675 func<int>() func<float>()
1676 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func<
1677 @end smallexample
1678
1679 When setting breakpoints however (@pxref{Specify Location}), you don't
1680 usually need to type a quote before the function name, because
1681 @value{GDBN} understands that you want to set a breakpoint on a
1682 function:
1683
1684 @smallexample
1685 (@value{GDBP}) b func< @kbd{M-?}
1686 func<int>() func<float>()
1687 (@value{GDBP}) b func<
1688 @end smallexample
1689
1690 This is true even in the case of typing the name of C@t{++} overloaded
1691 functions (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished by
1692 argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1693 don't need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1694 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1695 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}.
1696
1697 @smallexample
1698 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1699 bubble(int) bubble(double)
1700 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble(dou @kbd{M-?}
1701 bubble(double)
1702 @end smallexample
1703
1704 See @ref{quoting names} for a description of other scenarios that
1705 require quoting.
1706
1707 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1708 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1709 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1710 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1711
1712 @cindex completion of structure field names
1713 @cindex structure field name completion
1714 @cindex completion of union field names
1715 @cindex union field name completion
1716 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1717 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1718 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1719 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1720 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1721 left-hand-side:
1722
1723 @smallexample
1724 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1725 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1726 to_data to_isatty to_write
1727 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1728 to_flush to_read
1729 @end smallexample
1730
1731 @noindent
1732 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1733 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1734 follows:
1735
1736 @smallexample
1737 struct ui_file
1738 @{
1739 int *magic;
1740 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1741 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1742 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1743 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1744 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1745 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1746 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1747 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1748 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1749 void *to_data;
1750 @}
1751 @end smallexample
1752
1753
1754 @node Help
1755 @section Getting Help
1756 @cindex online documentation
1757 @kindex help
1758
1759 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1760 using the command @code{help}.
1761
1762 @table @code
1763 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1764 @item help
1765 @itemx h
1766 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1767 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1768
1769 @smallexample
1770 (@value{GDBP}) help
1771 List of classes of commands:
1772
1773 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1774 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1775 data -- Examining data
1776 files -- Specifying and examining files
1777 internals -- Maintenance commands
1778 obscure -- Obscure features
1779 running -- Running the program
1780 stack -- Examining the stack
1781 status -- Status inquiries
1782 support -- Support facilities
1783 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1784 stopping the program
1785 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1786
1787 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1788 commands in that class.
1789 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1790 documentation.
1791 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1792 (@value{GDBP})
1793 @end smallexample
1794 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1795
1796 @item help @var{class}
1797 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1798 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1799 help display for the class @code{status}:
1800
1801 @smallexample
1802 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1803 Status inquiries.
1804
1805 List of commands:
1806
1807 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1808 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1809 info -- Generic command for showing things
1810 about the program being debugged
1811 show -- Generic command for showing things
1812 about the debugger
1813
1814 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1815 documentation.
1816 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1817 (@value{GDBP})
1818 @end smallexample
1819
1820 @item help @var{command}
1821 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1822 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1823
1824 @kindex apropos
1825 @item apropos @var{args}
1826 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1827 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1828 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1829
1830 @smallexample
1831 apropos alias
1832 @end smallexample
1833
1834 @noindent
1835 results in:
1836
1837 @smallexample
1838 @c @group
1839 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1840 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1841 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1842 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1843 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1844 @c @end group
1845 @end smallexample
1846
1847 @kindex complete
1848 @item complete @var{args}
1849 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1850 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1851 command you want completed. For example:
1852
1853 @smallexample
1854 complete i
1855 @end smallexample
1856
1857 @noindent results in:
1858
1859 @smallexample
1860 @group
1861 if
1862 ignore
1863 info
1864 inspect
1865 @end group
1866 @end smallexample
1867
1868 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1869 @end table
1870
1871 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1872 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1873 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1874 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1875 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1876 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1877 Index}.
1878
1879 @c @group
1880 @table @code
1881 @kindex info
1882 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1883 @item info
1884 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1885 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1886 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1887 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1888 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1889 @w{@code{help info}}.
1890
1891 @kindex set
1892 @item set
1893 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1894 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1895 @code{set prompt $}.
1896
1897 @kindex show
1898 @item show
1899 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1900 @value{GDBN} itself.
1901 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1902 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1903 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1904 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1905
1906 @kindex info set
1907 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1908 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1909 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1910 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1911 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1912 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1913 @end table
1914 @c @end group
1915
1916 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1917 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1918
1919 @table @code
1920 @kindex show version
1921 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1922 @item show version
1923 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1924 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1925 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1926 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1927 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1928 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1929 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1930 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1931 @value{GDBN}.
1932
1933 @kindex show copying
1934 @kindex info copying
1935 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1936 @item show copying
1937 @itemx info copying
1938 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1939
1940 @kindex show warranty
1941 @kindex info warranty
1942 @item show warranty
1943 @itemx info warranty
1944 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1945 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1946
1947 @kindex show configuration
1948 @item show configuration
1949 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1950 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1951 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1952 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1953 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1954 your report.
1955
1956 @end table
1957
1958 @node Running
1959 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1960
1961 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1962 debugging information when you compile it.
1963
1964 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1965 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1966 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1967 kill a child process.
1968
1969 @menu
1970 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1971 * Starting:: Starting your program
1972 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1973 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1974
1975 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1976 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1977 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1978 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1979
1980 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1981 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1982 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1983 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1984 @end menu
1985
1986 @node Compilation
1987 @section Compiling for Debugging
1988
1989 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1990 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1991 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1992 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1993 and addresses in the executable code.
1994
1995 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1996 the compiler.
1997
1998 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1999 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
2000 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
2001 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
2002 executables containing debugging information.
2003
2004 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
2005 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
2006 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
2007 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
2008 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
2009
2010 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
2011 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
2012 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
2013
2014 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
2015 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
2016 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
2017 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
2018 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
2019 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
2020
2021 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
2022 gcc, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
2023 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
2024
2025 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
2026 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
2027 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
2028 format in @value{GDBN}.
2029
2030 @need 2000
2031 @node Starting
2032 @section Starting your Program
2033 @cindex starting
2034 @cindex running
2035
2036 @table @code
2037 @kindex run
2038 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2039 @item run
2040 @itemx r
2041 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2042 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2043 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2044 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2045 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2046
2047 @end table
2048
2049 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2050 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2051 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2052 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2053 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2054 message like this one:
2055
2056 @smallexample
2057 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2058 Try "help target" or "continue".
2059 @end smallexample
2060
2061 @noindent
2062 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2063 first (@pxref{load}).
2064
2065 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2066 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2067 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2068 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2069 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2070 divided into four categories:
2071
2072 @table @asis
2073 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2074 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2075 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2076 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2077 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2078 the arguments.
2079 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2080 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2081 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2082 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2083 below for details).
2084
2085 @item The @emph{environment.}
2086 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2087 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2088 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2089 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2090
2091 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2092 You can set your program's working directory with the command
2093 @kbd{set cwd}. If you do not set any working directory with this
2094 command, your program will inherit @value{GDBN}'s working directory if
2095 native debugging, or the remote server's working directory if remote
2096 debugging. @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working
2097 Directory}.
2098
2099 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2100 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2101 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2102 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2103 set a different device for your program.
2104 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2105
2106 @cindex pipes
2107 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2108 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2109 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2110 wrong program.
2111 @end table
2112
2113 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2114 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2115 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2116 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2117 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2118
2119 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2120 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2121 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2122 your current breakpoints.
2123
2124 @table @code
2125 @kindex start
2126 @item start
2127 @cindex run to main procedure
2128 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2129 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2130 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2131 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2132 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2133 procedure, depending on the language used.
2134
2135 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2136 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2137 the @samp{run} command.
2138
2139 @cindex elaboration phase
2140 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2141 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2142 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2143 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2144 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2145 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2146 will remain to halt execution.
2147
2148 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2149 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2150 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2151 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2152 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2153
2154 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2155 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution
2156 of your program too late, as the program would have already completed
2157 the elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, either insert
2158 breakpoints in your elaboration code before running your program or
2159 use the @code{starti} command.
2160
2161 @kindex starti
2162 @item starti
2163 @cindex run to first instruction
2164 The @samp{starti} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2165 breakpoint at the first instruction of a program's execution and then
2166 invoking the @samp{run} command. For programs containing an
2167 elaboration phase, the @code{starti} command will stop execution at
2168 the start of the elaboration phase.
2169
2170 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2171 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2172 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2173 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2174 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2175 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2176 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2177 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2178 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2179 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2180 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2181 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2182
2183 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2184 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2185 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2186 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2187
2188 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2189 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2190 environment:
2191
2192 @smallexample
2193 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2194 (@value{GDBP}) run
2195 @end smallexample
2196
2197 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2198 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2199
2200 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2201 @anchor{set startup-with-shell}
2202 @item set startup-with-shell
2203 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2204 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2205 @itemx show startup-with-shell
2206 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2207 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2208 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2209 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2210 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2211 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2212 startup failures such as:
2213
2214 @smallexample
2215 (@value{GDBP}) run
2216 Starting program: ./a.out
2217 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2218 @end smallexample
2219
2220 @noindent
2221 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2222 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2223 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2224 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2225 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2226 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2227
2228 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2229 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2230 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2231 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2232 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2233 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2234
2235 By default, if not connected to any target yet (e.g., with
2236 @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your program as a
2237 native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine. If you're
2238 sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine, you can
2239 tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target automatically
2240 with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off} command.
2241
2242 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if @value{GDBN} is not
2243 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2244 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2245
2246 If @code{off}, and if @value{GDBN} is not connected to a target
2247 already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2248
2249 @smallexample
2250 (@value{GDBP}) run
2251 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2252 @end smallexample
2253
2254 If @value{GDBN} is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN} always
2255 uses it with the @code{run} command.
2256
2257 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2258 @code{target native} command. For example,
2259
2260 @smallexample
2261 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2262 (@value{GDBP}) run
2263 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2264 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2265 (@value{GDBP}) run
2266 Starting program: ./a.out
2267 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2268 @end smallexample
2269
2270 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2271 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2272 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2273 disconnect.
2274
2275 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2276 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2277 proc}, @code{info os}.
2278
2279 @kindex set disable-randomization
2280 @item set disable-randomization
2281 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2282 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2283 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2284 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2285 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2286
2287 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2288 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2289
2290 @smallexample
2291 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2292 @end smallexample
2293
2294 @item set disable-randomization off
2295 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2296 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2297 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2298 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2299 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2300 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2301
2302 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2303 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2304 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2305 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2306 a code at its expected addresses.
2307
2308 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2309 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2310 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2311 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2312 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2313 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2314 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2315 a randomly chosen address.
2316
2317 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2318 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2319 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2320 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2321 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2322
2323 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2324 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2325
2326 @item show disable-randomization
2327 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2328 the virtual address space of the started program.
2329
2330 @end table
2331
2332 @node Arguments
2333 @section Your Program's Arguments
2334
2335 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2336 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2337 @code{run} command.
2338 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2339 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2340 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2341 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2342 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2343
2344 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2345 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2346 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2347 the program, not by the shell.
2348
2349 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2350 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2351
2352 @table @code
2353 @kindex set args
2354 @item set args
2355 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2356 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2357 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2358 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2359 it again without arguments.
2360
2361 @kindex show args
2362 @item show args
2363 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2364 @end table
2365
2366 @node Environment
2367 @section Your Program's Environment
2368
2369 @cindex environment (of your program)
2370 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2371 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2372 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2373 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2374 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2375 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2376 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2377
2378 @table @code
2379 @kindex path
2380 @item path @var{directory}
2381 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2382 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2383 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2384 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2385 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2386 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2387 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2388
2389 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2390 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2391 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2392 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2393 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2394 @var{directory} to the search path.
2395 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2396 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2397
2398 @kindex show paths
2399 @item show paths
2400 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2401 environment variable).
2402
2403 @kindex show environment
2404 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2405 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2406 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2407 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2408 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2409
2410 @kindex set environment
2411 @anchor{set environment}
2412 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2413 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2414 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2415 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2416 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2417 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2418 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2419 null value.
2420 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2421 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2422
2423 For example, this command:
2424
2425 @smallexample
2426 set env USER = foo
2427 @end smallexample
2428
2429 @noindent
2430 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2431 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2432 are not actually required.)
2433
2434 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2435 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2436 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2437 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2438 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2439
2440 Environment variables that are set by the user are also transmitted to
2441 @command{gdbserver} to be used when starting the remote inferior.
2442 @pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}.
2443
2444 @kindex unset environment
2445 @anchor{unset environment}
2446 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2447 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2448 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2449 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2450 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2451
2452 Environment variables that are unset by the user are also unset on
2453 @command{gdbserver} when starting the remote inferior.
2454 @pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}.
2455 @end table
2456
2457 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2458 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2459 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2460 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2461 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2462 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2463 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2464 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2465 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2466 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2467
2468 @node Working Directory
2469 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2470
2471 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2472 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, the inferior will be
2473 initialized with the current working directory specified by the
2474 @kbd{set cwd} command. If no directory has been specified by this
2475 command, then the inferior will inherit @value{GDBN}'s current working
2476 directory as its working directory if native debugging, or it will
2477 inherit the remote server's current working directory if remote
2478 debugging.
2479
2480 @table @code
2481 @kindex set cwd
2482 @cindex change inferior's working directory
2483 @anchor{set cwd command}
2484 @item set cwd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2485 Set the inferior's working directory to @var{directory}, which will be
2486 @code{glob}-expanded in order to resolve tildes (@file{~}). If no
2487 argument has been specified, the command clears the setting and resets
2488 it to an empty state. This setting has no effect on @value{GDBN}'s
2489 working directory, and it only takes effect the next time you start
2490 the inferior. The @file{~} in @var{directory} is a short for the
2491 @dfn{home directory}, usually pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment
2492 variable. On MS-Windows, if @env{HOME} is not defined, @value{GDBN}
2493 uses the concatenation of @env{HOMEDRIVE} and @env{HOMEPATH} as
2494 fallback.
2495
2496 You can also change @value{GDBN}'s current working directory by using
2497 the @code{cd} command.
2498 @xref{cd command}.
2499
2500 @kindex show cwd
2501 @cindex show inferior's working directory
2502 @item show cwd
2503 Show the inferior's working directory. If no directory has been
2504 specified by @kbd{set cwd}, then the default inferior's working
2505 directory is the same as @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
2506
2507 @kindex cd
2508 @cindex change @value{GDBN}'s working directory
2509 @anchor{cd command}
2510 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2511 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2512 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2513
2514 The @value{GDBN} working directory serves as a default for the
2515 commands that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on.
2516 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
2517 @xref{set cwd command}.
2518
2519 @kindex pwd
2520 @item pwd
2521 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2522 @end table
2523
2524 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2525 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2526 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} supports
2527 the @code{info proc} command (@pxref{Process Information}), you can
2528 use the @code{info proc} command to find out the
2529 current working directory of the debuggee.
2530
2531 @node Input/Output
2532 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2533
2534 @cindex redirection
2535 @cindex i/o
2536 @cindex terminal
2537 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2538 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2539 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2540 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2541 running your program.
2542
2543 @table @code
2544 @kindex info terminal
2545 @item info terminal
2546 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2547 program is using.
2548 @end table
2549
2550 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2551 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2552
2553 @smallexample
2554 run > outfile
2555 @end smallexample
2556
2557 @noindent
2558 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2559
2560 @kindex tty
2561 @cindex controlling terminal
2562 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2563 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2564 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2565 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2566 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2567
2568 @smallexample
2569 tty /dev/ttyb
2570 @end smallexample
2571
2572 @noindent
2573 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2574 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2575 that as their controlling terminal.
2576
2577 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2578 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2579 terminal.
2580
2581 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2582 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2583 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2584 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2585
2586 @cindex inferior tty
2587 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2588 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2589 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2590 program.
2591
2592 @table @code
2593 @item set inferior-tty [ @var{tty} ]
2594 @kindex set inferior-tty
2595 Set the tty for the program being debugged to @var{tty}. Omitting @var{tty}
2596 restores the default behavior, which is to use the same terminal as
2597 @value{GDBN}.
2598
2599 @item show inferior-tty
2600 @kindex show inferior-tty
2601 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2602 @end table
2603
2604 @node Attach
2605 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2606 @kindex attach
2607 @cindex attach
2608
2609 @table @code
2610 @item attach @var{process-id}
2611 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2612 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2613 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2614 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2615 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2616
2617 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2618 executing the command.
2619 @end table
2620
2621 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2622 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2623 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2624 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2625
2626 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2627 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2628 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2629 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2630 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2631 Specify Files}.
2632
2633 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2634 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2635 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2636 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2637 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2638 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2639 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2640
2641 @table @code
2642 @kindex detach
2643 @item detach
2644 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2645 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2646 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2647 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2648 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2649 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2650 executing the command.
2651 @end table
2652
2653 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2654 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2655 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2656 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2657 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2658 Messages}).
2659
2660 @node Kill Process
2661 @section Killing the Child Process
2662
2663 @table @code
2664 @kindex kill
2665 @item kill
2666 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2667 @end table
2668
2669 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2670 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2671 is running.
2672
2673 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2674 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2675 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2676 outside the debugger.
2677
2678 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2679 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2680 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2681 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2682 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2683 breakpoint settings).
2684
2685 @node Inferiors and Programs
2686 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2687
2688 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2689 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2690 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2691 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2692 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2693 from multiple executables.
2694
2695 @cindex inferior
2696 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2697 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2698 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2699 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2700 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2701 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2702 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2703 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2704 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2705 threads running in it.
2706
2707 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2708 inferiors}}:
2709
2710 @table @code
2711 @kindex info inferiors [ @var{id}@dots{} ]
2712 @item info inferiors
2713 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2714 By default all inferiors are printed, but the argument @var{id}@dots{}
2715 -- a space separated list of inferior numbers -- can be used to limit
2716 the display to just the requested inferiors.
2717
2718 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2719
2720 @enumerate
2721 @item
2722 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2723
2724 @item
2725 the target system's inferior identifier
2726
2727 @item
2728 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2729
2730 @end enumerate
2731
2732 @noindent
2733 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2734 indicates the current inferior.
2735
2736 For example,
2737 @end table
2738 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2739
2740 @smallexample
2741 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2742 Num Description Executable
2743 2 process 2307 hello
2744 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2745 @end smallexample
2746
2747 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2748
2749 @table @code
2750 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2751 @item inferior @var{infno}
2752 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2753 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2754 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2755 @end table
2756
2757 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
2758 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
2759 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
2760 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
2761 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2762 information on convenience variables.
2763
2764 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2765 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2766 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2767 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2768 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2769 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2770
2771 @table @code
2772 @kindex add-inferior
2773 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2774 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2775 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2776 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2777 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2778 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2779
2780 @kindex clone-inferior
2781 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2782 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2783 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
2784 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2785 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2786
2787 @smallexample
2788 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2789 Num Description Executable
2790 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2791 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2792 Added inferior 2.
2793 1 inferiors added.
2794 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2795 Num Description Executable
2796 2 <null> helloworld
2797 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2798 @end smallexample
2799
2800 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2801
2802 @kindex remove-inferiors
2803 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2804 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2805 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2806 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2807
2808 @end table
2809
2810 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2811 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2812 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2813 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2814
2815 @table @code
2816 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2817 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2818 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2819 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2820 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2821 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2822
2823 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2824 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2825 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2826 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2827 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2828 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2829 @end table
2830
2831 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2832 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2833 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2834 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2835
2836
2837 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2838 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2839
2840 @table @code
2841 @kindex set print inferior-events
2842 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2843 @item set print inferior-events
2844 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2845 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2846 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2847 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2848 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2849 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2850
2851 @kindex show print inferior-events
2852 @item show print inferior-events
2853 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2854 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2855 @end table
2856
2857 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2858 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2859 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2860
2861
2862 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2863 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2864 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2865 info program-spaces}} command.
2866
2867 @table @code
2868 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2869 @item maint info program-spaces
2870 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2871 @value{GDBN}.
2872
2873 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2874
2875 @enumerate
2876 @item
2877 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2878
2879 @item
2880 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2881 the @code{file} command.
2882
2883 @end enumerate
2884
2885 @noindent
2886 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2887 indicates the current program space.
2888
2889 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2890 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2891 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2892
2893 @smallexample
2894 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2895 Id Executable
2896 * 1 hello
2897 2 goodbye
2898 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2899 @end smallexample
2900
2901 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2902 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2903 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2904 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2905 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2906
2907 @smallexample
2908 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2909 Id Executable
2910 * 1 vfork-test
2911 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2912 @end smallexample
2913
2914 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2915 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2916 @end table
2917
2918 @node Threads
2919 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2920
2921 @cindex threads of execution
2922 @cindex multiple threads
2923 @cindex switching threads
2924 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
2925 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2926 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2927 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2928 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2929 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2930 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2931
2932 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2933 programs:
2934
2935 @itemize @bullet
2936 @item automatic notification of new threads
2937 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
2938 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2939 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all] @var{args}},
2940 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2941 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2942 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2943 messages on thread start and exit.
2944 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2945 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2946 isn't compatible with the program.
2947 @end itemize
2948
2949 @cindex focus of debugging
2950 @cindex current thread
2951 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2952 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2953 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2954 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2955 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2956
2957 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2958 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2959 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2960 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2961 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2962 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2963 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2964 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2965 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2966 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2967
2968 @smallexample
2969 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2970 @end smallexample
2971
2972 @noindent
2973 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
2974 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2975 further qualifier.
2976
2977 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2978 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2979 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2980 @c program?
2981 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2982 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2983 @c threads ab initio?
2984
2985 @anchor{thread numbers}
2986 @cindex thread number, per inferior
2987 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2988 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
2989 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
2990 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
2991 between threads of different inferiors.
2992
2993 @cindex qualified thread ID
2994 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
2995 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
2996 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
2997 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
2998 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
2999 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
3000 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
3001 inferior.
3002
3003 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
3004 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
3005 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
3006 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
3007
3008 @anchor{thread ID lists}
3009 @cindex thread ID lists
3010 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
3011 argument. A list element can be:
3012
3013 @enumerate
3014 @item
3015 A thread ID as shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads}
3016 display, with or without an inferior qualifier. E.g., @samp{2.1} or
3017 @samp{1}.
3018
3019 @item
3020 A range of thread numbers, again with or without an inferior
3021 qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or
3022 @var{thr1}-@var{thr2}. E.g., @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}.
3023
3024 @item
3025 All threads of an inferior, specified with a star wildcard, with or
3026 without an inferior qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@code{*} (e.g.,
3027 @samp{1.*}) or @code{*}. The former refers to all threads of the
3028 given inferior, and the latter form without an inferior qualifier
3029 refers to all threads of the current inferior.
3030
3031 @end enumerate
3032
3033 For example, if the current inferior is 1, and inferior 7 has one
3034 thread with ID 7.1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9 7.*}
3035 includes threads 1 to 3 of inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4, threads
3036 7 to 9 of inferior 6 and all threads of inferior 7. That is, in
3037 expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5 6.7 6.8 6.9
3038 7.1}.
3039
3040
3041 @anchor{global thread numbers}
3042 @cindex global thread number
3043 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
3044 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
3045 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
3046 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
3047 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
3048 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
3049
3050 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
3051 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
3052 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
3053
3054 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
3055 @vindex $_gthread@r{, convenience variable}
3056 The debugger convenience variables @samp{$_thread} and
3057 @samp{$_gthread} contain, respectively, the per-inferior thread number
3058 and the global thread number of the current thread. You may find this
3059 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
3060 and so forth. @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for
3061 general information on convenience variables.
3062
3063 If @value{GDBN} detects the program is multi-threaded, it augments the
3064 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint with the ID and name of
3065 the thread that hit the breakpoint.
3066
3067 @smallexample
3068 Thread 2 "client" hit Breakpoint 1, send_message () at client.c:68
3069 @end smallexample
3070
3071 Likewise when the program receives a signal:
3072
3073 @smallexample
3074 Thread 1 "main" received signal SIGINT, Interrupt.
3075 @end smallexample
3076
3077 @table @code
3078 @kindex info threads
3079 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
3080
3081 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
3082 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
3083 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
3084 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
3085
3086 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
3087
3088 @enumerate
3089 @item
3090 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3091
3092 @item
3093 the global thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}, if the @samp{-gid}
3094 option was specified
3095
3096 @item
3097 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
3098
3099 @item
3100 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
3101 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
3102 program itself.
3103
3104 @item
3105 the current stack frame summary for that thread
3106 @end enumerate
3107
3108 @noindent
3109 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
3110 indicates the current thread.
3111
3112 For example,
3113 @end table
3114 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3115
3116 @smallexample
3117 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3118 Id Target Id Frame
3119 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3120 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3121 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3122 at threadtest.c:68
3123 @end smallexample
3124
3125 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
3126 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
3127 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown.
3128
3129 If you specify the @samp{-gid} option, @value{GDBN} displays a column
3130 indicating each thread's global thread ID:
3131
3132 @smallexample
3133 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3134 Id GId Target Id Frame
3135 1.1 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3136 1.2 3 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3137 1.3 4 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3138 * 2.1 2 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3139 @end smallexample
3140
3141 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3142 Solaris-specific command:
3143
3144 @table @code
3145 @item maint info sol-threads
3146 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3147 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3148 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3149 @end table
3150
3151 @table @code
3152 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3153 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3154 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3155 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3156 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3157 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3158
3159 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3160 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3161
3162 @smallexample
3163 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3164 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3165 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3166 8 printf ("hello\n");
3167 @end smallexample
3168
3169 @noindent
3170 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3171 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3172 threads.
3173
3174 @kindex thread apply
3175 @cindex apply command to several threads
3176 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] [@var{flag}]@dots{} @var{command}
3177 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3178 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3179 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3180 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3181 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3182 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3183 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3184
3185 The @var{flag} arguments control what output to produce and how to handle
3186 errors raised when applying @var{command} to a thread. @var{flag}
3187 must start with a @code{-} directly followed by one letter in
3188 @code{qcs}. If several flags are provided, they must be given
3189 individually, such as @code{-c -q}.
3190
3191 By default, @value{GDBN} displays some thread information before the
3192 output produced by @var{command}, and an error raised during the
3193 execution of a @var{command} will abort @code{thread apply}. The
3194 following flags can be used to fine-tune this behavior:
3195
3196 @table @code
3197 @item -c
3198 The flag @code{-c}, which stands for @samp{continue}, causes any
3199 errors in @var{command} to be displayed, and the execution of
3200 @code{thread apply} then continues.
3201 @item -s
3202 The flag @code{-s}, which stands for @samp{silent}, causes any errors
3203 or empty output produced by a @var{command} to be silently ignored.
3204 That is, the execution continues, but the thread information and errors
3205 are not printed.
3206 @item -q
3207 The flag @code{-q} (@samp{quiet}) disables printing the thread
3208 information.
3209 @end table
3210
3211 Flags @code{-c} and @code{-s} cannot be used together.
3212
3213 @kindex taas
3214 @cindex apply command to all threads (ignoring errors and empty output)
3215 @item taas @var{command}
3216 Shortcut for @code{thread apply all -s @var{command}}.
3217 Applies @var{command} on all threads, ignoring errors and empty output.
3218
3219 @kindex tfaas
3220 @cindex apply a command to all frames of all threads (ignoring errors and empty output)
3221 @item tfaas @var{command}
3222 Shortcut for @code{thread apply all -s frame apply all -s @var{command}}.
3223 Applies @var{command} on all frames of all threads, ignoring errors
3224 and empty output. Note that the flag @code{-s} is specified twice:
3225 The first @code{-s} ensures that @code{thread apply} only shows the thread
3226 information of the threads for which @code{frame apply} produces
3227 some output. The second @code{-s} is needed to ensure that @code{frame
3228 apply} shows the frame information of a frame only if the
3229 @var{command} successfully produced some output.
3230
3231 It can for example be used to print a local variable or a function
3232 argument without knowing the thread or frame where this variable or argument
3233 is, using:
3234 @smallexample
3235 (@value{GDBP}) tfaas p some_local_var_i_do_not_remember_where_it_is
3236 @end smallexample
3237
3238
3239 @kindex thread name
3240 @cindex name a thread
3241 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3242 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3243 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3244 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3245
3246 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3247 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3248 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3249 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3250 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3251
3252 @kindex thread find
3253 @cindex search for a thread
3254 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3255 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3256 matches the supplied regular expression.
3257
3258 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3259 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3260 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3261 is the LWP id.
3262
3263 @smallexample
3264 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3265 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3266 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3267 Id Target Id Frame
3268 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3269 @end smallexample
3270
3271 @kindex set print thread-events
3272 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3273 @item set print thread-events
3274 @itemx set print thread-events on
3275 @itemx set print thread-events off
3276 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3277 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3278 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3279 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3280 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3281
3282 @kindex show print thread-events
3283 @item show print thread-events
3284 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3285 have started and exited.
3286 @end table
3287
3288 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3289 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3290 programs with multiple threads.
3291
3292 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3293 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3294
3295 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3296 @table @code
3297 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3298 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3299 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3300 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3301 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3302 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3303 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3304 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3305 macro.
3306
3307 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3308 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3309 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3310 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3311 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3312 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3313
3314 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3315 refers to the default system directories that are
3316 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3317 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3318 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3319
3320 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3321 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3322 was loaded in the inferior process.
3323
3324 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3325 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3326 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3327 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3328 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3329 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3330 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3331
3332 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3333 only on some platforms.
3334
3335 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3336 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3337 Display current libthread_db search path.
3338
3339 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3340 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3341 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3342 @item set debug libthread-db
3343 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3344 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3345 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3346 @end table
3347
3348 @node Forks
3349 @section Debugging Forks
3350
3351 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3352 @cindex multiple processes
3353 @cindex processes, multiple
3354 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3355 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3356 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3357 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3358 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3359 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3360 will cause it to terminate.
3361
3362 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3363 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3364 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3365 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3366 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3367 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3368 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3369 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3370 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3371 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3372
3373 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3374 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3375 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3376 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3377
3378 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3379 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3380 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3381
3382 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3383 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3384
3385 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3386 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3387
3388 @table @code
3389 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3390 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3391 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3392 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3393 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3394
3395 @table @code
3396 @item parent
3397 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3398 unimpeded. This is the default.
3399
3400 @item child
3401 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3402 unimpeded.
3403
3404 @end table
3405
3406 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3407 @item show follow-fork-mode
3408 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3409 @end table
3410
3411 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3412 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3413 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3414
3415 @table @code
3416 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3417 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3418 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3419 retain debugger control over them both.
3420
3421 @table @code
3422 @item on
3423 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3424 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3425 independently. This is the default.
3426
3427 @item off
3428 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3429 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3430 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3431 is held suspended.
3432
3433 @end table
3434
3435 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3436 @item show detach-on-fork
3437 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3438 @end table
3439
3440 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3441 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3442 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3443 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3444 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3445 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3446
3447 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3448 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3449 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3450 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3451 and Programs}.
3452
3453 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3454 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3455 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3456 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3457 the child process's @code{main}.
3458
3459 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3460 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3461
3462 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3463 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3464 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3465 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3466 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3467 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3468 command.
3469
3470 @table @code
3471 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3472 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3473
3474 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3475 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3476
3477 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3478
3479 @table @code
3480 @item new
3481 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3482 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3483 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3484 original inferior.
3485
3486 For example:
3487
3488 @smallexample
3489 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3490 (gdb) info inferior
3491 Id Description Executable
3492 * 1 <null> prog1
3493 (@value{GDBP}) run
3494 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3495 Program exited normally.
3496 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3497 Id Description Executable
3498 1 <null> prog1
3499 * 2 <null> prog2
3500 @end smallexample
3501
3502 @item same
3503 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3504 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3505 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3506 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3507 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3508
3509 For example:
3510
3511 @smallexample
3512 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3513 Id Description Executable
3514 * 1 <null> prog1
3515 (@value{GDBP}) run
3516 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3517 Program exited normally.
3518 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3519 Id Description Executable
3520 * 1 <null> prog2
3521 @end smallexample
3522
3523 @end table
3524 @end table
3525
3526 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
3527 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3528
3529 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3530 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3531 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3532
3533 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3534 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3535
3536 @cindex checkpoint
3537 @cindex restart
3538 @cindex bookmark
3539 @cindex snapshot of a process
3540 @cindex rewind program state
3541
3542 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3543 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3544 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3545 later.
3546
3547 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3548 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3549 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3550 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3551 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3552
3553 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3554 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3555 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3556 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3557 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3558 start again from there.
3559
3560 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3561 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3562
3563 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3564
3565 @table @code
3566 @kindex checkpoint
3567 @item checkpoint
3568 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3569 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3570 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3571
3572 @kindex info checkpoints
3573 @item info checkpoints
3574 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3575 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3576 listed:
3577
3578 @table @code
3579 @item Checkpoint ID
3580 @item Process ID
3581 @item Code Address
3582 @item Source line, or label
3583 @end table
3584
3585 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3586 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3587 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3588 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3589 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3590 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3591 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3592
3593 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3594 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3595 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3596 the debugger.
3597
3598 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3599 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3600 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3601
3602 @end table
3603
3604 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3605 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3606 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3607 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3608 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3609 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3610 previously read data can be read again.
3611
3612 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3613 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3614 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3615 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3616 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3617 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3618
3619 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3620 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3621 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3622 different execution path this time.
3623
3624 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3625 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3626 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3627 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3628 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3629 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3630 potentially pose a problem.
3631
3632 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3633
3634 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3635 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3636 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3637 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3638 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3639 next.
3640
3641 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3642 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3643 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3644 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3645 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3646
3647 @node Stopping
3648 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3649
3650 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3651 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3652 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3653
3654 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3655 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3656 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3657 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3658 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3659 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3660 explicitly request this information at any time.
3661
3662 @table @code
3663 @kindex info program
3664 @item info program
3665 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3666 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3667 @end table
3668
3669 @menu
3670 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3671 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3672 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3673 Skipping over functions and files
3674 * Signals:: Signals
3675 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3676 @end menu
3677
3678 @node Breakpoints
3679 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3680
3681 @cindex breakpoints
3682 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3683 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3684 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3685 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3686 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3687 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3688 program.
3689
3690 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3691 the executable is run.
3692
3693 @cindex watchpoints
3694 @cindex data breakpoints
3695 @cindex memory tracing
3696 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3697 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3698 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3699 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3700 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3701 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3702 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3703 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3704 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3705 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3706 same commands.
3707
3708 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3709 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3710 Automatic Display}.
3711
3712 @cindex catchpoints
3713 @cindex breakpoint on events
3714 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3715 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3716 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3717 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3718 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3719 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3720 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3721
3722 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3723 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3724 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3725 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3726 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3727 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3728 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3729 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3730 enable it again.
3731
3732 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3733 @cindex breakpoint lists
3734 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3735 @cindex lists of breakpoints
3736 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a space-separated list of breakpoints
3737 on which to operate. A list element can be either a single breakpoint number,
3738 like @samp{5}, or a range of such numbers, like @samp{5-7}.
3739 When a breakpoint list is given to a command, all breakpoints in that list
3740 are operated on.
3741
3742 @menu
3743 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3744 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3745 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3746 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3747 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3748 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3749 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3750 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3751 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3752 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3753 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3754 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3755 @end menu
3756
3757 @node Set Breaks
3758 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3759
3760 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3761 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3762 @c
3763 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3764
3765 @kindex break
3766 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3767 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3768 @cindex latest breakpoint
3769 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3770 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3771 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3772 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3773 convenience variables.
3774
3775 @table @code
3776 @item break @var{location}
3777 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3778 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3779 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3780 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3781 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3782
3783 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3784 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3785 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3786 that situation.
3787
3788 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3789 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3790 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3791
3792 @item break
3793 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3794 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3795 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3796 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3797 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3798 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3799 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3800 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3801 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3802 inside loops.
3803
3804 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3805 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3806 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3807 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3808 existed when your program stopped.
3809
3810 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3811 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3812 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3813 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3814 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3815 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3816 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3817
3818 @kindex tbreak
3819 @item tbreak @var{args}
3820 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
3821 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3822 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3823 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3824
3825 @kindex hbreak
3826 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3827 @item hbreak @var{args}
3828 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
3829 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3830 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3831 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3832 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3833 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3834 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3835 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3836 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3837 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3838 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3839 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3840 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3841 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3842 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3843 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3844 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3845 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3846
3847 @kindex thbreak
3848 @item thbreak @var{args}
3849 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
3850 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3851 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3852 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3853 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3854 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3855 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3856 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3857
3858 @kindex rbreak
3859 @cindex regular expression
3860 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3861 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3862 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3863 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3864 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3865 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3866 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3867 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3868 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3869
3870 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3871 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3872 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3873 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3874 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3875 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3876
3877 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3878 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3879 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3880 classes.
3881
3882 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3883 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3884 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3885
3886 @smallexample
3887 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3888 @end smallexample
3889
3890 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3891 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3892 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3893 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3894 every function in a given file:
3895
3896 @smallexample
3897 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3898 @end smallexample
3899
3900 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3901 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3902
3903 @kindex info breakpoints
3904 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3905 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3906 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3907 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3908 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3909 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3910 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3911
3912 @table @emph
3913 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3914 @item Type
3915 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3916 @item Disposition
3917 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3918 @item Enabled or Disabled
3919 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3920 that are not enabled.
3921 @item Address
3922 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3923 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3924 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3925 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3926 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3927 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3928 @item What
3929 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3930 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3931 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3932 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3933 @end table
3934
3935 @noindent
3936 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3937 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3938 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3939 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3940 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3941 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3942
3943 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3944 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3945 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3946 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3947
3948 @noindent
3949 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3950 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3951 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3952 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3953 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3954
3955 @noindent
3956 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3957 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3958 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3959 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3960 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3961 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3962
3963 @noindent
3964 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3965 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3966
3967 @end table
3968
3969 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3970 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3971 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3972 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3973
3974 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3975 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3976 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3977 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3978
3979 @itemize @bullet
3980 @item
3981 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3982
3983 @item
3984 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3985 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3986
3987 @item
3988 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3989 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3990
3991 @item
3992 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3993 several places where that function is inlined.
3994 @end itemize
3995
3996 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3997 the relevant locations.
3998
3999 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
4000 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
4001 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
4002 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
4003 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
4004 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
4005 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
4006
4007 For example:
4008
4009 @smallexample
4010 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
4011 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
4012 stop only if i==1
4013 breakpoint already hit 1 time
4014 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
4015 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
4016 @end smallexample
4017
4018 You cannot delete the individual locations from a breakpoint. However,
4019 each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
4020 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
4021 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. It's also possible to
4022 @code{enable} and @code{disable} a range of @var{location-number}
4023 locations using a @var{breakpoint-number} and two @var{location-number}s,
4024 in increasing order, separated by a hyphen, like
4025 @kbd{@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number1}-@var{location-number2}},
4026 in which case @value{GDBN} acts on all the locations in the range (inclusive).
4027 Disabling or enabling the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects
4028 all of the locations that belong to that breakpoint.
4029
4030 @cindex pending breakpoints
4031 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
4032 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
4033 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
4034 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
4035 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
4036 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
4037 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
4038 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
4039 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
4040 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
4041 is not yet resolved.
4042
4043 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
4044 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
4045 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
4046 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
4047 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
4048 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
4049
4050 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
4051 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
4052 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
4053 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
4054
4055 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
4056 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
4057 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
4058
4059 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
4060 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
4061 address specification to an address:
4062
4063 @kindex set breakpoint pending
4064 @kindex show breakpoint pending
4065 @table @code
4066 @item set breakpoint pending auto
4067 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
4068 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
4069
4070 @item set breakpoint pending on
4071 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
4072 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
4073
4074 @item set breakpoint pending off
4075 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
4076 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
4077 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
4078
4079 @item show breakpoint pending
4080 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
4081 @end table
4082
4083 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
4084 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
4085 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
4086
4087 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
4088 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
4089 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
4090 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
4091 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
4092 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
4093 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
4094 breakpoints.
4095
4096 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands:
4097
4098 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
4099 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
4100 @table @code
4101 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
4102 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
4103 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
4104 breakpoint must be used.
4105
4106 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
4107 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
4108 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
4109 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
4110 @end table
4111
4112 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
4113 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
4114 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
4115 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
4116 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
4117 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
4118 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
4119 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
4120 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
4121
4122 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
4123 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
4124 @table @code
4125 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
4126 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
4127 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
4128 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
4129
4130 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
4131 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
4132 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
4133 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
4134 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
4135 @end table
4136
4137 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
4138 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
4139 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
4140
4141 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
4142 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
4143
4144 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
4145
4146 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
4147 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
4148 @table @code
4149 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
4150 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
4151 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
4152 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
4153 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
4154
4155 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
4156 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
4157 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
4158 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
4159 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
4160 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
4161 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
4162 that is only known to the host. Examples include
4163 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
4164 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
4165 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
4166 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
4167 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
4168
4169 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
4170 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
4171 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
4172 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
4173 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
4174 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
4175 @end table
4176
4177
4178 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
4179 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
4180 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
4181 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
4182 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
4183 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
4184 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
4185 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
4186
4187
4188 @node Set Watchpoints
4189 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
4190
4191 @cindex setting watchpoints
4192 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
4193 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
4194 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4195 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4196 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4197
4198 @itemize @bullet
4199 @item
4200 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4201
4202 @item
4203 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4204 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4205 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4206
4207 @item
4208 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4209 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4210 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4211 @end itemize
4212
4213 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4214 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4215 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4216 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4217 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4218 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4219 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4220 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4221 the expression changes.
4222
4223 @cindex software watchpoints
4224 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4225 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4226 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4227 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4228 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4229 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4230 culprit.)
4231
4232 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4233 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4234 slow down the running of your program.
4235
4236 @table @code
4237 @kindex watch
4238 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4239 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4240 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4241 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4242 to watch the value of a single variable:
4243
4244 @smallexample
4245 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4246 @end smallexample
4247
4248 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4249 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4250 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4251 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4252 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4253 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4254
4255 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
4256 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
4257 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
4258 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
4259 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
4260 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
4261 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
4262 error.
4263
4264 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
4265 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
4266 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
4267 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
4268 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
4269 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
4270 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
4271 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
4272 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
4273 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
4274 Examples:
4275
4276 @smallexample
4277 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
4278 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
4279 @end smallexample
4280
4281 @kindex rwatch
4282 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4283 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
4284 by the program.
4285
4286 @kindex awatch
4287 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4288 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
4289 or written into by the program.
4290
4291 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4292 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4293 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
4294 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
4295 @end table
4296
4297 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
4298 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
4299 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
4300 a never-changing value:
4301
4302 @smallexample
4303 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
4304 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
4305 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
4306 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
4307 @end smallexample
4308
4309 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
4310 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
4311 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
4312 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
4313 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
4314 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
4315
4316 @cindex use only software watchpoints
4317 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
4318 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
4319 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
4320 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
4321 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
4322 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
4323 mechanism of watching expression values.)
4324
4325 @table @code
4326 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4327 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4328 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4329
4330 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4331 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4332 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4333 @end table
4334
4335 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4336 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4337 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4338
4339 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4340
4341 @smallexample
4342 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4343 @end smallexample
4344
4345 @noindent
4346 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4347
4348 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4349 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4350 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4351 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4352 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4353 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4354 will print a message like this:
4355
4356 @smallexample
4357 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4358 @end smallexample
4359
4360 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4361 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4362 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4363 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4364 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4365 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4366 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4367 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4368
4369 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4370 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4371 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4372 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4373 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4374 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4375
4376 @smallexample
4377 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4378 @end smallexample
4379
4380 @noindent
4381 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4382
4383 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4384 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4385 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4386 expression with separately allocated resources.
4387
4388 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4389 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4390 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4391
4392 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4393 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4394 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4395 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4396 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4397 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4398 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4399 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4400 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4401
4402 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4403 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4404 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4405 watched expression from every thread.
4406
4407 @quotation
4408 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4409 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4410 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4411 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4412 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4413 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4414 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4415 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4416 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4417 @end quotation
4418
4419 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4420
4421 @node Set Catchpoints
4422 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4423 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4424 @cindex exception handlers
4425 @cindex event handling
4426
4427 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4428 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4429 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4430
4431 @table @code
4432 @kindex catch
4433 @item catch @var{event}
4434 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
4435
4436 @table @code
4437 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4438 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4439 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4440 @kindex catch throw
4441 @kindex catch rethrow
4442 @kindex catch catch
4443 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4444 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4445
4446 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4447 regular expression will be caught.
4448
4449 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4450 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4451 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4452 exception being thrown.
4453
4454 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4455 @value{GDBN}:
4456
4457 @itemize @bullet
4458 @item
4459 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4460 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4461 supported.
4462
4463 @item
4464 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4465 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4466 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4467 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4468 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4469 built.
4470
4471 @item
4472 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4473 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4474
4475 @item
4476 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4477 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4478 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4479 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4480
4481 @item
4482 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4483 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4484 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4485 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4486 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4487 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4488 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4489 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4490 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4491
4492 @item
4493 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4494
4495 @item
4496 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4497 @end itemize
4498
4499 @item exception
4500 @kindex catch exception
4501 @cindex Ada exception catching
4502 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4503 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4504 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4505 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4506 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4507
4508 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4509 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4510 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4511 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4512 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4513 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4514 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4515 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4516
4517 @item handlers
4518 @kindex catch handlers
4519 @cindex Ada exception handlers catching
4520 @cindex catch Ada exceptions when handled
4521 An Ada exception being handled. If an exception name is
4522 specified at the end of the command
4523 (eg @kbd{catch handlers Program_Error}), the debugger will stop
4524 only when this specific exception is handled.
4525 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is handled.
4526
4527 When inserting a handlers catchpoint on a user-defined
4528 exception whose name is identical to one of the exceptions
4529 defined by the language, the fully qualified name must be used
4530 as the exception name. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will assume that it
4531 should stop on the pre-defined exception rather than the
4532 user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception called
4533 @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then the
4534 command to use to catch such exceptions handling is
4535 @kbd{catch handlers Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4536
4537 @item exception unhandled
4538 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4539 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4540
4541 @item assert
4542 @kindex catch assert
4543 A failed Ada assertion.
4544
4545 @item exec
4546 @kindex catch exec
4547 @cindex break on fork/exec
4548 A call to @code{exec}.
4549
4550 @item syscall
4551 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number} @r{|} @r{group:}@var{groupname} @r{|} @r{g:}@var{groupname}@r{]} @dots{}
4552 @kindex catch syscall
4553 @cindex break on a system call.
4554 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4555 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4556 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4557 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4558 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4559 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4560 will be caught.
4561
4562 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4563 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4564 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4565 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4566
4567 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4568 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4569 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4570 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4571
4572 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4573 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4574 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4575 available choices.
4576
4577 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4578 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4579 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4580 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4581 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4582 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4583 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4584 behind the OS upgrades).
4585
4586 You may specify a group of related syscalls to be caught at once using
4587 the @code{group:} syntax (@code{g:} is a shorter equivalent). For
4588 instance, on some platforms @value{GDBN} allows you to catch all
4589 network related syscalls, by passing the argument @code{group:network}
4590 to @code{catch syscall}. Note that not all syscall groups are
4591 available in every system. You can use the command completion
4592 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4593 syscall groups available on your environment.
4594
4595 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4596 arguments to it:
4597
4598 @smallexample
4599 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4600 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4601 (@value{GDBP}) r
4602 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4603
4604 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4605 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4606 (@value{GDBP}) c
4607 Continuing.
4608
4609 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4610 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4611 (@value{GDBP})
4612 @end smallexample
4613
4614 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4615
4616 @smallexample
4617 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4618 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4619 (@value{GDBP}) r
4620 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4621
4622 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4623 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4624 (@value{GDBP}) c
4625 Continuing.
4626
4627 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4628 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4629 (@value{GDBP})
4630 @end smallexample
4631
4632 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4633 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4634 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4635
4636 @smallexample
4637 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4638 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4639 (@value{GDBP}) r
4640 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4641
4642 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4643 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4644 (@value{GDBP}) c
4645 Continuing.
4646
4647 Program exited normally.
4648 (@value{GDBP})
4649 @end smallexample
4650
4651 Here is an example of catching a syscall group:
4652
4653 @smallexample
4654 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall group:process
4655 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'exit' [1] 'fork' [2] 'waitpid' [7]
4656 'execve' [11] 'wait4' [114] 'clone' [120] 'vfork' [190]
4657 'exit_group' [252] 'waitid' [284] 'unshare' [310])
4658 (@value{GDBP}) r
4659 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4660
4661 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall fork), 0x00007ffff7df4e27 in open64 ()
4662 from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
4663
4664 (@value{GDBP}) c
4665 Continuing.
4666 @end smallexample
4667
4668 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4669 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4670 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4671 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4672
4673 @smallexample
4674 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4675 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4676 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4677 (@value{GDBP})
4678 @end smallexample
4679
4680 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4681 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4682 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4683 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4684 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4685 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4686
4687 @smallexample
4688 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4689 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4690 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4691 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4692 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4693 (@value{GDBP})
4694 @end smallexample
4695
4696 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4697
4698 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4699 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4700
4701 @smallexample
4702 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4703 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4704 @end smallexample
4705
4706 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4707
4708 @item fork
4709 @kindex catch fork
4710 A call to @code{fork}.
4711
4712 @item vfork
4713 @kindex catch vfork
4714 A call to @code{vfork}.
4715
4716 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4717 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4718 @kindex catch load
4719 @kindex catch unload
4720 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4721 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4722 matches one of the affected libraries.
4723
4724 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4725 @kindex catch signal
4726 The delivery of a signal.
4727
4728 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4729 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4730 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4731
4732 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4733 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4734 signal names.
4735
4736 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4737 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4738 will be caught.
4739
4740 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4741 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4742 catchpoint.
4743
4744 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4745 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4746 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4747 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4748 commands.
4749
4750 @end table
4751
4752 @item tcatch @var{event}
4753 @kindex tcatch
4754 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4755 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4756
4757 @end table
4758
4759 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4760
4761
4762 @node Delete Breaks
4763 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4764
4765 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4766 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4767 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4768 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4769 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4770 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4771
4772 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4773 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4774 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4775 their breakpoint numbers.
4776
4777 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4778 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4779 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4780
4781 @table @code
4782 @kindex clear
4783 @item clear
4784 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4785 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4786 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4787 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4788
4789 @item clear @var{location}
4790 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4791 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4792 most useful ones are listed below:
4793
4794 @table @code
4795 @item clear @var{function}
4796 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4797 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4798
4799 @item clear @var{linenum}
4800 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4801 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4802 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4803 @end table
4804
4805 @cindex delete breakpoints
4806 @kindex delete
4807 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4808 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4809 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4810 list specified as argument. If no argument is specified, delete all
4811 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4812 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4813 @end table
4814
4815 @node Disabling
4816 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4817
4818 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4819 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4820 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4821 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4822 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4823
4824 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4825 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4826 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4827 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4828 do not know which numbers to use.
4829
4830 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4831 affects all of its locations.
4832
4833 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4834 different states of enablement:
4835
4836 @itemize @bullet
4837 @item
4838 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4839 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4840 @item
4841 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4842 @item
4843 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4844 disabled.
4845 @item
4846 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4847 N times, then becomes disabled.
4848 @item
4849 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4850 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4851 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4852 @end itemize
4853
4854 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4855 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4856
4857 @table @code
4858 @kindex disable
4859 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4860 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4861 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4862 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4863 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4864 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4865 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4866
4867 @kindex enable
4868 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4869 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4870 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4871
4872 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{list}@dots{}
4873 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4874 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4875
4876 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{list}@dots{}
4877 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4878 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4879 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4880 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4881 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4882 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4883
4884 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{list}@dots{}
4885 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4886 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4887 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4888 @end table
4889
4890 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4891 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4892 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4893 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4894 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4895 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4896 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4897 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4898 Stepping}.)
4899
4900 @node Conditions
4901 @subsection Break Conditions
4902 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4903 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4904
4905 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4906 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4907 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4908 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4909 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4910 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4911 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4912 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4913
4914 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4915 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4916 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4917 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4918 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4919
4920 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4921 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4922 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4923 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4924 one.
4925
4926 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4927 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4928 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4929 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4930 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4931 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4932 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4933 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4934 conditions for the
4935 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4936 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4937
4938 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4939 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4940 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4941 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4942 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4943 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4944
4945 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4946 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4947 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4948 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4949 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4950
4951 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4952 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4953 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4954 with the @code{condition} command.
4955
4956 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4957 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4958 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4959 catchpoint.
4960
4961 @table @code
4962 @kindex condition
4963 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4964 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4965 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4966 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4967 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4968 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4969 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4970 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4971 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4972 prints an error message:
4973
4974 @smallexample
4975 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4976 @end smallexample
4977
4978 @noindent
4979 @value{GDBN} does
4980 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4981 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4982 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4983
4984 @item condition @var{bnum}
4985 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4986 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4987 @end table
4988
4989 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4990 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4991 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4992 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4993 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4994 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4995 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4996 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4997 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4998 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4999 your program reaches it.
5000
5001 @table @code
5002 @kindex ignore
5003 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
5004 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
5005 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
5006 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
5007 takes no action.
5008
5009 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
5010 a count of zero.
5011
5012 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
5013 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
5014 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
5015 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
5016
5017 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
5018 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
5019 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
5020
5021 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
5022 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
5023 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
5024 Variables}.
5025 @end table
5026
5027 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
5028
5029
5030 @node Break Commands
5031 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
5032
5033 @cindex breakpoint commands
5034 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
5035 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
5036 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
5037 enable other breakpoints.
5038
5039 @table @code
5040 @kindex commands
5041 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
5042 @item commands @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5043 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
5044 @itemx end
5045 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
5046 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
5047 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
5048
5049 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
5050 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
5051
5052 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
5053 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
5054 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
5055 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
5056 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
5057 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
5058 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
5059 Expressions}).
5060 @end table
5061
5062 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
5063 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
5064
5065 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
5066 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
5067 that resumes execution.
5068
5069 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
5070 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
5071 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
5072 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
5073 ambiguities about which list to execute.
5074
5075 @kindex silent
5076 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
5077 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
5078 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
5079 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
5080 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
5081 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
5082
5083 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
5084 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
5085 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
5086
5087 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
5088 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
5089
5090 @smallexample
5091 break foo if x>0
5092 commands
5093 silent
5094 printf "x is %d\n",x
5095 cont
5096 end
5097 @end smallexample
5098
5099 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
5100 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
5101 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
5102 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
5103 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
5104 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
5105 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
5106
5107 @smallexample
5108 break 403
5109 commands
5110 silent
5111 set x = y + 4
5112 cont
5113 end
5114 @end smallexample
5115
5116 @node Dynamic Printf
5117 @subsection Dynamic Printf
5118
5119 @cindex dynamic printf
5120 @cindex dprintf
5121 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
5122 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
5123 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
5124 having to recompile it.
5125
5126 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
5127 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
5128 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
5129 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
5130 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
5131 redirects to files and so forth.
5132
5133 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
5134 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
5135 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
5136 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
5137 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
5138 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
5139 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
5140
5141 @table @code
5142 @kindex dprintf
5143 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
5144 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
5145 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
5146 To print several values, separate them with commas.
5147
5148 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
5149 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
5150 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
5151 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
5152 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
5153 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
5154
5155 @table @code
5156 @item gdb
5157 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
5158 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
5159
5160 @item call
5161 @kindex dprintf-style call
5162 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
5163 @code{printf}).
5164
5165 @item agent
5166 @kindex dprintf-style agent
5167 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
5168 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
5169 support running commands on the target.
5170 @end table
5171
5172 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
5173 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
5174 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
5175 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
5176 command.
5177
5178 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
5179 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
5180 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
5181 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
5182 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
5183 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
5184
5185 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
5186 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
5187 you could do the following:
5188
5189 @example
5190 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
5191 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
5192 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
5193 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
5194 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
5195 (gdb) info break
5196 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
5197 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
5198 continue
5199 (gdb)
5200 @end example
5201
5202 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
5203 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
5204 the variable settings.
5205
5206 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
5207 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
5208 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
5209 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
5210 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
5211 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
5212
5213 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
5214 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
5215 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
5216
5217 @end table
5218
5219 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
5220 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
5221 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
5222 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
5223 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
5224 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
5225
5226 @node Save Breakpoints
5227 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
5228
5229 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
5230 breakpoints}} command.
5231
5232 @table @code
5233 @kindex save breakpoints
5234 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
5235 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
5236 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
5237 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
5238 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
5239 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
5240 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
5241 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
5242 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
5243 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
5244 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
5245 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
5246 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
5247 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
5248 that can no longer be recreated.
5249 @end table
5250
5251 @node Static Probe Points
5252 @subsection Static Probe Points
5253
5254 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
5255 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
5256 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
5257 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
5258 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
5259
5260 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
5261 ELF-compatible systems:
5262
5263 @itemize @bullet
5264
5265 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
5266 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
5267 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
5268 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
5269 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
5270 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
5271 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
5272 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
5273
5274 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
5275 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
5276 C@t{++} languages.
5277 @end itemize
5278
5279 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
5280 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
5281 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
5282 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
5283 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
5284 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
5285 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
5286 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
5287 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
5288
5289 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
5290 probes}, with optional arguments:
5291
5292 @table @code
5293 @kindex info probes
5294 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5295 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
5296 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
5297 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
5298
5299 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
5300 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
5301 probes from all providers are listed.
5302
5303 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
5304 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
5305 considered when deciding whether to display them.
5306
5307 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5308 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5309 given, all object files are considered.
5310
5311 @item info probes all
5312 List the available static probes, from all types.
5313 @end table
5314
5315 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
5316 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
5317 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
5318 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
5319 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
5320
5321 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
5322 commands, with optional arguments:
5323
5324 @table @code
5325 @kindex enable probes
5326 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5327 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
5328 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
5329 all probes from all providers are enabled.
5330
5331 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
5332 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
5333 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
5334
5335 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5336 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5337 given, all object files are considered.
5338
5339 @kindex disable probes
5340 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5341 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
5342 optional arguments accepted by this command.
5343 @end table
5344
5345 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
5346 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
5347 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
5348 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
5349 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
5350 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
5351 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
5352 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
5353 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
5354 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
5355 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
5356 at the current probe point.
5357
5358 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
5359 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
5360 an error message.
5361
5362
5363 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
5364 @node Error in Breakpoints
5365 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
5366
5367 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
5368 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
5369
5370 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
5371 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
5372 @smallexample
5373 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
5374 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
5375 @end smallexample
5376
5377 @noindent
5378 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
5379 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
5380 watchpoints it needs to insert.
5381
5382 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
5383 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
5384
5385 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
5386 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
5387 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
5388
5389 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
5390 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
5391 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
5392 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
5393
5394 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
5395 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
5396 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
5397 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
5398 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
5399 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
5400 first in the bundle.
5401
5402 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
5403 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
5404 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
5405 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
5406 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
5407 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
5408 is hit.
5409
5410 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
5411 that's been subject to address adjustment:
5412
5413 @smallexample
5414 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
5415 @end smallexample
5416
5417 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
5418 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
5419 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
5420 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
5421 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
5422 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5423 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5424 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5425
5426 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5427 adjusted breakpoints:
5428
5429 @smallexample
5430 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5431 to 0x00010410.
5432 @end smallexample
5433
5434 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5435 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5436 frequently than expected.
5437
5438 @node Continuing and Stepping
5439 @section Continuing and Stepping
5440
5441 @cindex stepping
5442 @cindex continuing
5443 @cindex resuming execution
5444 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5445 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5446 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5447 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5448 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5449 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5450 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5451 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
5452 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
5453 handlers}).)
5454
5455 @table @code
5456 @kindex continue
5457 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5458 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5459 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5460 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5461 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5462 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5463 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5464 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5465 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5466 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5467
5468 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5469 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5470 @code{continue} is ignored.
5471
5472 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5473 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5474 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5475 @code{continue}.
5476 @end table
5477
5478 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5479 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5480 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5481 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5482
5483 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5484 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5485 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5486 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5487 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5488 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5489
5490 @table @code
5491 @kindex step
5492 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5493 @item step
5494 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5495 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5496 abbreviated @code{s}.
5497
5498 @quotation
5499 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5500 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5501 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5502 @c distinction here.
5503 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5504 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5505 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5506 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5507 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5508 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5509 below.
5510 @end quotation
5511
5512 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5513 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5514 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5515 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5516 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5517 called within the line.
5518
5519 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5520 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5521 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5522 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5523 was any debugging information about the routine.
5524
5525 @item step @var{count}
5526 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5527 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5528 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5529
5530 @kindex next
5531 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5532 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5533 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5534 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5535 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5536 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5537 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5538 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5539
5540 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5541
5542
5543 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5544 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5545 @c
5546 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5547 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5548 @c function are executed without stopping.
5549
5550 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5551 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5552 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5553
5554 @kindex set step-mode
5555 @item set step-mode
5556 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5557 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5558 @itemx set step-mode on
5559 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5560 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5561 information rather than stepping over it.
5562
5563 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5564 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5565 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5566
5567 @item set step-mode off
5568 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5569 debug information. This is the default.
5570
5571 @item show step-mode
5572 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5573 source line debug information.
5574
5575 @kindex finish
5576 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5577 @item finish
5578 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5579 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5580 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5581
5582 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5583 ,Returning from a Function}).
5584
5585 @kindex until
5586 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5587 @cindex run until specified location
5588 @item until
5589 @itemx u
5590 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5591 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5592 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5593 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5594 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5595 than the address of the jump.
5596
5597 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5598 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5599 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5600 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5601 through the next iteration.
5602
5603 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5604 stack frame.
5605
5606 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5607 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5608 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5609 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5610 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5611
5612 @smallexample
5613 (@value{GDBP}) f
5614 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5615 206 expand_input();
5616 (@value{GDBP}) until
5617 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5618 @end smallexample
5619
5620 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5621 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5622 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5623 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5624 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5625 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5626 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5627
5628 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5629 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5630 argument.
5631
5632 @item until @var{location}
5633 @itemx u @var{location}
5634 Continue running your program until either the specified @var{location} is
5635 reached, or the current stack frame returns. The location is any of
5636 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5637 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5638 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5639 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5640 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5641 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5642 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5643 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5644 invocations have returned.
5645
5646 @smallexample
5647 94 int factorial (int value)
5648 95 @{
5649 96 if (value > 1) @{
5650 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5651 98 @}
5652 99 return (value);
5653 100 @}
5654 @end smallexample
5655
5656
5657 @kindex advance @var{location}
5658 @item advance @var{location}
5659 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5660 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5661 @ref{Specify Location}.
5662 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5663 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5664 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5665 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5666
5667
5668 @kindex stepi
5669 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5670 @item stepi
5671 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5672 @itemx si
5673 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5674
5675 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5676 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5677 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5678 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5679
5680 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5681
5682 @need 750
5683 @kindex nexti
5684 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5685 @item nexti
5686 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5687 @itemx ni
5688 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5689 proceed until the function returns.
5690
5691 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5692
5693 @end table
5694
5695 @anchor{range stepping}
5696 @cindex range stepping
5697 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5698 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5699 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5700 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5701 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5702 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5703 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5704 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5705 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5706 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5707 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5708 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5709 if necessary:
5710
5711 @table @code
5712 @kindex set range-stepping
5713 @kindex show range-stepping
5714 @item set range-stepping
5715 @itemx show range-stepping
5716 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5717
5718 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5719 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5720 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5721 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5722 default is @code{on}.
5723
5724 @end table
5725
5726 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5727 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5728 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5729
5730 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5731 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} command lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5732 skip a function, all functions in a file or a particular function in
5733 a particular file when stepping.
5734
5735 For example, consider the following C function:
5736
5737 @smallexample
5738 101 int func()
5739 102 @{
5740 103 foo(boring());
5741 104 bar(boring());
5742 105 @}
5743 @end smallexample
5744
5745 @noindent
5746 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5747 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5748 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5749 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5750
5751 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5752 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5753 is called from many places.
5754
5755 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5756 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5757 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5758 @code{foo}.
5759
5760 Functions may be skipped by providing either a function name, linespec
5761 (@pxref{Specify Location}), regular expression that matches the function's
5762 name, file name or a @code{glob}-style pattern that matches the file name.
5763
5764 On Posix systems the form of the regular expression is
5765 ``Extended Regular Expressions''. See for example @samp{man 7 regex}
5766 on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. On non-Posix systems the form of the regular
5767 expression is whatever is provided by the @code{regcomp} function of
5768 the underlying system.
5769 See for example @samp{man 7 glob} on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems for a
5770 description of @code{glob}-style patterns.
5771
5772 @table @code
5773 @kindex skip
5774 @item skip @r{[}@var{options}@r{]}
5775 The basic form of the @code{skip} command takes zero or more options
5776 that specify what to skip.
5777 The @var{options} argument is any useful combination of the following:
5778
5779 @table @code
5780 @item -file @var{file}
5781 @itemx -fi @var{file}
5782 Functions in @var{file} will be skipped over when stepping.
5783
5784 @item -gfile @var{file-glob-pattern}
5785 @itemx -gfi @var{file-glob-pattern}
5786 @cindex skipping over files via glob-style patterns
5787 Functions in files matching @var{file-glob-pattern} will be skipped
5788 over when stepping.
5789
5790 @smallexample
5791 (gdb) skip -gfi utils/*.c
5792 @end smallexample
5793
5794 @item -function @var{linespec}
5795 @itemx -fu @var{linespec}
5796 Functions named by @var{linespec} or the function containing the line
5797 named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when stepping.
5798 @xref{Specify Location}.
5799
5800 @item -rfunction @var{regexp}
5801 @itemx -rfu @var{regexp}
5802 @cindex skipping over functions via regular expressions
5803 Functions whose name matches @var{regexp} will be skipped over when stepping.
5804
5805 This form is useful for complex function names.
5806 For example, there is generally no need to step into C@t{++} @code{std::string}
5807 constructors or destructors. Plus with C@t{++} templates it can be hard to
5808 write out the full name of the function, and often it doesn't matter what
5809 the template arguments are. Specifying the function to be skipped as a
5810 regular expression makes this easier.
5811
5812 @smallexample
5813 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::(allocator|basic_string)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5814 @end smallexample
5815
5816 If you want to skip every templated C@t{++} constructor and destructor
5817 in the @code{std} namespace you can do:
5818
5819 @smallexample
5820 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::([a-zA-z0-9_]+)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5821 @end smallexample
5822 @end table
5823
5824 If no options are specified, the function you're currently debugging
5825 will be skipped.
5826
5827 @kindex skip function
5828 @item skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5829 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5830 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5831 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5832
5833 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5834 will be skipped.
5835
5836 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5837 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5838
5839 @kindex skip file
5840 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5841 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5842 will be skipped over when stepping.
5843
5844 @smallexample
5845 (gdb) skip file boring.c
5846 File boring.c will be skipped when stepping.
5847 @end smallexample
5848
5849 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5850 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5851 @end table
5852
5853 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5854 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5855
5856 @table @code
5857 @kindex info skip
5858 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5859 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5860 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5861 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5862
5863 @table @emph
5864 @item Identifier
5865 A number identifying this skip.
5866 @item Enabled or Disabled
5867 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}.
5868 Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5869 @item Glob
5870 If the file name is a @samp{glob} pattern this is @samp{y}.
5871 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5872 @item File
5873 The name or @samp{glob} pattern of the file to be skipped.
5874 If no file is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5875 @item RE
5876 If the function name is a @samp{regular expression} this is @samp{y}.
5877 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5878 @item Function
5879 The name or regular expression of the function to skip.
5880 If no function is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5881 @end table
5882
5883 @kindex skip delete
5884 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5885 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5886 skips.
5887
5888 @kindex skip enable
5889 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5890 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5891 skips.
5892
5893 @kindex skip disable
5894 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5895 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5896 skips.
5897
5898 @kindex set debug skip
5899 @item set debug skip @r{[}on|off@r{]}
5900 Set whether to print the debug output about skipping files and functions.
5901
5902 @kindex show debug skip
5903 @item show debug skip
5904 Show whether the debug output about skipping files and functions is printed.
5905
5906 @end table
5907
5908 @node Signals
5909 @section Signals
5910 @cindex signals
5911
5912 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5913 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5914 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5915 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5916 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5917 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5918 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5919 requested an alarm).
5920
5921 @cindex fatal signals
5922 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5923 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5924 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5925 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5926 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5927 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5928
5929 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5930 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5931 signal.
5932
5933 @cindex handling signals
5934 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5935 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5936 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5937 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5938 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5939
5940 @table @code
5941 @kindex info signals
5942 @kindex info handle
5943 @item info signals
5944 @itemx info handle
5945 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5946 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5947 the defined types of signals.
5948
5949 @item info signals @var{sig}
5950 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5951
5952 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5953
5954 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5955 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5956 for details about this command.
5957
5958 @kindex handle
5959 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5960 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
5961 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5962 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5963 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5964 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5965 say what change to make.
5966 @end table
5967
5968 @c @group
5969 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5970 Their full names are:
5971
5972 @table @code
5973 @item nostop
5974 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5975 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5976
5977 @item stop
5978 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5979 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5980
5981 @item print
5982 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5983
5984 @item noprint
5985 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5986 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5987
5988 @item pass
5989 @itemx noignore
5990 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5991 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5992 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5993
5994 @item nopass
5995 @itemx ignore
5996 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5997 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5998 @end table
5999 @c @end group
6000
6001 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
6002 program until you
6003 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
6004 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
6005 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
6006 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
6007 program sees that signal when you continue.
6008
6009 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
6010 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
6011 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
6012 erroneous signals.
6013
6014 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
6015 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
6016 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
6017 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
6018 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
6019 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
6020 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
6021 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
6022 Program a Signal}.
6023
6024 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
6025 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
6026
6027 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
6028 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
6029 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
6030 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
6031 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
6032 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
6033 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
6034 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
6035 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
6036 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
6037 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
6038 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
6039 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
6040
6041 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
6042
6043 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
6044 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
6045 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
6046 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
6047
6048 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
6049 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
6050 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
6051 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
6052
6053 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
6054 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
6055
6056 @smallexample
6057 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
6058 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
6059 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
6060 (@value{GDBP}) c
6061 Continuing.
6062
6063 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
6064 main () sigusr1.c:28
6065 28 p = 0;
6066 (@value{GDBP}) si
6067 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
6068 9 @{
6069 @end smallexample
6070
6071 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
6072 program to receive the signal first:
6073
6074 @smallexample
6075 (@value{GDBP}) n
6076 28 p = 0;
6077 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
6078 (@value{GDBP}) si
6079 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
6080 9 @{
6081 (@value{GDBP})
6082 @end smallexample
6083
6084 @cindex extra signal information
6085 @anchor{extra signal information}
6086
6087 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
6088 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
6089 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
6090 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
6091 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
6092 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
6093 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
6094 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
6095 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
6096 system header.
6097
6098 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
6099 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
6100
6101 @smallexample
6102 @group
6103 (@value{GDBP}) continue
6104 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
6105 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
6106 69 *(int *)p = 0;
6107 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
6108 type = struct @{
6109 int si_signo;
6110 int si_errno;
6111 int si_code;
6112 union @{
6113 int _pad[28];
6114 struct @{...@} _kill;
6115 struct @{...@} _timer;
6116 struct @{...@} _rt;
6117 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
6118 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
6119 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
6120 @} _sifields;
6121 @}
6122 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
6123 type = struct @{
6124 void *si_addr;
6125 @}
6126 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
6127 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
6128 @end group
6129 @end smallexample
6130
6131 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
6132
6133 @cindex Intel MPX boundary violations
6134 @cindex boundary violations, Intel MPX
6135 On some targets, a @code{SIGSEGV} can be caused by a boundary
6136 violation, i.e., accessing an address outside of the allowed range.
6137 In those cases @value{GDBN} may displays additional information,
6138 depending on how @value{GDBN} has been told to handle the signal.
6139 With @code{handle stop SIGSEGV}, @value{GDBN} displays the violation
6140 kind: "Upper" or "Lower", the memory address accessed and the
6141 bounds, while with @code{handle nostop SIGSEGV} no additional
6142 information is displayed.
6143
6144 The usual output of a segfault is:
6145 @smallexample
6146 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6147 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6148 68 value = *(p + len);
6149 @end smallexample
6150
6151 While a bound violation is presented as:
6152 @smallexample
6153 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6154 Upper bound violation while accessing address 0x7fffffffc3b3
6155 Bounds: [lower = 0x7fffffffc390, upper = 0x7fffffffc3a3]
6156 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6157 68 value = *(p + len);
6158 @end smallexample
6159
6160 @node Thread Stops
6161 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
6162
6163 @cindex stopped threads
6164 @cindex threads, stopped
6165
6166 @cindex continuing threads
6167 @cindex threads, continuing
6168
6169 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
6170 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
6171 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
6172 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
6173 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
6174 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
6175 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
6176 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
6177 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
6178
6179 @menu
6180 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
6181 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
6182 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
6183 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
6184 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
6185 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
6186 @end menu
6187
6188 @node All-Stop Mode
6189 @subsection All-Stop Mode
6190
6191 @cindex all-stop mode
6192
6193 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
6194 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
6195 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
6196 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
6197 underfoot.
6198
6199 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
6200 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
6201 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
6202
6203 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
6204 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
6205 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
6206 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
6207 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
6208 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
6209 stops.
6210
6211 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
6212 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
6213 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
6214 first thread completes whatever you requested.
6215
6216 @cindex automatic thread selection
6217 @cindex switching threads automatically
6218 @cindex threads, automatic switching
6219 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
6220 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
6221 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
6222 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
6223 thread.
6224
6225 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
6226 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
6227
6228 @table @code
6229 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
6230 @cindex scheduler locking mode
6231 @cindex lock scheduler
6232 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
6233 record mode, and replay mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
6234 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only
6235 the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The
6236 @code{step} mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other
6237 threads from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so
6238 that the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. Other
6239 threads never get a chance to run when you step, and they are
6240 completely free to run when you use commands like @samp{continue},
6241 @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another thread hits a
6242 breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change the
6243 current thread away from the thread that you are debugging. The
6244 @code{replay} mode behaves like @code{off} in record mode and like
6245 @code{on} in replay mode.
6246
6247 @item show scheduler-locking
6248 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
6249 @end table
6250
6251 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
6252 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
6253 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
6254 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
6255 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
6256 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
6257 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
6258 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
6259 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
6260 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
6261 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
6262 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
6263 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
6264 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
6265
6266 @table @code
6267 @kindex set schedule-multiple
6268 @item set schedule-multiple
6269 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
6270 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
6271 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
6272 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
6273 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
6274 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
6275
6276 @item show schedule-multiple
6277 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
6278 multiple processes.
6279 @end table
6280
6281 @node Non-Stop Mode
6282 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
6283
6284 @cindex non-stop mode
6285
6286 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
6287 @c with more details.
6288
6289 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
6290 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
6291 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
6292 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
6293 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
6294 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
6295
6296 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
6297 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
6298 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
6299 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
6300 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
6301 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
6302 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
6303 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
6304 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
6305 independently and simultaneously.
6306
6307 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
6308 or attach to your program:
6309
6310 @smallexample
6311 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
6312 set pagination off
6313
6314 # Finally, turn it on!
6315 set non-stop on
6316 @end smallexample
6317
6318 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
6319
6320 @table @code
6321 @kindex set non-stop
6322 @item set non-stop on
6323 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
6324 @item set non-stop off
6325 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
6326 @kindex show non-stop
6327 @item show non-stop
6328 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
6329 @end table
6330
6331 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
6332 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
6333 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
6334 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
6335 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
6336 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
6337 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
6338 default.
6339
6340 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
6341 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
6342 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
6343
6344 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
6345 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
6346 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
6347 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
6348 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
6349
6350 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
6351 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
6352 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
6353 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
6354 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
6355
6356 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
6357
6358 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
6359 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
6360 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
6361 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
6362 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
6363 previously current thread.
6364
6365 @node Background Execution
6366 @subsection Background Execution
6367
6368 @cindex foreground execution
6369 @cindex background execution
6370 @cindex asynchronous execution
6371 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
6372
6373 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
6374 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
6375 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
6376 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
6377 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
6378 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
6379
6380 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
6381 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
6382
6383 @cindex @code{&}, background execution of commands
6384 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
6385 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
6386 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
6387 are:
6388
6389 @table @code
6390 @kindex run&
6391 @item run
6392 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
6393
6394 @item attach
6395 @kindex attach&
6396 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
6397
6398 @item step
6399 @kindex step&
6400 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
6401
6402 @item stepi
6403 @kindex stepi&
6404 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
6405
6406 @item next
6407 @kindex next&
6408 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
6409
6410 @item nexti
6411 @kindex nexti&
6412 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
6413
6414 @item continue
6415 @kindex continue&
6416 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
6417
6418 @item finish
6419 @kindex finish&
6420 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
6421
6422 @item until
6423 @kindex until&
6424 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
6425
6426 @end table
6427
6428 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
6429 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
6430 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
6431 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
6432 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
6433 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
6434
6435 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
6436 using the @code{interrupt} command.
6437
6438 @table @code
6439 @kindex interrupt
6440 @item interrupt
6441 @itemx interrupt -a
6442
6443 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
6444 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
6445 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
6446 use @code{interrupt -a}.
6447 @end table
6448
6449 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6450 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6451
6452 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
6453 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
6454 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
6455
6456 @table @code
6457 @cindex breakpoints and threads
6458 @cindex thread breakpoints
6459 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
6460 @item break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id}
6461 @itemx break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
6462 @var{location} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
6463 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
6464 specify some source line.
6465
6466 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
6467 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
6468 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
6469 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
6470 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
6471
6472 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
6473 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
6474 program.
6475
6476 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
6477 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
6478 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
6479
6480 @smallexample
6481 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
6482 @end smallexample
6483
6484 @end table
6485
6486 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
6487 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
6488 thread list. For example:
6489
6490 @smallexample
6491 (@value{GDBP}) c
6492 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
6493 @end smallexample
6494
6495 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
6496 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
6497 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
6498 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
6499 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
6500 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
6501 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
6502 command.
6503
6504 @node Interrupted System Calls
6505 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
6506
6507 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
6508 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
6509 @cindex premature return from system calls
6510 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
6511 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
6512 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
6513 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
6514 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
6515 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
6516 stop execution.
6517
6518 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
6519 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
6520 style anyways.
6521
6522 For example, do not write code like this:
6523
6524 @smallexample
6525 sleep (10);
6526 @end smallexample
6527
6528 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
6529 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
6530
6531 Instead, write this:
6532
6533 @smallexample
6534 int unslept = 10;
6535 while (unslept > 0)
6536 unslept = sleep (unslept);
6537 @end smallexample
6538
6539 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
6540 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
6541 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
6542 @value{GDBN}.
6543
6544 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
6545 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
6546 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
6547 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
6548
6549 @node Observer Mode
6550 @subsection Observer Mode
6551
6552 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
6553 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
6554 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
6555 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
6556 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
6557
6558 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
6559 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
6560 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
6561 mode.
6562
6563 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
6564 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
6565 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
6566 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
6567 stream will still not be able to be placed.
6568
6569 @table @code
6570
6571 @kindex observer
6572 @item set observer on
6573 @itemx set observer off
6574 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6575 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6576 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6577 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6578
6579 @item show observer
6580 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6581
6582 @kindex may-write-registers
6583 @item set may-write-registers on
6584 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6585 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6586 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6587 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6588
6589 @item show may-write-registers
6590 Show the current permission to write registers.
6591
6592 @kindex may-write-memory
6593 @item set may-write-memory on
6594 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6595 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6596 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6597 defaults to @code{on}.
6598
6599 @item show may-write-memory
6600 Show the current permission to write memory.
6601
6602 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6603 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6604 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6605 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6606 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6607 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6608
6609 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6610 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6611
6612 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6613 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6614 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6615 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6616 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6617 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6618 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6619
6620 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6621 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6622
6623 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6624 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6625 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6626 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6627 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6628 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6629 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6630
6631 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6632 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6633
6634 @kindex may-interrupt
6635 @item set may-interrupt on
6636 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6637 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6638 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6639 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6640 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6641
6642 @item show may-interrupt
6643 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6644
6645 @end table
6646
6647 @node Reverse Execution
6648 @chapter Running programs backward
6649 @cindex reverse execution
6650 @cindex running programs backward
6651
6652 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6653 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6654 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6655 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6656
6657 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6658 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6659 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6660 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6661 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6662 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6663
6664 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6665 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6666 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6667 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6668 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6669 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6670 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6671 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6672 prior values@footnote{
6673 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6674 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6675 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6676
6677 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6678 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6679 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6680 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6681 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6682 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6683 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6684 }.
6685
6686 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6687 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6688
6689 @table @code
6690 @kindex reverse-continue
6691 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6692 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6693 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6694 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6695 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6696 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6697 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6698
6699 @kindex reverse-step
6700 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6701 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6702 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6703 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6704
6705 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6706 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6707 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6708 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6709 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6710 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6711
6712 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6713 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6714
6715 @kindex reverse-stepi
6716 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6717 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6718 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6719 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6720 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6721 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6722 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6723
6724 @kindex reverse-next
6725 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6726 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6727 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6728 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6729 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6730 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6731 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6732 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6733 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6734 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6735
6736 @kindex reverse-nexti
6737 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6738 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6739 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6740 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6741 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6742 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6743 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6744 frame) is reached.
6745
6746 @kindex reverse-finish
6747 @item reverse-finish
6748 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6749 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6750 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6751 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6752
6753 @kindex set exec-direction
6754 @item set exec-direction
6755 Set the direction of target execution.
6756 @item set exec-direction reverse
6757 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6758 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6759 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6760 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6761 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6762 @item set exec-direction forward
6763 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6764 This is the default.
6765 @end table
6766
6767
6768 @node Process Record and Replay
6769 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6770 @cindex process record and replay
6771 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6772
6773 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6774 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6775 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6776
6777 @cindex replay mode
6778 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6779 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6780 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6781 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6782 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6783 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6784 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6785 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6786 execution log.
6787
6788 @cindex record mode
6789 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6790 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6791 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6792 for future replay.
6793
6794 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6795 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6796 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6797 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6798 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6799 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6800
6801 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6802 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6803 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6804 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6805
6806 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6807 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6808
6809 @table @code
6810 @kindex target record
6811 @kindex target record-full
6812 @kindex target record-btrace
6813 @kindex record
6814 @kindex record full
6815 @kindex record btrace
6816 @kindex record btrace bts
6817 @kindex record btrace pt
6818 @kindex record bts
6819 @kindex record pt
6820 @kindex rec
6821 @kindex rec full
6822 @kindex rec btrace
6823 @kindex rec btrace bts
6824 @kindex rec btrace pt
6825 @kindex rec bts
6826 @kindex rec pt
6827 @item record @var{method}
6828 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6829 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6830 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6831 recording methods are available:
6832
6833 @table @code
6834 @item full
6835 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6836 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6837 execution.
6838
6839 @item btrace @var{format}
6840 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not record
6841 data. Further, the data is collected in a ring buffer so old data will
6842 be overwritten when the buffer is full. It allows limited reverse
6843 execution. Variables and registers are not available during reverse
6844 execution. In remote debugging, recording continues on disconnect.
6845 Recorded data can be inspected after reconnecting. The recording may
6846 be stopped using @code{record stop}.
6847
6848 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6849 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
6850 formats are available:
6851
6852 @table @code
6853 @item bts
6854 @cindex branch trace store
6855 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
6856 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
6857 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
6858
6859 @item pt
6860 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
6861 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
6862 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
6863 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
6864
6865 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
6866 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
6867 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
6868
6869 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
6870 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
6871 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
6872 buffer-size with care.
6873 @end table
6874
6875 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
6876 @end table
6877
6878 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6879 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6880 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6881 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6882
6883 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6884 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6885 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6886 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6887 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6888
6889 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6890 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6891 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6892 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6893 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6894 does not support these two modes.
6895
6896 @kindex record stop
6897 @kindex rec s
6898 @item record stop
6899 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6900 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6901 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6902
6903 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6904 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6905 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6906 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6907 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6908
6909 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6910 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6911 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6912 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6913 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6914
6915 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6916 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6917
6918 @kindex record goto
6919 @item record goto
6920 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6921 ways to specify the location to go to:
6922
6923 @table @code
6924 @item record goto begin
6925 @itemx record goto start
6926 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6927
6928 @item record goto end
6929 Go to the end of the execution log.
6930
6931 @item record goto @var{n}
6932 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6933 @end table
6934
6935 @kindex record save
6936 @item record save @var{filename}
6937 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6938 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6939 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6940
6941 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6942
6943 @kindex record restore
6944 @item record restore @var{filename}
6945 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6946 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6947
6948 @kindex set record full
6949 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6950 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6951 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6952 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6953
6954 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6955 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6956 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6957 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6958 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6959 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6960 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6961 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6962
6963 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6964 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6965 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6966
6967 @kindex show record full
6968 @item show record full insn-number-max
6969 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6970 recording method.
6971
6972 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6973 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6974 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6975 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6976 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6977 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6978 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6979 oldest one to be deleted.
6980
6981 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6982 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6983
6984 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6985 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6986
6987 @item set record full memory-query
6988 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6989 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6990 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6991 case.
6992
6993 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6994 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6995 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6996 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6997 results.
6998
6999 @item show record full memory-query
7000 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
7001
7002 @kindex set record btrace
7003 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
7004 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
7005 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
7006 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
7007 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
7008 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
7009 You can use the following command for that:
7010
7011 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
7012 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
7013 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
7014 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
7015 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
7016 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
7017 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
7018 position.
7019
7020 @item set record btrace cpu @var{identifier}
7021 Set the processor to be used for enabling workarounds for processor
7022 errata when decoding the trace.
7023
7024 Processor errata are defects in processor operation, caused by its
7025 design or manufacture. They can cause a trace not to match the
7026 specification. This, in turn, may cause trace decode to fail.
7027 @value{GDBN} can detect erroneous trace packets and correct them, thus
7028 avoiding the decoding failures. These corrections are known as
7029 @dfn{errata workarounds}, and are enabled based on the processor on
7030 which the trace was recorded.
7031
7032 By default, @value{GDBN} attempts to detect the processor
7033 automatically, and apply the necessary workarounds for it. However,
7034 you may need to specify the processor if @value{GDBN} does not yet
7035 support it. This command allows you to do that, and also allows to
7036 disable the workarounds.
7037
7038 The argument @var{identifier} identifies the @sc{cpu} and is of the
7039 form: @code{@var{vendor}:@var{procesor identifier}}. In addition,
7040 there are two special identifiers, @code{none} and @code{auto}
7041 (default).
7042
7043 The following vendor identifiers and corresponding processor
7044 identifiers are currently supported:
7045
7046 @multitable @columnfractions .1 .9
7047
7048 @item @code{intel}
7049 @tab @var{family}/@var{model}[/@var{stepping}]
7050
7051 @end multitable
7052
7053 On GNU/Linux systems, the processor @var{family}, @var{model}, and
7054 @var{stepping} can be obtained from @code{/proc/cpuinfo}.
7055
7056 If @var{identifier} is @code{auto}, enable errata workarounds for the
7057 processor on which the trace was recorded. If @var{identifier} is
7058 @code{none}, errata workarounds are disabled.
7059
7060 For example, when using an old @value{GDBN} on a new system, decode
7061 may fail because @value{GDBN} does not support the new processor. It
7062 often suffices to specify an older processor that @value{GDBN}
7063 supports.
7064
7065 @smallexample
7066 (gdb) info record
7067 Active record target: record-btrace
7068 Recording format: Intel Processor Trace.
7069 Buffer size: 16kB.
7070 Failed to configure the Intel Processor Trace decoder: unknown cpu.
7071 (gdb) set record btrace cpu intel:6/158
7072 (gdb) info record
7073 Active record target: record-btrace
7074 Recording format: Intel Processor Trace.
7075 Buffer size: 16kB.
7076 Recorded 84872 instructions in 3189 functions (0 gaps) for thread 1 (...).
7077 @end smallexample
7078
7079 @kindex show record btrace
7080 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
7081 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
7082
7083 @item show record btrace cpu
7084 Show the processor to be used for enabling trace decode errata
7085 workarounds.
7086
7087 @kindex set record btrace bts
7088 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
7089 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
7090 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
7091 format. Default is 64KB.
7092
7093 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
7094 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
7095 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
7096 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
7097 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
7098 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
7099 the @acronym{BTS} format.
7100
7101 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
7102 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
7103
7104 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
7105 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
7106
7107 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
7108 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
7109 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
7110
7111 @kindex set record btrace pt
7112 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
7113 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
7114 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
7115 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
7116
7117 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
7118 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
7119 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
7120 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
7121 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
7122 actual buffer size for each thread.
7123
7124 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
7125 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
7126
7127 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
7128 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
7129
7130 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
7131 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
7132 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
7133
7134 @kindex info record
7135 @item info record
7136 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
7137 method:
7138
7139 @table @code
7140 @item full
7141 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
7142 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
7143
7144 @itemize @bullet
7145 @item
7146 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7147 @item
7148 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
7149 @item
7150 Highest recorded instruction number.
7151 @item
7152 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
7153 @item
7154 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
7155 @item
7156 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
7157 @end itemize
7158
7159 @item btrace
7160 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
7161
7162 @itemize @bullet
7163 @item
7164 Recording format.
7165 @item
7166 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
7167 @item
7168 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
7169 instructions.
7170 @item
7171 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7172 @end itemize
7173
7174 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
7175 @itemize @bullet
7176 @item
7177 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7178 @end itemize
7179
7180 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
7181 @itemize @bullet
7182 @item
7183 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7184 @end itemize
7185 @end table
7186
7187 @kindex record delete
7188 @kindex rec del
7189 @item record delete
7190 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
7191 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
7192 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
7193 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
7194
7195 @kindex record instruction-history
7196 @kindex rec instruction-history
7197 @item record instruction-history
7198 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
7199 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
7200 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
7201 are printed in execution order.
7202
7203 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
7204 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
7205 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
7206
7207 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
7208 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
7209 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
7210 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
7211 @code{/p} modifier.
7212
7213 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
7214 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
7215 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
7216
7217 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
7218 feature is not available for all recording formats.
7219
7220 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
7221 disassemble:
7222
7223 @table @code
7224 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
7225 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
7226 @var{insn}.
7227
7228 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
7229 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
7230 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
7231 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
7232 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
7233 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
7234
7235 @item record instruction-history
7236 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
7237
7238 @item record instruction-history -
7239 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
7240
7241 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7242 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
7243 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
7244 number @var{end} is included.
7245 @end table
7246
7247 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7248
7249 @kindex set record
7250 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
7251 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
7252 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7253 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
7254 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
7255
7256 @kindex show record
7257 @item show record instruction-history-size
7258 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7259 instruction-history} command.
7260
7261 @kindex record function-call-history
7262 @kindex rec function-call-history
7263 @item record function-call-history
7264 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
7265 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
7266 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
7267 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
7268 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
7269 the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names are indented
7270 to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
7271 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be
7272 given together.
7273
7274 @smallexample
7275 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
7276 1 void foo (void)
7277 2 @{
7278 3 @}
7279 4
7280 5 void bar (void)
7281 6 @{
7282 7 ...
7283 8 foo ();
7284 9 ...
7285 10 @}
7286 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
7287 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
7288 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
7289 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
7290 @end smallexample
7291
7292 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
7293 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
7294 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
7295 to print:
7296
7297 @table @code
7298 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
7299 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
7300
7301 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
7302 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
7303 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
7304 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
7305 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
7306
7307 @item record function-call-history
7308 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
7309
7310 @item record function-call-history -
7311 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
7312
7313 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7314 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
7315 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
7316 @end table
7317
7318 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7319
7320 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
7321 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
7322 Define how many lines to print in the
7323 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
7324 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
7325
7326 @item show record function-call-history-size
7327 Show how many lines to print in the
7328 @code{record function-call-history} command.
7329 @end table
7330
7331
7332 @node Stack
7333 @chapter Examining the Stack
7334
7335 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
7336 stopped and how it got there.
7337
7338 @cindex call stack
7339 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
7340 is generated.
7341 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
7342 the arguments of the call,
7343 and the local variables of the function being called.
7344 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
7345 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
7346 stack}.
7347
7348 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
7349 stack allow you to see all of this information.
7350
7351 @cindex selected frame
7352 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
7353 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
7354 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
7355 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
7356 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
7357 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7358
7359 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
7360 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
7361 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
7362
7363 @menu
7364 * Frames:: Stack frames
7365 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
7366 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
7367 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
7368 * Frame Apply:: Applying a command to several frames
7369 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
7370
7371 @end menu
7372
7373 @node Frames
7374 @section Stack Frames
7375
7376 @cindex frame, definition
7377 @cindex stack frame
7378 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
7379 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
7380 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
7381 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
7382 which the function is executing.
7383
7384 @cindex initial frame
7385 @cindex outermost frame
7386 @cindex innermost frame
7387 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
7388 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
7389 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
7390 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
7391 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
7392 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
7393 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
7394 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
7395
7396 @cindex frame pointer
7397 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
7398 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
7399 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
7400 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
7401 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
7402 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
7403
7404 @cindex frame level
7405 @cindex frame number
7406 @value{GDBN} labels each existing stack frame with a @dfn{level}, a
7407 number that is zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that
7408 called it, and so on upward. These level numbers give you a way of
7409 designating stack frames in @value{GDBN} commands. The terms
7410 @dfn{frame number} and @dfn{frame level} can be used interchangeably to
7411 describe this number.
7412
7413 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
7414 @c underflow problems.
7415 @cindex frameless execution
7416 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
7417 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
7418 @smallexample
7419 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
7420 @end smallexample
7421 generates functions without a frame.)
7422 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
7423 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
7424 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
7425 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
7426 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
7427 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
7428 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
7429
7430 @node Backtrace
7431 @section Backtraces
7432
7433 @cindex traceback
7434 @cindex call stack traces
7435 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
7436 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
7437 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
7438 stack.
7439
7440 @anchor{backtrace-command}
7441 @kindex backtrace
7442 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
7443 To print a backtrace of the entire stack, use the @code{backtrace}
7444 command, or its alias @code{bt}. This command will print one line per
7445 frame for frames in the stack. By default, all stack frames are
7446 printed. You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system
7447 interrupt character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
7448
7449 @table @code
7450 @item backtrace [@var{args}@dots{}]
7451 @itemx bt [@var{args}@dots{}]
7452 Print the backtrace of the entire stack. The optional @var{args} can
7453 be one of the following:
7454
7455 @table @code
7456 @item @var{n}
7457 @itemx @var{n}
7458 Print only the innermost @var{n} frames, where @var{n} is a positive
7459 number.
7460
7461 @item -@var{n}
7462 @itemx -@var{n}
7463 Print only the outermost @var{n} frames, where @var{n} is a positive
7464 number.
7465
7466 @item full
7467 Print the values of the local variables also. This can be combined
7468 with a number to limit the number of frames shown.
7469
7470 @item no-filters
7471 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
7472 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
7473 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
7474 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
7475 support.
7476
7477 @item hide
7478 A Python frame filter might decide to ``elide'' some frames. Normally
7479 such elided frames are still printed, but they are indented relative
7480 to the filtered frames that cause them to be elided. The @code{hide}
7481 option causes elided frames to not be printed at all.
7482 @end table
7483 @end table
7484
7485 @kindex where
7486 @kindex info stack
7487 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
7488 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
7489
7490 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
7491 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
7492 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
7493 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
7494 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
7495 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
7496 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
7497 multi-threaded program.
7498
7499 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
7500 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
7501 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
7502 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
7503 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
7504 line number.
7505
7506 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
7507 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
7508
7509 @smallexample
7510 @group
7511 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7512 at builtin.c:993
7513 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
7514 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
7515 at macro.c:71
7516 (More stack frames follow...)
7517 @end group
7518 @end smallexample
7519
7520 @noindent
7521 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
7522 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
7523 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
7524
7525 @noindent
7526 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
7527 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
7528 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
7529 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
7530 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
7531
7532 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
7533 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
7534 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
7535 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
7536 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
7537 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
7538 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
7539 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
7540 such a backtrace might look like:
7541
7542 @smallexample
7543 @group
7544 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7545 at builtin.c:993
7546 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
7547 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
7548 at macro.c:71
7549 (More stack frames follow...)
7550 @end group
7551 @end smallexample
7552
7553 @noindent
7554 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
7555 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
7556
7557 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
7558 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
7559 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
7560
7561 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
7562 @cindex program entry point
7563 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
7564 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
7565 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
7566 @code{main}@footnote{
7567 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
7568 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
7569 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
7570 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
7571 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
7572 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
7573
7574 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
7575 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
7576
7577 @table @code
7578 @item set backtrace past-main
7579 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
7580 @kindex set backtrace
7581 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
7582
7583 @item set backtrace past-main off
7584 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
7585 default.
7586
7587 @item show backtrace past-main
7588 @kindex show backtrace
7589 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
7590
7591 @item set backtrace past-entry
7592 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
7593 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
7594 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
7595 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
7596
7597 @item set backtrace past-entry off
7598 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
7599 application. This is the default.
7600
7601 @item show backtrace past-entry
7602 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
7603
7604 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
7605 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
7606 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
7607 @cindex backtrace limit
7608 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
7609 or zero means unlimited levels.
7610
7611 @item show backtrace limit
7612 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
7613 @end table
7614
7615 You can control how file names are displayed.
7616
7617 @table @code
7618 @item set filename-display
7619 @itemx set filename-display relative
7620 @cindex filename-display
7621 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
7622
7623 @item set filename-display basename
7624 Display only basename of a filename.
7625
7626 @item set filename-display absolute
7627 Display an absolute filename.
7628
7629 @item show filename-display
7630 Show the current way to display filenames.
7631 @end table
7632
7633 @node Selection
7634 @section Selecting a Frame
7635
7636 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7637 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7638 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7639 of the stack frame just selected.
7640
7641 @table @code
7642 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7643 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7644 @item frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7645 @item f @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7646 The @command{frame} command allows different stack frames to be
7647 selected. The @var{frame-selection-spec} can be any of the following:
7648
7649 @table @code
7650 @kindex frame level
7651 @item @var{num}
7652 @item level @var{num}
7653 Select frame level @var{num}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7654 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7655 innermost one, and so on. The highest level frame is usually the one
7656 for @code{main}.
7657
7658 As this is the most common method of navigating the frame stack, the
7659 string @command{level} can be omitted. For example, the following two
7660 commands are equivalent:
7661
7662 @smallexample
7663 (@value{GDBP}) frame 3
7664 (@value{GDBP}) frame level 3
7665 @end smallexample
7666
7667 @kindex frame address
7668 @item address @var{stack-address}
7669 Select the frame with stack address @var{stack-address}. The
7670 @var{stack-address} for a frame can be seen in the output of
7671 @command{info frame}, for example:
7672
7673 @smallexample
7674 (gdb) info frame
7675 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
7676 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
7677 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
7678 source language c++.
7679 Arglist at unknown address.
7680 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
7681 @end smallexample
7682
7683 The @var{stack-address} for this frame is @code{0x7fffffffda30} as
7684 indicated by the line:
7685
7686 @smallexample
7687 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
7688 @end smallexample
7689
7690 @kindex frame function
7691 @item function @var{function-name}
7692 Select the stack frame for function @var{function-name}. If there are
7693 multiple stack frames for function @var{function-name} then the inner
7694 most stack frame is selected.
7695
7696 @kindex frame view
7697 @item view @var{stack-address} @r{[} @var{pc-addr} @r{]}
7698 View a frame that is not part of @value{GDBN}'s backtrace. The frame
7699 viewed has stack address @var{stack-addr}, and optionally, a program
7700 counter address of @var{pc-addr}.
7701
7702 This is useful mainly if the chaining of stack frames has been
7703 damaged by a bug, making it impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign
7704 numbers properly to all frames. In addition, this can be useful
7705 when your program has multiple stacks and switches between them.
7706
7707 When viewing a frame outside the current backtrace using
7708 @command{frame view} then you can always return to the original
7709 stack using one of the previous stack frame selection instructions,
7710 for example @command{frame level 0}.
7711
7712 @end table
7713
7714 @kindex up
7715 @item up @var{n}
7716 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
7717 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
7718 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
7719
7720 @kindex down
7721 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7722 @item down @var{n}
7723 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
7724 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
7725 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
7726 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7727 @end table
7728
7729 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7730 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7731 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7732 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7733
7734 @need 1000
7735 For example:
7736
7737 @smallexample
7738 @group
7739 (@value{GDBP}) up
7740 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7741 at env.c:10
7742 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7743 @end group
7744 @end smallexample
7745
7746 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7747 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7748 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7749 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7750 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7751 for details.
7752
7753 @table @code
7754 @kindex select-frame
7755 @item select-frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7756 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
7757 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
7758 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
7759 output might be unnecessary and distracting. The
7760 @var{frame-selection-spec} is as for the @command{frame} command
7761 described in @ref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7762
7763 @kindex down-silently
7764 @kindex up-silently
7765 @item up-silently @var{n}
7766 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7767 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7768 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7769 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7770 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7771 distracting.
7772 @end table
7773
7774 @node Frame Info
7775 @section Information About a Frame
7776
7777 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7778 stack frame.
7779
7780 @table @code
7781 @item frame
7782 @itemx f
7783 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7784 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7785 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7786 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7787 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7788
7789 @kindex info frame
7790 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7791 @item info frame
7792 @itemx info f
7793 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7794 including:
7795
7796 @itemize @bullet
7797 @item
7798 the address of the frame
7799 @item
7800 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7801 @item
7802 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7803 @item
7804 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7805 @item
7806 the address of the frame's arguments
7807 @item
7808 the address of the frame's local variables
7809 @item
7810 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7811 @item
7812 which registers were saved in the frame
7813 @end itemize
7814
7815 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7816 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7817 the usual conventions.
7818
7819 @item info frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7820 @itemx info f @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
7821 Print a verbose description of the frame selected by
7822 @var{frame-selection-spec}. The @var{frame-selection-spec} is the
7823 same as for the @command{frame} command (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting
7824 a Frame}). The selected frame remains unchanged by this command.
7825
7826 @kindex info args
7827 @item info args
7828 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7829
7830 @item info locals
7831 @kindex info locals
7832 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7833 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7834 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7835
7836 @end table
7837
7838 @node Frame Apply
7839 @section Applying a Command to Several Frames.
7840 @kindex frame apply
7841 @cindex apply command to several frames
7842 @table @code
7843 @item frame apply [all | @var{count} | @var{-count} | level @var{level}@dots{}] [@var{flag}]@dots{} @var{command}
7844 The @code{frame apply} command allows you to apply the named
7845 @var{command} to one or more frames.
7846
7847 @table @code
7848 @item @code{all}
7849 Specify @code{all} to apply @var{command} to all frames.
7850
7851 @item @var{count}
7852 Use @var{count} to apply @var{command} to the innermost @var{count}
7853 frames, where @var{count} is a positive number.
7854
7855 @item @var{-count}
7856 Use @var{-count} to apply @var{command} to the outermost @var{count}
7857 frames, where @var{count} is a positive number.
7858
7859 @item @code{level}
7860 Use @code{level} to apply @var{command} to the set of frames identified
7861 by the @var{level} list. @var{level} is a frame level or a range of frame
7862 levels as @var{level1}-@var{level2}. The frame level is the number shown
7863 in the first field of the @samp{backtrace} command output.
7864 E.g., @samp{2-4 6-8 3} indicates to apply @var{command} for the frames
7865 at levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and then again on frame at level 3.
7866
7867 @end table
7868
7869 @end table
7870
7871 Note that the frames on which @code{frame apply} applies a command are
7872 also influenced by the @code{set backtrace} settings such as @code{set
7873 backtrace past-main} and @code{set backtrace limit N}. See
7874 @xref{Backtrace,,Backtraces}.
7875
7876 The @var{flag} arguments control what output to produce and how to handle
7877 errors raised when applying @var{command} to a frame. @var{flag}
7878 must start with a @code{-} directly followed by one letter in
7879 @code{qcs}. If several flags are provided, they must be given
7880 individually, such as @code{-c -q}.
7881
7882 By default, @value{GDBN} displays some frame information before the
7883 output produced by @var{command}, and an error raised during the
7884 execution of a @var{command} will abort @code{frame apply}. The
7885 following flags can be used to fine-tune this behavior:
7886
7887 @table @code
7888 @item -c
7889 The flag @code{-c}, which stands for @samp{continue}, causes any
7890 errors in @var{command} to be displayed, and the execution of
7891 @code{frame apply} then continues.
7892 @item -s
7893 The flag @code{-s}, which stands for @samp{silent}, causes any errors
7894 or empty output produced by a @var{command} to be silently ignored.
7895 That is, the execution continues, but the frame information and errors
7896 are not printed.
7897 @item -q
7898 The flag @code{-q} (@samp{quiet}) disables printing the frame
7899 information.
7900 @end table
7901
7902 The following example shows how the flags @code{-c} and @code{-s} are
7903 working when applying the command @code{p j} to all frames, where
7904 variable @code{j} can only be successfully printed in the outermost
7905 @code{#1 main} frame.
7906
7907 @smallexample
7908 @group
7909 (gdb) frame apply all p j
7910 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
7911 No symbol "j" in current context.
7912 (gdb) frame apply all -c p j
7913 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
7914 No symbol "j" in current context.
7915 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
7916 $1 = 5
7917 (gdb) frame apply all -s p j
7918 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
7919 $2 = 5
7920 (gdb)
7921 @end group
7922 @end smallexample
7923
7924 By default, @samp{frame apply}, prints the frame location
7925 information before the command output:
7926
7927 @smallexample
7928 @group
7929 (gdb) frame apply all p $sp
7930 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
7931 $4 = (void *) 0xffffd1e0
7932 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
7933 $5 = (void *) 0xffffd1f0
7934 (gdb)
7935 @end group
7936 @end smallexample
7937
7938 If flag @code{-q} is given, no frame information is printed:
7939 @smallexample
7940 @group
7941 (gdb) frame apply all -q p $sp
7942 $12 = (void *) 0xffffd1e0
7943 $13 = (void *) 0xffffd1f0
7944 (gdb)
7945 @end group
7946 @end smallexample
7947
7948 @table @code
7949
7950 @kindex faas
7951 @cindex apply a command to all frames (ignoring errors and empty output)
7952 @item faas @var{command}
7953 Shortcut for @code{frame apply all -s @var{command}}.
7954 Applies @var{command} on all frames, ignoring errors and empty output.
7955
7956 It can for example be used to print a local variable or a function
7957 argument without knowing the frame where this variable or argument
7958 is, using:
7959 @smallexample
7960 (@value{GDBP}) faas p some_local_var_i_do_not_remember_where_it_is
7961 @end smallexample
7962
7963 Note that the command @code{tfaas @var{command}} applies @var{command}
7964 on all frames of all threads. See @xref{Threads,,Threads}.
7965 @end table
7966
7967
7968 @node Frame Filter Management
7969 @section Management of Frame Filters.
7970 @cindex managing frame filters
7971
7972 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
7973 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
7974
7975 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
7976 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
7977
7978 @table @code
7979 @kindex info frame-filter
7980 @item info frame-filter
7981 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
7982 their name, priority and enabled status.
7983
7984 @kindex disable frame-filter
7985 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
7986 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7987 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7988 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7989 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7990 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7991 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
7992 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
7993 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7994 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
7995 may be enabled again later.
7996
7997 @kindex enable frame-filter
7998 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7999 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8000 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
8001 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
8002 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8003 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
8004 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
8005 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
8006 @var{filter-dictionary}.
8007
8008 Example:
8009
8010 @smallexample
8011 (gdb) info frame-filter
8012
8013 global frame-filters:
8014 Priority Enabled Name
8015 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
8016 100 Yes Reverse
8017
8018 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8019 Priority Enabled Name
8020 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8021
8022 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8023 Priority Enabled Name
8024 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
8025
8026 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
8027 (gdb) info frame-filter
8028
8029 global frame-filters:
8030 Priority Enabled Name
8031 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
8032 100 Yes Reverse
8033
8034 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8035 Priority Enabled Name
8036 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8037
8038 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8039 Priority Enabled Name
8040 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8041
8042 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
8043 (gdb) info frame-filter
8044
8045 global frame-filters:
8046 Priority Enabled Name
8047 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
8048 100 Yes Reverse
8049
8050 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8051 Priority Enabled Name
8052 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8053
8054 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8055 Priority Enabled Name
8056 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8057 @end smallexample
8058
8059 @kindex set frame-filter priority
8060 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
8061 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8062 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
8063 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
8064 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8065 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
8066
8067 @kindex show frame-filter priority
8068 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
8069 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8070 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
8071 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
8072 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8073 dictionary resides.
8074
8075 Example:
8076
8077 @smallexample
8078 (gdb) info frame-filter
8079
8080 global frame-filters:
8081 Priority Enabled Name
8082 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
8083 100 Yes Reverse
8084
8085 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8086 Priority Enabled Name
8087 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8088
8089 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8090 Priority Enabled Name
8091 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8092
8093 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
8094 (gdb) info frame-filter
8095
8096 global frame-filters:
8097 Priority Enabled Name
8098 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
8099 50 Yes Reverse
8100
8101 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8102 Priority Enabled Name
8103 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8104
8105 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8106 Priority Enabled Name
8107 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8108 @end smallexample
8109 @end table
8110
8111 @node Source
8112 @chapter Examining Source Files
8113
8114 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
8115 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
8116 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
8117 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
8118 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
8119 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
8120 source files by explicit command.
8121
8122 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
8123 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
8124 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
8125
8126 @menu
8127 * List:: Printing source lines
8128 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
8129 * Edit:: Editing source files
8130 * Search:: Searching source files
8131 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
8132 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
8133 @end menu
8134
8135 @node List
8136 @section Printing Source Lines
8137
8138 @kindex list
8139 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
8140 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
8141 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
8142 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
8143 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
8144
8145 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
8146
8147 @table @code
8148 @item list @var{linenum}
8149 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
8150 current source file.
8151
8152 @item list @var{function}
8153 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
8154 @var{function}.
8155
8156 @item list
8157 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
8158 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
8159 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
8160 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
8161 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
8162
8163 @item list -
8164 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
8165 @end table
8166
8167 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
8168 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
8169 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
8170
8171 @table @code
8172 @kindex set listsize
8173 @item set listsize @var{count}
8174 @itemx set listsize unlimited
8175 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
8176 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
8177 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
8178
8179 @kindex show listsize
8180 @item show listsize
8181 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
8182 @end table
8183
8184 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
8185 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
8186 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
8187 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
8188 each repetition moves up in the source file.
8189
8190 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
8191 @dfn{locations}. Locations specify source lines; there are several ways
8192 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
8193 to specify some source line.
8194
8195 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
8196
8197 @table @code
8198 @item list @var{location}
8199 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{location}.
8200
8201 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
8202 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
8203 locations. When a @code{list} command has two locations, and the
8204 source file of the second location is omitted, this refers to
8205 the same source file as the first location.
8206
8207 @item list ,@var{last}
8208 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
8209
8210 @item list @var{first},
8211 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
8212
8213 @item list +
8214 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
8215
8216 @item list -
8217 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
8218
8219 @item list
8220 As described in the preceding table.
8221 @end table
8222
8223 @node Specify Location
8224 @section Specifying a Location
8225 @cindex specifying location
8226 @cindex location
8227 @cindex source location
8228
8229 @menu
8230 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
8231 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
8232 * Address Locations:: Address locations
8233 @end menu
8234
8235 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
8236 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
8237 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code.
8238 Locations may be specified using three different formats:
8239 linespec locations, explicit locations, or address locations.
8240
8241 @node Linespec Locations
8242 @subsection Linespec Locations
8243 @cindex linespec locations
8244
8245 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
8246 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
8247 specifying a linespec:
8248
8249 @table @code
8250 @item @var{linenum}
8251 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
8252
8253 @item -@var{offset}
8254 @itemx +@var{offset}
8255 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
8256 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
8257 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
8258 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
8259 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
8260 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
8261 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
8262 linespec.
8263
8264 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
8265 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
8266 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
8267 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
8268 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
8269 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
8270 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
8271
8272 @item @var{function}
8273 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
8274 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
8275
8276 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
8277 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
8278 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
8279 means in all packages.
8280
8281 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
8282 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
8283 func}} and @w{@kbd{break B::func}} set a breakpoint on both symbols.
8284
8285 Commands that accept a linespec let you override this with the
8286 @code{-qualified} option. For example, @w{@kbd{break -qualified
8287 func}} sets a breakpoint on a free-function named @code{func} ignoring
8288 any C@t{++} class methods and namespace functions called @code{func}.
8289
8290 @xref{Explicit Locations}.
8291
8292 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
8293 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
8294
8295 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
8296 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
8297 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
8298 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
8299 functions in different source files.
8300
8301 @item @var{label}
8302 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
8303 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
8304 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
8305 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
8306
8307 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
8308 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
8309 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
8310 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
8311 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
8312 specifies the location of such a static probe.
8313
8314 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
8315 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
8316 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
8317 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
8318 each one of those probes.
8319 @end table
8320
8321 @node Explicit Locations
8322 @subsection Explicit Locations
8323 @cindex explicit locations
8324
8325 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
8326 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
8327
8328 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
8329 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
8330 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
8331 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
8332 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
8333
8334 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
8335 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
8336 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
8337 the symbol table to know.
8338
8339 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
8340 following table:
8341
8342 @table @code
8343 @item -source @var{filename}
8344 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
8345 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
8346 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
8347 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
8348 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
8349
8350 @item -function @var{function}
8351 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
8352 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
8353 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
8354 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
8355
8356 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
8357 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
8358 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
8359 means in all packages.
8360
8361 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
8362 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
8363 -function func}} and @w{@kbd{break -function B::func}} set a
8364 breakpoint on both symbols.
8365
8366 You can use the @kbd{-qualified} flag to override this (see below).
8367
8368 @item -qualified
8369
8370 This flag makes @value{GDBN} interpret a function name specified with
8371 @kbd{-function} as a complete fully-qualified name.
8372
8373 For example, assuming a C@t{++} program with symbols named
8374 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, the @w{@kbd{break -qualified
8375 -function B::func}} command sets a breakpoint on @code{B::func}, only.
8376
8377 (Note: the @kbd{-qualified} option can precede a linespec as well
8378 (@pxref{Linespec Locations}), so the particular example above could be
8379 simplified as @w{@kbd{break -qualified B::func}}.)
8380
8381 @item -label @var{label}
8382 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
8383 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
8384 selected stack frame.
8385
8386 @item -line @var{number}
8387 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
8388 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
8389 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
8390 relative to the current line.
8391 @end table
8392
8393 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
8394 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @w{@kbd{break -s main.c -li 3}}.
8395
8396 @node Address Locations
8397 @subsection Address Locations
8398 @cindex address locations
8399
8400 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
8401 the generalized form *@var{address}.
8402
8403 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
8404 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
8405 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
8406 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
8407 source files.
8408
8409 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
8410 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
8411 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
8412 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
8413 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
8414 of @var{address}:
8415
8416 @table @code
8417 @item @var{expression}
8418 Any expression valid in the current working language.
8419
8420 @item @var{funcaddr}
8421 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
8422 C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
8423 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
8424 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
8425 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
8426 (although the Pascal form also works).
8427
8428 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
8429 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
8430
8431 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
8432 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
8433 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
8434 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
8435 functions with identical names in different source files.
8436 @end table
8437
8438 @node Edit
8439 @section Editing Source Files
8440 @cindex editing source files
8441
8442 @kindex edit
8443 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
8444 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
8445 The editing program of your choice
8446 is invoked with the current line set to
8447 the active line in the program.
8448 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
8449 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
8450
8451 @table @code
8452 @item edit @var{location}
8453 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
8454 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
8455 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
8456 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
8457 command most commonly used:
8458
8459 @table @code
8460 @item edit @var{number}
8461 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
8462
8463 @item edit @var{function}
8464 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
8465 @end table
8466
8467 @end table
8468
8469 @subsection Choosing your Editor
8470 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
8471 @footnote{
8472 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
8473 following command-line syntax:
8474 @smallexample
8475 ex +@var{number} file
8476 @end smallexample
8477 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
8478 the file where to start editing.}.
8479 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
8480 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
8481 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
8482 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
8483 @smallexample
8484 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
8485 export EDITOR
8486 gdb @dots{}
8487 @end smallexample
8488 or in the @code{csh} shell,
8489 @smallexample
8490 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
8491 gdb @dots{}
8492 @end smallexample
8493
8494 @node Search
8495 @section Searching Source Files
8496 @cindex searching source files
8497
8498 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
8499 regular expression.
8500
8501 @table @code
8502 @kindex search
8503 @kindex forward-search
8504 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
8505 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
8506 @itemx search @var{regexp}
8507 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
8508 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
8509 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
8510 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
8511 @code{fo}.
8512
8513 @kindex reverse-search
8514 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
8515 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
8516 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
8517 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
8518 this command as @code{rev}.
8519 @end table
8520
8521 @node Source Path
8522 @section Specifying Source Directories
8523
8524 @cindex source path
8525 @cindex directories for source files
8526 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
8527 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
8528 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
8529 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
8530 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
8531 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
8532 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
8533
8534 For example, suppose an executable references the file
8535 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
8536 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
8537 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
8538 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
8539 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
8540 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
8541 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
8542 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
8543 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
8544 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
8545
8546 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
8547 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
8548 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
8549 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
8550 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
8551 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
8552
8553 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
8554 source files.
8555
8556 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
8557 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
8558 each line is in the file.
8559
8560 @kindex directory
8561 @kindex dir
8562 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
8563 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
8564 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
8565
8566 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
8567 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
8568
8569 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
8570 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
8571 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
8572 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
8573 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
8574 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
8575 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
8576 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
8577 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
8578 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
8579 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
8580 name to look up the sources.
8581
8582 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
8583 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
8584 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
8585 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
8586 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
8587 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
8588 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
8589 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
8590
8591 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
8592 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
8593 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
8594 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
8595 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
8596 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
8597 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
8598
8599 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
8600 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
8601 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
8602 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
8603 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
8604 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
8605 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
8606 command.
8607
8608 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
8609 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
8610 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
8611 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
8612 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
8613 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
8614 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
8615
8616 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
8617 @cindex default source path substitution
8618 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
8619 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
8620 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
8621 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
8622 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
8623 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
8624 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
8625 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
8626 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
8627 together.
8628
8629 @table @code
8630 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
8631 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
8632 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
8633 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
8634 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
8635 part of absolute file names) or
8636 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
8637 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
8638
8639 @kindex cdir
8640 @kindex cwd
8641 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
8642 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
8643 @cindex compilation directory
8644 @cindex current directory
8645 @cindex working directory
8646 @cindex directory, current
8647 @cindex directory, compilation
8648 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
8649 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
8650 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
8651 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
8652 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
8653 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
8654
8655 @item directory
8656 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
8657
8658 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
8659 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
8660
8661 @item set directories @var{path-list}
8662 @kindex set directories
8663 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
8664 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
8665
8666 @item show directories
8667 @kindex show directories
8668 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
8669
8670 @anchor{set substitute-path}
8671 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
8672 @kindex set substitute-path
8673 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
8674 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
8675 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
8676
8677 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
8678 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
8679
8680 @smallexample
8681 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
8682 @end smallexample
8683
8684 @noindent
8685 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
8686 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
8687 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
8688
8689 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
8690 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
8691 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
8692 the substitution.
8693
8694 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
8695
8696 @smallexample
8697 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
8698 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
8699 @end smallexample
8700
8701 @noindent
8702 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
8703 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
8704 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
8705 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
8706
8707
8708 @item unset substitute-path [path]
8709 @kindex unset substitute-path
8710 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
8711 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
8712 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
8713
8714 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
8715
8716 @item show substitute-path [path]
8717 @kindex show substitute-path
8718 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
8719 which would rewrite that path, if any.
8720
8721 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
8722 rules.
8723
8724 @end table
8725
8726 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
8727 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
8728 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
8729
8730 @enumerate
8731 @item
8732 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
8733
8734 @item
8735 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
8736 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
8737 directories in one command.
8738 @end enumerate
8739
8740 @node Machine Code
8741 @section Source and Machine Code
8742 @cindex source line and its code address
8743
8744 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
8745 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
8746 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
8747 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
8748 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
8749 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
8750 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
8751 well as hex.
8752
8753 @table @code
8754 @kindex info line
8755 @item info line
8756 @itemx info line @var{location}
8757 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
8758 source line @var{location}. You can specify source lines in any of
8759 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}. With no @var{location}
8760 information about the current source line is printed.
8761 @end table
8762
8763 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
8764 the object code for the first line of function
8765 @code{m4_changequote}:
8766
8767 @smallexample
8768 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
8769 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c <m4_changequote> and \
8770 ends at 0x6350 <m4_changequote+4>.
8771 @end smallexample
8772
8773 @noindent
8774 @cindex code address and its source line
8775 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
8776 @var{location}) what source line covers a particular address:
8777 @smallexample
8778 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
8779 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 <m4_changequote+152> and \
8780 ends at 0x6404 <m4_changequote+184>.
8781 @end smallexample
8782
8783 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
8784 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
8785 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
8786 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
8787 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
8788 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
8789 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
8790 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8791 Variables}).
8792
8793 @cindex info line, repeated calls
8794 After @code{info line}, using @code{info line} again without
8795 specifying a location will display information about the next source
8796 line.
8797
8798 @table @code
8799 @kindex disassemble
8800 @cindex assembly instructions
8801 @cindex instructions, assembly
8802 @cindex machine instructions
8803 @cindex listing machine instructions
8804 @item disassemble
8805 @itemx disassemble /m
8806 @itemx disassemble /s
8807 @itemx disassemble /r
8808 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
8809 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
8810 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex
8811 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
8812 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
8813 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
8814 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
8815 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
8816 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
8817 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
8818
8819 @table @code
8820 @item @var{start},@var{end}
8821 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
8822 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
8823 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
8824 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
8825 @end table
8826
8827 @noindent
8828 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
8829 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
8830
8831 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
8832 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
8833
8834 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
8835 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
8836 @end table
8837
8838 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
8839 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
8840
8841 @smallexample
8842 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
8843 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
8844 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
8845 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
8846 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8847 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
8848 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
8849 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
8850 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
8851 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8852 End of assembler dump.
8853 @end smallexample
8854
8855 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
8856 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
8857 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
8858
8859 @smallexample
8860 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8861 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8862 5 @{
8863 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
8864 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
8865 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
8866 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
8867 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
8868
8869 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
8870 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
8871 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
8872
8873 7 return 0;
8874 8 @}
8875 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
8876 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
8877 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
8878
8879 End of assembler dump.
8880 @end smallexample
8881
8882 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
8883 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
8884 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
8885 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
8886 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
8887 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
8888 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
8889 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
8890 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
8891
8892 @file{foo.h}:
8893
8894 @smallexample
8895 int
8896 foo (int a)
8897 @{
8898 if (a < 0)
8899 return a * 2;
8900 if (a == 0)
8901 return 1;
8902 return a + 10;
8903 @}
8904 @end smallexample
8905
8906 @file{foo.c}:
8907
8908 @smallexample
8909 #include "foo.h"
8910 volatile int x, y;
8911 int
8912 main ()
8913 @{
8914 x = foo (y);
8915 return 0;
8916 @}
8917 @end smallexample
8918
8919 @smallexample
8920 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8921 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8922 5 @{
8923
8924 6 x = foo (y);
8925 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8926 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8927
8928 7 return 0;
8929 8 @}
8930 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8931 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8932 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8933 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8934
8935 End of assembler dump.
8936 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
8937 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8938 foo.c:
8939 5 @{
8940 6 x = foo (y);
8941 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8942
8943 foo.h:
8944 4 if (a < 0)
8945 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
8946 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
8947
8948 6 if (a == 0)
8949 7 return 1;
8950 8 return a + 10;
8951 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
8952 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
8953 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
8954 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
8955
8956 foo.c:
8957 6 x = foo (y);
8958 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8959
8960 7 return 0;
8961 8 @}
8962 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8963 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8964
8965 foo.h:
8966 5 return a * 2;
8967 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8968 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8969 End of assembler dump.
8970 @end smallexample
8971
8972 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
8973
8974 @smallexample
8975 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
8976 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
8977 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
8978 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
8979 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
8980 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
8981 End of assembler dump.
8982 @end smallexample
8983
8984 Addresses cannot be specified as a location (@pxref{Specify Location}).
8985 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
8986 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
8987 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
8988
8989 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
8990 mnemonics or other syntax.
8991
8992 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
8993 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
8994 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
8995 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
8996 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
8997
8998 @table @code
8999 @kindex set disassembler-options
9000 @cindex disassembler options
9001 @item set disassembler-options @var{option1}[,@var{option2}@dots{}]
9002 This command controls the passing of target specific information to
9003 the disassembler. For a list of valid options, please refer to the
9004 @code{-M}/@code{--disassembler-options} section of the @samp{objdump}
9005 manual and/or the output of @kbd{objdump --help}
9006 (@pxref{objdump,,objdump,binutils,The GNU Binary Utilities}).
9007 The default value is the empty string.
9008
9009 If it is necessary to specify more than one disassembler option, then
9010 multiple options can be placed together into a comma separated list.
9011 Currently this command is only supported on targets ARM, MIPS, PowerPC
9012 and S/390.
9013
9014 @kindex show disassembler-options
9015 @item show disassembler-options
9016 Show the current setting of the disassembler options.
9017 @end table
9018
9019 @table @code
9020 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
9021 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
9022 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
9023 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
9024 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
9025 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
9026
9027 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
9028 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
9029 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
9030 assemblers for x86-based targets.
9031
9032 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
9033 @item show disassembly-flavor
9034 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
9035 @end table
9036
9037 @table @code
9038 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
9039 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
9040 @item set disassemble-next-line
9041 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
9042 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
9043 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
9044 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
9045 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
9046 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
9047 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
9048 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
9049 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
9050 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
9051 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
9052 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
9053 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
9054 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
9055 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
9056 instruction.
9057 @end table
9058
9059
9060 @node Data
9061 @chapter Examining Data
9062
9063 @cindex printing data
9064 @cindex examining data
9065 @kindex print
9066 @kindex inspect
9067 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
9068 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
9069 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
9070 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
9071 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
9072 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
9073
9074 @table @code
9075 @item print @var{expr}
9076 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
9077 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
9078 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
9079 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
9080 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
9081 Formats}.
9082
9083 @item print
9084 @itemx print /@var{f}
9085 @cindex reprint the last value
9086 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
9087 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
9088 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
9089 @end table
9090
9091 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
9092 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
9093 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
9094
9095 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
9096 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
9097 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
9098 Table}.
9099
9100 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
9101 @kindex explore
9102 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
9103 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
9104 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
9105 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
9106 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
9107 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
9108 embedded in the higher level data types.
9109
9110 @table @code
9111 @item explore @var{arg}
9112 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
9113 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
9114 @end table
9115
9116 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
9117 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
9118 C program as
9119
9120 @smallexample
9121 struct SimpleStruct
9122 @{
9123 int i;
9124 double d;
9125 @};
9126
9127 struct ComplexStruct
9128 @{
9129 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
9130 int arr[10];
9131 @};
9132 @end smallexample
9133
9134 @noindent
9135 followed by variable declarations as
9136
9137 @smallexample
9138 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
9139 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
9140 @end smallexample
9141
9142 @noindent
9143 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
9144 @code{explore} command as follows.
9145
9146 @smallexample
9147 (gdb) explore cs
9148 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
9149 the following fields:
9150
9151 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
9152 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
9153
9154 Enter the field number of choice:
9155 @end smallexample
9156
9157 @noindent
9158 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
9159 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
9160 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
9161 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
9162 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
9163 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
9164 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
9165 field will be explored as if it were an array.
9166
9167 @smallexample
9168 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
9169 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
9170 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
9171 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
9172
9173 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
9174 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
9175
9176 Press enter to return to parent value:
9177 @end smallexample
9178
9179 @noindent
9180 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
9181 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
9182 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
9183 to explore.
9184
9185 @smallexample
9186 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
9187 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
9188
9189 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
9190
9191 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
9192
9193 Press enter to return to parent value:
9194 @end smallexample
9195
9196 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
9197 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
9198 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
9199 level data structure).
9200
9201 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
9202 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
9203 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
9204 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
9205 same example as above, your can explore the type
9206 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
9207 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
9208
9209 @smallexample
9210 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
9211 @end smallexample
9212
9213 @noindent
9214 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
9215 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
9216 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
9217 example.
9218
9219 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
9220 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
9221 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
9222 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
9223 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
9224
9225 @table @code
9226 @item explore value @var{expr}
9227 @cindex explore value
9228 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
9229 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
9230 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
9231 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
9232 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
9233
9234 @item explore type @var{arg}
9235 @cindex explore type
9236 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
9237 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
9238 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
9239 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
9240 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
9241 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
9242 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
9243 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
9244 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
9245 @end table
9246
9247 @menu
9248 * Expressions:: Expressions
9249 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
9250 * Variables:: Program variables
9251 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
9252 * Output Formats:: Output formats
9253 * Memory:: Examining memory
9254 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
9255 * Print Settings:: Print settings
9256 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
9257 * Value History:: Value history
9258 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
9259 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
9260 * Registers:: Registers
9261 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
9262 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
9263 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
9264 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
9265 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
9266 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
9267 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
9268 character set than GDB does
9269 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
9270 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
9271 * Value Sizes:: Managing memory allocated for values
9272 @end menu
9273
9274 @node Expressions
9275 @section Expressions
9276
9277 @cindex expressions
9278 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
9279 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
9280 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
9281 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
9282 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
9283 you compiled your program to include this information; see
9284 @ref{Compilation}.
9285
9286 @cindex arrays in expressions
9287 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
9288 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
9289 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
9290 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
9291 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
9292 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
9293
9294 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
9295 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
9296 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
9297 languages.
9298
9299 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
9300 expressions regardless of your programming language.
9301
9302 @cindex casts, in expressions
9303 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
9304 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
9305 at that address in memory.
9306 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
9307
9308 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
9309 to programming languages:
9310
9311 @table @code
9312 @item @@
9313 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
9314 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
9315
9316 @item ::
9317 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
9318 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
9319
9320 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
9321 @cindex type casting memory
9322 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
9323 @cindex casts, to view memory
9324 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
9325 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
9326 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
9327 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
9328 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
9329 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
9330 @end table
9331
9332 @node Ambiguous Expressions
9333 @section Ambiguous Expressions
9334 @cindex ambiguous expressions
9335
9336 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
9337 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
9338 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
9339 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
9340 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
9341 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
9342 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
9343
9344 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
9345 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
9346 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
9347 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
9348 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
9349 as well.
9350
9351 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
9352 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
9353 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
9354 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
9355 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
9356 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
9357 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
9358 choices.
9359
9360 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
9361 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
9362 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
9363
9364 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
9365 @smallexample
9366 @group
9367 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
9368 [0] cancel
9369 [1] all
9370 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
9371 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
9372 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
9373 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
9374 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
9375 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
9376 > 2 4 6
9377 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
9378 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
9379 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
9380 Multiple breakpoints were set.
9381 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
9382 breakpoints.
9383 (@value{GDBP})
9384 @end group
9385 @end smallexample
9386
9387 @table @code
9388 @kindex set multiple-symbols
9389 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
9390 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
9391
9392 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
9393 is ambiguous.
9394
9395 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
9396 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
9397 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
9398 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
9399 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
9400 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
9401 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
9402 in the use of the menu.
9403
9404 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
9405 when an ambiguity is detected.
9406
9407 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
9408 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
9409
9410 @kindex show multiple-symbols
9411 @item show multiple-symbols
9412 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
9413 @end table
9414
9415 @node Variables
9416 @section Program Variables
9417
9418 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
9419 in your program.
9420
9421 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
9422 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
9423
9424 @itemize @bullet
9425 @item
9426 global (or file-static)
9427 @end itemize
9428
9429 @noindent or
9430
9431 @itemize @bullet
9432 @item
9433 visible according to the scope rules of the
9434 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
9435 @end itemize
9436
9437 @noindent This means that in the function
9438
9439 @smallexample
9440 foo (a)
9441 int a;
9442 @{
9443 bar (a);
9444 @{
9445 int b = test ();
9446 bar (b);
9447 @}
9448 @}
9449 @end smallexample
9450
9451 @noindent
9452 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
9453 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
9454 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
9455 the block where @code{b} is declared.
9456
9457 @cindex variable name conflict
9458 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
9459 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
9460 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
9461 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
9462 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
9463 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
9464 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
9465
9466 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
9467 @ifnotinfo
9468 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
9469 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
9470 @end ifnotinfo
9471 @smallexample
9472 @var{file}::@var{variable}
9473 @var{function}::@var{variable}
9474 @end smallexample
9475
9476 @noindent
9477 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
9478 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
9479 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
9480 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
9481
9482 @smallexample
9483 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
9484 @end smallexample
9485
9486 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
9487 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
9488 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
9489 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
9490 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
9491
9492 @smallexample
9493 void
9494 foo (int a)
9495 @{
9496 if (a < 10)
9497 bar (a);
9498 else
9499 process (a); /* Stop here */
9500 @}
9501
9502 int
9503 bar (int a)
9504 @{
9505 foo (a + 5);
9506 @}
9507 @end smallexample
9508
9509 @noindent
9510 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
9511 here is what you might see
9512 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
9513
9514 @smallexample
9515 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9516 $1 = 10
9517 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9518 $2 = 5
9519 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
9520 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
9521 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9522 $3 = 5
9523 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9524 $4 = 0
9525 @end smallexample
9526
9527 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
9528 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
9529 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
9530 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
9531 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
9532
9533 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
9534 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
9535 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
9536 @code{some_global}.
9537
9538 @smallexample
9539 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
9540 $1 = 23
9541 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
9542 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
9543 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
9544 $2 = 27
9545 @end smallexample
9546
9547 @cindex wrong values
9548 @cindex variable values, wrong
9549 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
9550 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
9551 @quotation
9552 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
9553 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
9554 scope, and just before exit.
9555 @end quotation
9556 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
9557 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
9558 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
9559 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
9560 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
9561 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
9562 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
9563 variable definitions may be gone.
9564
9565 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
9566 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
9567 when compiling.
9568
9569 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
9570 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
9571 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
9572 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
9573 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
9574 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
9575 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
9576
9577 @smallexample
9578 No symbol "foo" in current context.
9579 @end smallexample
9580
9581 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
9582 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
9583 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
9584 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
9585 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
9586
9587 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
9588 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
9589 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
9590 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
9591
9592 @cindex no debug info variables
9593 If you try to examine or use the value of a (global) variable for
9594 which @value{GDBN} has no type information, e.g., because the program
9595 includes no debug information, @value{GDBN} displays an error message.
9596 @xref{Symbols, unknown type}, for more about unknown types. If you
9597 cast the variable to its declared type, @value{GDBN} gets the
9598 variable's value using the cast-to type as the variable's type. For
9599 example, in a C program:
9600
9601 @smallexample
9602 (@value{GDBP}) p var
9603 'var' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
9604 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) var
9605 $1 = 3.14
9606 @end smallexample
9607
9608 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
9609 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
9610 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
9611 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
9612 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
9613
9614 @smallexample
9615 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
9616 29 i++;
9617 (gdb) next
9618 30 e (i);
9619 (gdb) print i
9620 $1 = 31
9621 (gdb) print i@@entry
9622 $2 = 30
9623 @end smallexample
9624
9625 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
9626 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
9627 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
9628 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
9629 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
9630 For program code
9631
9632 @smallexample
9633 char var0[] = "A";
9634 signed char var1[] = "A";
9635 @end smallexample
9636
9637 You get during debugging
9638 @smallexample
9639 (gdb) print var0
9640 $1 = "A"
9641 (gdb) print var1
9642 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
9643 @end smallexample
9644
9645 @node Arrays
9646 @section Artificial Arrays
9647
9648 @cindex artificial array
9649 @cindex arrays
9650 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
9651 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
9652 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
9653 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
9654 program.
9655
9656 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
9657 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
9658 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
9659 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
9660 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
9661 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
9662 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
9663 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
9664 example. If a program says
9665
9666 @smallexample
9667 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
9668 @end smallexample
9669
9670 @noindent
9671 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
9672
9673 @smallexample
9674 p *array@@len
9675 @end smallexample
9676
9677 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
9678 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
9679 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
9680 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
9681 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
9682
9683 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
9684 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
9685 The value need not be in memory:
9686 @smallexample
9687 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
9688 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9689 @end smallexample
9690
9691 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
9692 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
9693 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
9694 @smallexample
9695 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
9696 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9697 @end smallexample
9698
9699 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
9700 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
9701 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
9702 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
9703 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9704 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
9705 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
9706 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
9707 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
9708 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
9709
9710 @smallexample
9711 set $i = 0
9712 p dtab[$i++]->fv
9713 @key{RET}
9714 @key{RET}
9715 @dots{}
9716 @end smallexample
9717
9718 @node Output Formats
9719 @section Output Formats
9720
9721 @cindex formatted output
9722 @cindex output formats
9723 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
9724 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
9725 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
9726 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
9727 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
9728
9729 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
9730 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
9731 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
9732 letters supported are:
9733
9734 @table @code
9735 @item x
9736 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
9737 hexadecimal.
9738
9739 @item d
9740 Print as integer in signed decimal.
9741
9742 @item u
9743 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
9744
9745 @item o
9746 Print as integer in octal.
9747
9748 @item t
9749 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
9750 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
9751 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
9752 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
9753
9754 @item a
9755 @cindex unknown address, locating
9756 @cindex locate address
9757 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
9758 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
9759 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
9760
9761 @smallexample
9762 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
9763 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
9764 @end smallexample
9765
9766 @noindent
9767 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
9768 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
9769
9770 @item c
9771 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
9772 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
9773 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
9774 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
9775
9776 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
9777 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
9778 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
9779 data.
9780
9781 @item f
9782 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
9783 using typical floating point syntax.
9784
9785 @item s
9786 @cindex printing strings
9787 @cindex printing byte arrays
9788 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
9789 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
9790 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
9791 natural types.
9792
9793 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
9794 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
9795 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
9796 array.
9797
9798 @item z
9799 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
9800 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
9801 to the size of the integer type.
9802
9803 @item r
9804 @cindex raw printing
9805 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
9806 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
9807 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
9808 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
9809 pretty-printer which might exist.
9810 @end table
9811
9812 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
9813
9814 @smallexample
9815 p/x $pc
9816 @end smallexample
9817
9818 @noindent
9819 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
9820 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
9821
9822 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
9823 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
9824 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
9825
9826 @node Memory
9827 @section Examining Memory
9828
9829 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
9830 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
9831
9832 @cindex examining memory
9833 @table @code
9834 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
9835 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
9836 @itemx x @var{addr}
9837 @itemx x
9838 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
9839 @end table
9840
9841 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
9842 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
9843 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
9844 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
9845 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
9846
9847 @table @r
9848 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
9849 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
9850 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display. If a negative
9851 number is specified, memory is examined backward from @var{addr}.
9852 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
9853 @c 4.1.2.
9854
9855 @item @var{f}, the display format
9856 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
9857 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
9858 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
9859 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
9860 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
9861
9862 @item @var{u}, the unit size
9863 The unit size is any of
9864
9865 @table @code
9866 @item b
9867 Bytes.
9868 @item h
9869 Halfwords (two bytes).
9870 @item w
9871 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
9872 @item g
9873 Giant words (eight bytes).
9874 @end table
9875
9876 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
9877 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
9878 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
9879 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
9880 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
9881 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
9882 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
9883 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
9884 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
9885 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
9886 be altered.
9887
9888 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
9889 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
9890 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
9891 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
9892 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
9893 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
9894 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
9895 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
9896 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
9897 a value from memory).
9898 @end table
9899
9900 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
9901 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
9902 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
9903 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
9904 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
9905
9906 You can also specify a negative repeat count to examine memory backward
9907 from the given address. For example, @samp{x/-3uh 0x54320} prints three
9908 halfwords (@code{h}) at @code{0x54314}, @code{0x54328}, and @code{0x5431c}.
9909
9910 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
9911 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
9912 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
9913 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
9914 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
9915
9916 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
9917 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
9918 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
9919 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
9920 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
9921 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
9922 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
9923 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
9924 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
9925
9926 If a negative repeat count is specified for the formats @samp{s} or @samp{i},
9927 the command displays null-terminated strings or instructions before the given
9928 address as many as the absolute value of the given number. For the @samp{i}
9929 format, we use line number information in the debug info to accurately locate
9930 instruction boundaries while disassembling backward. If line info is not
9931 available, the command stops examining memory with an error message.
9932
9933 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
9934 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
9935 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
9936 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
9937 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
9938 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
9939 for successive uses of @code{x}.
9940
9941 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
9942 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
9943
9944 @smallexample
9945 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
9946 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
9947 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
9948 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
9949 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
9950 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
9951 @end smallexample
9952
9953 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
9954 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
9955 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
9956 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
9957 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
9958 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
9959 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
9960 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
9961 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
9962
9963 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
9964 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
9965 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
9966
9967 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
9968 @cindex addressable memory unit
9969 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
9970 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
9971 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
9972 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
9973 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
9974 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
9975 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
9976 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
9977 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
9978
9979 @cindex remote memory comparison
9980 @cindex target memory comparison
9981 @cindex verify remote memory image
9982 @cindex verify target memory image
9983 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
9984 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
9985 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
9986 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
9987 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
9988 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
9989
9990 @table @code
9991 @kindex compare-sections
9992 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
9993 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
9994 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
9995 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
9996 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
9997 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
9998
9999 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
10000 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
10001 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
10002 @end table
10003
10004 @node Auto Display
10005 @section Automatic Display
10006 @cindex automatic display
10007 @cindex display of expressions
10008
10009 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
10010 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
10011 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
10012 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
10013 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
10014 The automatic display looks like this:
10015
10016 @smallexample
10017 2: foo = 38
10018 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
10019 @end smallexample
10020
10021 @noindent
10022 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
10023 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
10024 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
10025 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
10026 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
10027 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
10028
10029 @table @code
10030 @kindex display
10031 @item display @var{expr}
10032 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
10033 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
10034
10035 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
10036
10037 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
10038 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
10039 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
10040 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
10041 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
10042
10043 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
10044 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
10045 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
10046 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
10047 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
10048 @end table
10049
10050 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
10051 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
10052 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10053
10054 @table @code
10055 @kindex delete display
10056 @kindex undisplay
10057 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
10058 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
10059 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
10060 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
10061 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
10062 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
10063 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
10064
10065 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
10066 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
10067
10068 @kindex disable display
10069 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
10070 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
10071 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
10072 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
10073 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
10074 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
10075 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
10076 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
10077
10078 @kindex enable display
10079 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
10080 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
10081 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
10082 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
10083 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
10084 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
10085 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
10086
10087 @item display
10088 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
10089 done when your program stops.
10090
10091 @kindex info display
10092 @item info display
10093 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
10094 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
10095 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
10096 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
10097 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
10098 @end table
10099
10100 @cindex display disabled out of scope
10101 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
10102 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
10103 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
10104 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
10105 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
10106 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
10107 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
10108 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
10109 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
10110 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
10111
10112 @node Print Settings
10113 @section Print Settings
10114
10115 @cindex format options
10116 @cindex print settings
10117 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
10118 and symbols are printed.
10119
10120 @noindent
10121 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
10122
10123 @table @code
10124 @kindex set print
10125 @item set print address
10126 @itemx set print address on
10127 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
10128 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
10129 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
10130 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
10131 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
10132 @code{set print address on}:
10133
10134 @smallexample
10135 @group
10136 (@value{GDBP}) f
10137 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
10138 at input.c:530
10139 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
10140 @end group
10141 @end smallexample
10142
10143 @item set print address off
10144 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
10145 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
10146
10147 @smallexample
10148 @group
10149 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
10150 (@value{GDBP}) f
10151 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
10152 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
10153 @end group
10154 @end smallexample
10155
10156 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
10157 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
10158 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
10159 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
10160
10161 @kindex show print
10162 @item show print address
10163 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
10164 @end table
10165
10166 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
10167 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
10168 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
10169 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
10170 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
10171 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
10172 it prints a symbolic address:
10173
10174 @table @code
10175 @item set print symbol-filename on
10176 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
10177 @cindex symbol, source file and line
10178 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
10179 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
10180
10181 @item set print symbol-filename off
10182 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
10183 default.
10184
10185 @item show print symbol-filename
10186 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
10187 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
10188 @end table
10189
10190 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
10191 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
10192 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
10193
10194 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
10195 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
10196
10197 @table @code
10198 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
10199 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
10200 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
10201 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
10202 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
10203 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
10204 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
10205 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
10206
10207 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
10208 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
10209 symbolic address.
10210 @end table
10211
10212 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
10213 @cindex pointer, finding referent
10214 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
10215 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
10216 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
10217 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
10218 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
10219 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
10220
10221 @smallexample
10222 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
10223 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
10224 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
10225 @end smallexample
10226
10227 @quotation
10228 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
10229 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
10230 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
10231 @end quotation
10232
10233 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
10234 @samp{set print symbol on}:
10235
10236 @table @code
10237 @item set print symbol on
10238 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
10239 one exists.
10240
10241 @item set print symbol off
10242 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
10243 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
10244 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
10245
10246 @item show print symbol
10247 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
10248 address.
10249 @end table
10250
10251 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
10252
10253 @table @code
10254 @item set print array
10255 @itemx set print array on
10256 @cindex pretty print arrays
10257 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
10258 but uses more space. The default is off.
10259
10260 @item set print array off
10261 Return to compressed format for arrays.
10262
10263 @item show print array
10264 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
10265 arrays.
10266
10267 @cindex print array indexes
10268 @item set print array-indexes
10269 @itemx set print array-indexes on
10270 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
10271 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
10272 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
10273
10274 @item set print array-indexes off
10275 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
10276
10277 @item show print array-indexes
10278 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
10279 arrays.
10280
10281 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
10282 @itemx set print elements unlimited
10283 @cindex number of array elements to print
10284 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
10285 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
10286 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
10287 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
10288 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
10289 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
10290 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
10291 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
10292
10293 @item show print elements
10294 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
10295 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
10296
10297 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
10298 @kindex set print frame-arguments
10299 @cindex printing frame argument values
10300 @cindex print all frame argument values
10301 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
10302 @cindex do not print frame argument values
10303 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
10304 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
10305 values are:
10306
10307 @table @code
10308 @item all
10309 The values of all arguments are printed.
10310
10311 @item scalars
10312 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
10313 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
10314 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
10315 only scalar arguments are shown:
10316
10317 @smallexample
10318 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
10319 at frame-args.c:23
10320 @end smallexample
10321
10322 @item none
10323 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
10324 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
10325
10326 @smallexample
10327 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
10328 at frame-args.c:23
10329 @end smallexample
10330 @end table
10331
10332 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
10333 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
10334 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
10335 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
10336 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
10337 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
10338 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
10339 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
10340 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
10341 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
10342
10343 @item show print frame-arguments
10344 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
10345
10346 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
10347 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
10348
10349 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
10350 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
10351 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
10352 otherwise print the value in raw form.
10353 This is the default.
10354
10355 @item show print raw frame-arguments
10356 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
10357
10358 @anchor{set print entry-values}
10359 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
10360 @kindex set print entry-values
10361 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
10362 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
10363 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
10364 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
10365 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
10366
10367 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
10368 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
10369 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
10370 @code{no} setting.
10371
10372 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10373 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
10374 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10375 this information.
10376
10377 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
10378
10379 @table @code
10380 @item no
10381 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
10382 point.
10383 @smallexample
10384 #0 equal (val=5)
10385 #0 different (val=6)
10386 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
10387 #0 born (val=10)
10388 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10389 @end smallexample
10390
10391 @item only
10392 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
10393 values are never printed.
10394 @smallexample
10395 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
10396 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
10397 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10398 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10399 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10400 @end smallexample
10401
10402 @item preferred
10403 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
10404 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
10405 value for such parameter.
10406 @smallexample
10407 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
10408 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
10409 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10410 #0 born (val=10)
10411 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10412 @end smallexample
10413
10414 @item if-needed
10415 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
10416 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
10417 parameter.
10418 @smallexample
10419 #0 equal (val=5)
10420 #0 different (val=6)
10421 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10422 #0 born (val=10)
10423 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10424 @end smallexample
10425
10426 @item both
10427 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
10428 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
10429 optimizations.
10430 @smallexample
10431 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
10432 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10433 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10434 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10435 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10436 @end smallexample
10437
10438 @item compact
10439 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
10440 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
10441 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
10442 values are known and identical, print the shortened
10443 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10444 @smallexample
10445 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10446 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10447 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10448 #0 born (val=10)
10449 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10450 @end smallexample
10451
10452 @item default
10453 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
10454 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
10455 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
10456 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10457 @smallexample
10458 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10459 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10460 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10461 #0 born (val=10)
10462 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10463 @end smallexample
10464 @end table
10465
10466 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
10467 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
10468
10469 @item show print entry-values
10470 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
10471 entry.
10472
10473 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
10474 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
10475 @cindex repeated array elements
10476 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
10477 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
10478 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
10479 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
10480 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
10481 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
10482 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
10483 is 10.
10484
10485 @item show print repeats
10486 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
10487 elements.
10488
10489 @item set print null-stop
10490 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
10491 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
10492 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
10493 contain only short strings.
10494 The default is off.
10495
10496 @item show print null-stop
10497 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
10498 @sc{null} character.
10499
10500 @item set print pretty on
10501 @cindex print structures in indented form
10502 @cindex indentation in structure display
10503 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
10504 per line, like this:
10505
10506 @smallexample
10507 @group
10508 $1 = @{
10509 next = 0x0,
10510 flags = @{
10511 sweet = 1,
10512 sour = 1
10513 @},
10514 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
10515 @}
10516 @end group
10517 @end smallexample
10518
10519 @item set print pretty off
10520 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
10521
10522 @smallexample
10523 @group
10524 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
10525 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
10526 @end group
10527 @end smallexample
10528
10529 @noindent
10530 This is the default format.
10531
10532 @item show print pretty
10533 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
10534
10535 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
10536 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
10537 @cindex octal escapes in strings
10538 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
10539 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
10540 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
10541 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
10542 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
10543
10544 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
10545 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
10546 international character sets, and is the default.
10547
10548 @item show print sevenbit-strings
10549 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
10550
10551 @item set print union on
10552 @cindex unions in structures, printing
10553 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
10554 and other unions. This is the default setting.
10555
10556 @item set print union off
10557 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
10558 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
10559 instead.
10560
10561 @item show print union
10562 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
10563 structures and other unions.
10564
10565 For example, given the declarations
10566
10567 @smallexample
10568 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
10569 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
10570 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
10571 Bug_forms;
10572
10573 struct thing @{
10574 Species it;
10575 union @{
10576 Tree_forms tree;
10577 Bug_forms bug;
10578 @} form;
10579 @};
10580
10581 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
10582 @end smallexample
10583
10584 @noindent
10585 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
10586
10587 @smallexample
10588 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
10589 @end smallexample
10590
10591 @noindent
10592 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
10593
10594 @smallexample
10595 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
10596 @end smallexample
10597
10598 @noindent
10599 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
10600 and in Pascal.
10601 @end table
10602
10603 @need 1000
10604 @noindent
10605 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
10606
10607 @table @code
10608 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
10609 @item set print demangle
10610 @itemx set print demangle on
10611 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
10612 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
10613 linkage. The default is on.
10614
10615 @item show print demangle
10616 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
10617
10618 @item set print asm-demangle
10619 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
10620 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
10621 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
10622 The default is off.
10623
10624 @item show print asm-demangle
10625 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
10626 or demangled form.
10627
10628 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
10629 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
10630 @kindex set demangle-style
10631 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
10632 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
10633 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
10634
10635 @table @code
10636 @item auto
10637 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
10638 This is the default.
10639
10640 @item gnu
10641 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
10642
10643 @item hp
10644 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
10645
10646 @item lucid
10647 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
10648
10649 @item arm
10650 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
10651 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
10652 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
10653 require further enhancement to permit that.
10654
10655 @end table
10656 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
10657
10658 @item show demangle-style
10659 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
10660
10661 @item set print object
10662 @itemx set print object on
10663 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
10664 @cindex display derived types
10665 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
10666 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
10667 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
10668 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
10669 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
10670 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
10671 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
10672
10673 @item set print object off
10674 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
10675 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
10676
10677 @item show print object
10678 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
10679
10680 @item set print static-members
10681 @itemx set print static-members on
10682 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
10683 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
10684
10685 @item set print static-members off
10686 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
10687
10688 @item show print static-members
10689 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
10690
10691 @item set print pascal_static-members
10692 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
10693 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
10694 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
10695 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
10696
10697 @item set print pascal_static-members off
10698 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
10699
10700 @item show print pascal_static-members
10701 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
10702
10703 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
10704 @item set print vtbl
10705 @itemx set print vtbl on
10706 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
10707 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
10708 @cindex VTBL display
10709 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
10710 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10711 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10712
10713 @item set print vtbl off
10714 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
10715
10716 @item show print vtbl
10717 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
10718 @end table
10719
10720 @node Pretty Printing
10721 @section Pretty Printing
10722
10723 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
10724 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
10725 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
10726
10727 @menu
10728 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
10729 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
10730 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
10731 @end menu
10732
10733 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
10734 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
10735
10736 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
10737 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
10738 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
10739
10740 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
10741 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
10742 pretty-printers with their names.
10743 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
10744 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
10745 Each such subprinter has its own name.
10746 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
10747
10748 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
10749 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
10750 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
10751 do anything special.
10752
10753 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
10754
10755 @itemize @bullet
10756 @item
10757 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
10758 all inferiors.
10759
10760 @item
10761 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
10762 when debugging that program.
10763 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
10764
10765 @item
10766 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
10767 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
10768 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
10769 @end itemize
10770
10771 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
10772 pretty-printers are selected,
10773
10774 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
10775 for new types.
10776
10777 @node Pretty-Printer Example
10778 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
10779
10780 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
10781
10782 @smallexample
10783 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10784 $1 = @{
10785 static npos = 4294967295,
10786 _M_dataplus = @{
10787 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
10788 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
10789 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
10790 @},
10791 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
10792 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
10793 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
10794 @}
10795 @}
10796 @end smallexample
10797
10798 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
10799
10800 @smallexample
10801 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10802 $2 = "abcd"
10803 @end smallexample
10804
10805 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
10806 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
10807 @cindex pretty-printer commands
10808
10809 @table @code
10810 @kindex info pretty-printer
10811 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10812 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
10813 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
10814
10815 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
10816 whose pretty-printers to list.
10817 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
10818 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
10819 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
10820 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
10821 looks up a printer from these three objects.
10822
10823 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
10824 to list.
10825
10826 @kindex disable pretty-printer
10827 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10828 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10829 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
10830
10831 @kindex enable pretty-printer
10832 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10833 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10834 @end table
10835
10836 Example:
10837
10838 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
10839 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
10840 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
10841 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
10842
10843 @smallexample
10844 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10845 library1.so:
10846 foo
10847 library2.so:
10848 bar
10849 bar1
10850 bar2
10851 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10852 library2.so:
10853 bar
10854 bar1
10855 bar2
10856 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
10857 1 printer disabled
10858 2 of 3 printers enabled
10859 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10860 library1.so:
10861 foo [disabled]
10862 library2.so:
10863 bar
10864 bar1
10865 bar2
10866 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar;bar1
10867 1 printer disabled
10868 1 of 3 printers enabled
10869 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10870 library1.so:
10871 foo [disabled]
10872 library2.so:
10873 bar
10874 bar1 [disabled]
10875 bar2
10876 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
10877 1 printer disabled
10878 0 of 3 printers enabled
10879 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10880 library1.so:
10881 foo [disabled]
10882 library2.so:
10883 bar [disabled]
10884 bar1 [disabled]
10885 bar2
10886 @end smallexample
10887
10888 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
10889 as can each individual subprinter.
10890
10891 @node Value History
10892 @section Value History
10893
10894 @cindex value history
10895 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
10896 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
10897 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
10898 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
10899 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
10900 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
10901 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
10902 symbol table.
10903
10904 @cindex @code{$}
10905 @cindex @code{$$}
10906 @cindex history number
10907 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
10908 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
10909 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
10910 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
10911 history number.
10912
10913 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
10914 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
10915 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
10916 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
10917 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
10918 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
10919 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
10920
10921 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
10922 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
10923
10924 @smallexample
10925 p *$
10926 @end smallexample
10927
10928 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
10929 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
10930
10931 @smallexample
10932 p *$.next
10933 @end smallexample
10934
10935 @noindent
10936 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
10937 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
10938
10939 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
10940 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
10941
10942 @smallexample
10943 print x
10944 set x=5
10945 @end smallexample
10946
10947 @noindent
10948 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
10949 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
10950
10951 @table @code
10952 @kindex show values
10953 @item show values
10954 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
10955 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
10956 values} does not change the history.
10957
10958 @item show values @var{n}
10959 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
10960
10961 @item show values +
10962 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
10963 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
10964 @end table
10965
10966 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
10967 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
10968
10969 @node Convenience Vars
10970 @section Convenience Variables
10971
10972 @cindex convenience variables
10973 @cindex user-defined variables
10974 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
10975 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
10976 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
10977 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
10978 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
10979
10980 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
10981 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
10982 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10983 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
10984 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
10985
10986 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
10987 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
10988 For example:
10989
10990 @smallexample
10991 set $foo = *object_ptr
10992 @end smallexample
10993
10994 @noindent
10995 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
10996 @code{object_ptr}.
10997
10998 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
10999 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
11000 value with another assignment at any time.
11001
11002 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
11003 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
11004 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
11005 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
11006
11007 @table @code
11008 @kindex show convenience
11009 @cindex show all user variables and functions
11010 @item show convenience
11011 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
11012 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
11013 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
11014
11015 @kindex init-if-undefined
11016 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
11017 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
11018 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
11019 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
11020 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
11021 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
11022 override default values used in a command script.
11023
11024 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
11025 any side-effects do not occur.
11026 @end table
11027
11028 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
11029 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
11030 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
11031
11032 @smallexample
11033 set $i = 0
11034 print bar[$i++]->contents
11035 @end smallexample
11036
11037 @noindent
11038 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
11039
11040 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
11041 values likely to be useful.
11042
11043 @table @code
11044 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
11045 @item $_
11046 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
11047 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
11048 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
11049 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
11050 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
11051 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
11052 to the type of @code{$__}.
11053
11054 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
11055 @item $__
11056 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
11057 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
11058 to match the format in which the data was printed.
11059
11060 @item $_exitcode
11061 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
11062 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
11063 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
11064 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
11065
11066 @item $_exitsignal
11067 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
11068 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
11069 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
11070 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
11071
11072 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
11073 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
11074 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
11075 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
11076 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
11077
11078 @smallexample
11079 #include <signal.h>
11080
11081 int
11082 main (int argc, char *argv[])
11083 @{
11084 raise (SIGALRM);
11085 return 0;
11086 @}
11087 @end smallexample
11088
11089 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
11090 or signalled would be:
11091
11092 @smallexample
11093 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
11094 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
11095 End with a line saying just ``end''.
11096 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
11097 >echo The program has exited\n
11098 >else
11099 >echo The program has signalled\n
11100 >end
11101 >end
11102 (@value{GDBP}) run
11103 Starting program:
11104
11105 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
11106 The program no longer exists.
11107 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
11108 The program has signalled
11109 @end smallexample
11110
11111 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
11112 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
11113 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
11114 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
11115
11116 @smallexample
11117 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
11118 The program has exited
11119 @end smallexample
11120
11121 @item $_exception
11122 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
11123 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
11124
11125 @item $_probe_argc
11126 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
11127 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11128
11129 @item $_sdata
11130 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
11131 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
11132 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
11133 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
11134 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
11135
11136 @item $_siginfo
11137 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
11138 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
11139 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
11140 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
11141 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
11142
11143 @item $_tlb
11144 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
11145 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
11146 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
11147 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
11148 @xref{General Query Packets}.
11149 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
11150
11151 @item $_inferior
11152 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors and
11153 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}.
11154
11155 @item $_thread
11156 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
11157
11158 @item $_gthread
11159 The global number of the current thread. @xref{global thread numbers}.
11160
11161 @end table
11162
11163 @node Convenience Funs
11164 @section Convenience Functions
11165
11166 @cindex convenience functions
11167 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
11168 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
11169 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
11170 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
11171 @value{GDBN}.
11172
11173 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
11174 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
11175
11176 @table @code
11177
11178 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
11179 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
11180 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
11181 returns zero.
11182
11183 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
11184 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
11185 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
11186 it is @code{void}:
11187
11188 @smallexample
11189 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
11190 $1 = void
11191 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
11192 $2 = 1
11193 (@value{GDBP}) run
11194 Starting program: ./a.out
11195 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
11196 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
11197 $3 = 0
11198 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
11199 $4 = 0
11200 @end smallexample
11201
11202 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
11203 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
11204 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
11205 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
11206 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
11207 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
11208 anymore.
11209
11210 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
11211 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
11212
11213 @smallexample
11214 void
11215 foo (void)
11216 @{
11217 @}
11218 @end smallexample
11219
11220 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
11221
11222 @smallexample
11223 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
11224 $1 = void
11225 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
11226 $2 = 1
11227 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
11228 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
11229 $3 = void
11230 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
11231 $4 = 1
11232 @end smallexample
11233
11234 @end table
11235
11236 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
11237 @code{Python} support.
11238
11239 @table @code
11240
11241 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
11242 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
11243 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
11244 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
11245 Otherwise it returns zero.
11246
11247 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
11248 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
11249 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
11250 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
11251 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
11252 regular expression support.
11253
11254 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
11255 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
11256 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
11257 Otherwise it returns zero.
11258
11259 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
11260 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
11261 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
11262
11263 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11264 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
11265 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
11266 Otherwise it returns zero.
11267
11268 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11269 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11270 The default is 1.
11271
11272 Example:
11273
11274 @smallexample
11275 (gdb) backtrace
11276 #0 bottom_func ()
11277 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
11278 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
11279 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
11280 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
11281 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
11282 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
11283 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
11284 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
11285 $1 = 1
11286 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
11287 $1 = 1
11288 @end smallexample
11289
11290 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11291 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
11292 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
11293 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
11294
11295 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11296 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11297 The default is 1.
11298
11299 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11300 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
11301 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
11302 Otherwise it returns zero.
11303
11304 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11305 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11306 The default is 1.
11307
11308 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
11309 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
11310 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
11311 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
11312
11313 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
11314 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
11315 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
11316 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
11317
11318 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
11319 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
11320 The default is 1.
11321
11322 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
11323 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
11324 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
11325 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
11326
11327 @item $_as_string(@var{value})
11328 @findex $_as_string@r{, convenience function}
11329 Return the string representation of @var{value}.
11330
11331 This function is useful to obtain the textual label (enumerator) of an
11332 enumeration value. For example, assuming the variable @var{node} is of
11333 an enumerated type:
11334
11335 @smallexample
11336 (gdb) printf "Visiting node of type %s\n", $_as_string(node)
11337 Visiting node of type NODE_INTEGER
11338 @end smallexample
11339
11340 @end table
11341
11342 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
11343 convenience functions.
11344
11345 @table @code
11346 @item help function
11347 @kindex help function
11348 @cindex show all convenience functions
11349 Print a list of all convenience functions.
11350 @end table
11351
11352 @node Registers
11353 @section Registers
11354
11355 @cindex registers
11356 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
11357 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
11358 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
11359 your machine.
11360
11361 @table @code
11362 @kindex info registers
11363 @item info registers
11364 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
11365 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
11366
11367 @kindex info all-registers
11368 @cindex floating point registers
11369 @item info all-registers
11370 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
11371 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
11372
11373 @item info registers @var{reggroup} @dots{}
11374 Print the name and value of the registers in each of the specified
11375 @var{reggroup}s. The @var{reggoup} can be any of those returned by
11376 @code{maint print reggroups} (@pxref{Maintenance Commands}).
11377
11378 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
11379 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
11380 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
11381 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
11382 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
11383 @end table
11384
11385 @anchor{standard registers}
11386 @cindex stack pointer register
11387 @cindex program counter register
11388 @cindex process status register
11389 @cindex frame pointer register
11390 @cindex standard registers
11391 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
11392 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
11393 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
11394 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
11395 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
11396 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
11397 register that contains the processor status. For example,
11398 you could print the program counter in hex with
11399
11400 @smallexample
11401 p/x $pc
11402 @end smallexample
11403
11404 @noindent
11405 or print the instruction to be executed next with
11406
11407 @smallexample
11408 x/i $pc
11409 @end smallexample
11410
11411 @noindent
11412 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
11413 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
11414 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
11415 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
11416 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
11417 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
11418 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
11419
11420 @smallexample
11421 set $sp += 4
11422 @end smallexample
11423
11424 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
11425 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
11426 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
11427 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
11428 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
11429 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
11430 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
11431
11432 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
11433 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
11434 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
11435 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
11436 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
11437 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
11438 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
11439
11440 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
11441 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
11442 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
11443 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
11444 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
11445 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
11446 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
11447 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
11448 prints the data in both formats.
11449
11450 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
11451 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
11452 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
11453 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
11454 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
11455 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
11456 registers in @code{struct} notation:
11457
11458 @smallexample
11459 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
11460 $1 = @{
11461 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
11462 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
11463 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
11464 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
11465 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
11466 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
11467 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
11468 @}
11469 @end smallexample
11470
11471 @noindent
11472 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
11473 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
11474 value to a @code{struct} member:
11475
11476 @smallexample
11477 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
11478 @end smallexample
11479
11480 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
11481 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
11482 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
11483 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
11484 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
11485 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
11486
11487 @cindex caller-saved registers
11488 @cindex call-clobbered registers
11489 @cindex volatile registers
11490 @cindex <not saved> values
11491 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
11492 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
11493 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
11494 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
11495 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
11496 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
11497 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
11498 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
11499 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
11500 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
11501 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
11502 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
11503 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
11504 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
11505 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
11506 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
11507 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
11508 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
11509 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
11510 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
11511 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
11512 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
11513 represent the value the register had just before the call.
11514
11515 @node Floating Point Hardware
11516 @section Floating Point Hardware
11517 @cindex floating point
11518
11519 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
11520 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
11521
11522 @table @code
11523 @kindex info float
11524 @item info float
11525 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
11526 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
11527 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
11528 the ARM and x86 machines.
11529 @end table
11530
11531 @node Vector Unit
11532 @section Vector Unit
11533 @cindex vector unit
11534
11535 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
11536 more information about the status of the vector unit.
11537
11538 @table @code
11539 @kindex info vector
11540 @item info vector
11541 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
11542 layout vary depending on the hardware.
11543 @end table
11544
11545 @node OS Information
11546 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
11547 @cindex OS information
11548
11549 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
11550 you debug your program.
11551
11552 @cindex auxiliary vector
11553 @cindex vector, auxiliary
11554 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
11555 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
11556 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
11557 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
11558 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
11559 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
11560 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
11561 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
11562 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
11563 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
11564 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
11565
11566 @table @code
11567 @kindex info auxv
11568 @item info auxv
11569 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
11570 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
11571 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
11572 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
11573 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
11574 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
11575 an unrecognized tag.
11576 @end table
11577
11578 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
11579 information and show it to you. The types of information available
11580 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
11581 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
11582 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
11583 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
11584 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
11585
11586 @table @code
11587 @kindex info os
11588 @item info os @var{infotype}
11589
11590 Display OS information of the requested type.
11591
11592 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
11593
11594 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
11595 @table @code
11596 @kindex info os cpus
11597 @item cpus
11598 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
11599 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
11600 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
11601 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
11602 kernel initialization.
11603
11604 @kindex info os files
11605 @item files
11606 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
11607 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
11608 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
11609 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
11610
11611 @kindex info os modules
11612 @item modules
11613 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
11614 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
11615 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
11616 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
11617 in memory.
11618
11619 @kindex info os msg
11620 @item msg
11621 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
11622 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
11623 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
11624 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
11625 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
11626 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
11627 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
11628 the message queue was last changed.
11629
11630 @kindex info os processes
11631 @item processes
11632 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
11633 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
11634 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
11635 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
11636 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
11637 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
11638
11639 @kindex info os procgroups
11640 @item procgroups
11641 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
11642 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
11643 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
11644 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
11645 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
11646 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
11647 and the process group leader is listed first.
11648
11649 @kindex info os semaphores
11650 @item semaphores
11651 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
11652 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
11653 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
11654 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
11655 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
11656
11657 @kindex info os shm
11658 @item shm
11659 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
11660 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
11661 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
11662 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
11663 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
11664 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
11665 attached to, detach from, and changed.
11666
11667 @kindex info os sockets
11668 @item sockets
11669 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
11670 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
11671 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
11672 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
11673 connection.
11674
11675 @kindex info os threads
11676 @item threads
11677 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
11678 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
11679 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
11680 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
11681 process is not listed.
11682 @end table
11683
11684 @item info os
11685 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
11686 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
11687 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
11688 types, this command will report an error.
11689 @end table
11690
11691 @node Memory Region Attributes
11692 @section Memory Region Attributes
11693 @cindex memory region attributes
11694
11695 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
11696 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
11697 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
11698 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
11699 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
11700 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
11701 user can override the fetched regions.
11702
11703 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
11704 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
11705 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
11706 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
11707 all memory.
11708
11709 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
11710 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
11711
11712 @table @code
11713 @kindex mem
11714 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
11715 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
11716 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
11717 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
11718 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
11719 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
11720
11721 @item mem auto
11722 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
11723 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
11724
11725 @kindex delete mem
11726 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11727 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
11728 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
11729
11730 @kindex disable mem
11731 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11732 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11733 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
11734 It may be enabled again later.
11735
11736 @kindex enable mem
11737 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11738 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11739
11740 @kindex info mem
11741 @item info mem
11742 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
11743 for each region:
11744
11745 @table @emph
11746 @item Memory Region Number
11747 @item Enabled or Disabled.
11748 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
11749 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
11750
11751 @item Lo Address
11752 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
11753
11754 @item Hi Address
11755 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
11756
11757 @item Attributes
11758 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
11759 @end table
11760 @end table
11761
11762
11763 @subsection Attributes
11764
11765 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
11766 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
11767 write accesses to a memory region.
11768
11769 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
11770 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
11771 etc.@: from accessing memory.
11772
11773 @table @code
11774 @item ro
11775 Memory is read only.
11776 @item wo
11777 Memory is write only.
11778 @item rw
11779 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
11780 @end table
11781
11782 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
11783 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
11784 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
11785 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
11786 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
11787
11788 @table @code
11789 @item 8
11790 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
11791 @item 16
11792 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
11793 @item 32
11794 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
11795 @item 64
11796 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
11797 @end table
11798
11799 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
11800 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11801 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
11802 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
11803 @c
11804 @c @table @code
11805 @c @item hwbreak
11806 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
11807 @c @item swbreak (default)
11808 @c @end table
11809
11810 @subsubsection Data Cache
11811 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
11812 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
11813 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
11814 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
11815 registers.
11816
11817 @table @code
11818 @item cache
11819 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
11820 @item nocache
11821 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
11822 @end table
11823
11824 @subsection Memory Access Checking
11825 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
11826 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
11827 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
11828 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
11829
11830 @table @code
11831 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
11832 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
11833 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
11834 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
11835 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
11836 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
11837 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
11838 The default value is @code{on}.
11839 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
11840 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
11841 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
11842 @end table
11843
11844
11845 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
11846 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11847 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
11848 @c
11849 @c @table @code
11850 @c @item verify
11851 @c @item noverify (default)
11852 @c @end table
11853
11854 @node Dump/Restore Files
11855 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
11856 @cindex dump/restore files
11857 @cindex append data to a file
11858 @cindex dump data to a file
11859 @cindex restore data from a file
11860
11861 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
11862 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
11863 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
11864 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
11865 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
11866 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
11867 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
11868
11869 @table @code
11870
11871 @kindex dump
11872 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11873 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11874 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11875 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
11876
11877 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
11878 @table @code
11879 @item binary
11880 Raw binary form.
11881 @item ihex
11882 Intel hex format.
11883 @item srec
11884 Motorola S-record format.
11885 @item tekhex
11886 Tektronix Hex format.
11887 @item verilog
11888 Verilog Hex format.
11889 @end table
11890
11891 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
11892 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
11893 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
11894 form.
11895
11896 @kindex append
11897 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11898 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11899 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11900 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
11901 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
11902
11903 @kindex restore
11904 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
11905 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
11906 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
11907 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
11908 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
11909
11910 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
11911 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
11912 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
11913 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
11914 from that location.
11915
11916 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
11917 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
11918 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
11919 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
11920
11921 @end table
11922
11923 @node Core File Generation
11924 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
11925 @cindex dump core from inferior
11926
11927 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
11928 image of a running process and its process status (register values
11929 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
11930 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
11931 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
11932 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
11933 the post-mortem debugging mode.
11934
11935 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
11936 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
11937 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
11938
11939 @table @code
11940 @kindex gcore
11941 @kindex generate-core-file
11942 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
11943 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
11944 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
11945 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
11946 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
11947 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
11948
11949 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
11950 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
11951
11952 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
11953 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
11954 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}), and by default honors the
11955 @code{VM_DONTDUMP} flag for mappings where it is present in the file
11956 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/smaps} (@pxref{set dump-excluded-mappings}).
11957
11958 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
11959 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
11960 @item set use-coredump-filter on
11961 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
11962 Enable or disable the use of the file
11963 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
11964 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
11965 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
11966 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
11967
11968 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
11969 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
11970 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
11971 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
11972 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
11973 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
11974 about the bits that can be set in the
11975 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
11976 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
11977
11978 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
11979 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
11980 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
11981 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
11982 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
11983 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
11984 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
11985 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
11986
11987 @kindex set dump-excluded-mappings
11988 @anchor{set dump-excluded-mappings}
11989 @item set dump-excluded-mappings on
11990 @itemx set dump-excluded-mappings off
11991 If @code{on} is specified, @value{GDBN} will dump memory mappings
11992 marked with the @code{VM_DONTDUMP} flag. This flag is represented in
11993 the file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/smaps} with the acronym @code{dd}.
11994
11995 The default value is @code{off}.
11996 @end table
11997
11998 @node Character Sets
11999 @section Character Sets
12000 @cindex character sets
12001 @cindex charset
12002 @cindex translating between character sets
12003 @cindex host character set
12004 @cindex target character set
12005
12006 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
12007 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
12008 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
12009 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
12010 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
12011 @dfn{target character set}.
12012
12013 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
12014 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
12015 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
12016 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
12017 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
12018 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
12019 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
12020 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
12021 character and string literals in expressions.
12022
12023 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
12024 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
12025 target-charset} command, described below.
12026
12027 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
12028 support:
12029
12030 @table @code
12031 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
12032 @kindex set target-charset
12033 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
12034 list of supported target character sets, type
12035 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
12036
12037 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
12038 @kindex set host-charset
12039 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
12040
12041 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
12042 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
12043 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
12044 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
12045 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
12046
12047 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
12048 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
12049 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
12050
12051 @item set charset @var{charset}
12052 @kindex set charset
12053 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
12054 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
12055 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
12056 for both host and target.
12057
12058 @item show charset
12059 @kindex show charset
12060 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
12061
12062 @item show host-charset
12063 @kindex show host-charset
12064 Show the name of the current host character set.
12065
12066 @item show target-charset
12067 @kindex show target-charset
12068 Show the name of the current target character set.
12069
12070 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
12071 @kindex set target-wide-charset
12072 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
12073 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
12074 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
12075 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
12076
12077 @item show target-wide-charset
12078 @kindex show target-wide-charset
12079 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
12080 @end table
12081
12082 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
12083 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
12084 @file{charset-test.c}:
12085
12086 @smallexample
12087 #include <stdio.h>
12088
12089 char ascii_hello[]
12090 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
12091 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
12092 char ibm1047_hello[]
12093 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
12094 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
12095
12096 main ()
12097 @{
12098 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12099 @}
12100 @end smallexample
12101
12102 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
12103 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
12104 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
12105
12106 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
12107
12108 @smallexample
12109 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
12110 $ gdb -nw charset-test
12111 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
12112 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12113 @dots{}
12114 (@value{GDBP})
12115 @end smallexample
12116
12117 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
12118 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
12119 strings:
12120
12121 @smallexample
12122 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
12123 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
12124 (@value{GDBP})
12125 @end smallexample
12126
12127 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
12128 initial character set:
12129 @smallexample
12130 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
12131 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
12132 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
12133 (@value{GDBP})
12134 @end smallexample
12135
12136 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
12137 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
12138 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
12139 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
12140 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
12141
12142 @smallexample
12143 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
12144 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
12145 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
12146 $2 = 72 'H'
12147 (@value{GDBP})
12148 @end smallexample
12149
12150 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
12151 literals you use in expressions:
12152
12153 @smallexample
12154 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
12155 $3 = 43 '+'
12156 (@value{GDBP})
12157 @end smallexample
12158
12159 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
12160 character.
12161
12162 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
12163 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
12164 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
12165
12166 @smallexample
12167 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
12168 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
12169 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
12170 $5 = 200 '\310'
12171 (@value{GDBP})
12172 @end smallexample
12173
12174 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
12175 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
12176
12177 @smallexample
12178 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
12179 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
12180 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
12181 @end smallexample
12182
12183 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
12184 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
12185 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
12186 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
12187 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
12188
12189 @smallexample
12190 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
12191 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
12192 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
12193 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
12194 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
12195 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
12196 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
12197 $7 = 72 '\110'
12198 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
12199 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
12200 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
12201 $9 = 200 'H'
12202 (@value{GDBP})
12203 @end smallexample
12204
12205 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
12206 string literals you use in expressions:
12207
12208 @smallexample
12209 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
12210 $10 = 78 '+'
12211 (@value{GDBP})
12212 @end smallexample
12213
12214 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
12215 character.
12216
12217 @node Caching Target Data
12218 @section Caching Data of Targets
12219 @cindex caching data of targets
12220
12221 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
12222 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
12223 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
12224 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
12225 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
12226 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
12227 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
12228 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
12229 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
12230 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
12231 is executing.
12232 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
12233 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
12234 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
12235 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
12236 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
12237 in the code segment.
12238 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
12239 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
12240
12241 @table @code
12242 @kindex set remotecache
12243 @item set remotecache on
12244 @itemx set remotecache off
12245 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
12246 with old scripts.
12247
12248 @kindex show remotecache
12249 @item show remotecache
12250 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
12251
12252 @kindex set stack-cache
12253 @item set stack-cache on
12254 @itemx set stack-cache off
12255 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
12256 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
12257
12258 @kindex show stack-cache
12259 @item show stack-cache
12260 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
12261
12262 @kindex set code-cache
12263 @item set code-cache on
12264 @itemx set code-cache off
12265 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
12266 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
12267 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
12268
12269 @kindex show code-cache
12270 @item show code-cache
12271 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
12272 accesses.
12273
12274 @kindex info dcache
12275 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
12276 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
12277 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
12278 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
12279 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
12280 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
12281
12282 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
12283 printed in hex.
12284
12285 @item set dcache size @var{size}
12286 @cindex dcache size
12287 @kindex set dcache size
12288 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
12289
12290 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
12291 @cindex dcache line-size
12292 @kindex set dcache line-size
12293 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
12294 Must be a power of 2.
12295
12296 @item show dcache size
12297 @kindex show dcache size
12298 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
12299
12300 @item show dcache line-size
12301 @kindex show dcache line-size
12302 Show default size of dcache lines.
12303
12304 @end table
12305
12306 @node Searching Memory
12307 @section Search Memory
12308 @cindex searching memory
12309
12310 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
12311 @code{find} command.
12312
12313 @table @code
12314 @kindex find
12315 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
12316 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
12317 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
12318 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
12319 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
12320 @end table
12321
12322 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
12323 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
12324
12325 @table @r
12326 @item @var{s}, search query size
12327 The size of each search query value.
12328
12329 @table @code
12330 @item b
12331 bytes
12332 @item h
12333 halfwords (two bytes)
12334 @item w
12335 words (four bytes)
12336 @item g
12337 giant words (eight bytes)
12338 @end table
12339
12340 All values are interpreted in the current language.
12341 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
12342 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
12343 The null terminator can be removed from searching by using casts,
12344 e.g.: @samp{@{char[5]@}"hello"}.
12345
12346 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
12347 value's type in the current language.
12348 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
12349 pattern as a mixture of types.
12350 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
12351 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
12352 which is typically four bytes.
12353
12354 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
12355 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
12356 @end table
12357
12358 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
12359 (@code{"}).
12360 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
12361 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
12362
12363 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
12364 number of matches found.
12365
12366 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
12367 @samp{$_}.
12368 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
12369
12370 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
12371
12372 @smallexample
12373 void
12374 hello ()
12375 @{
12376 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
12377 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
12378 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
12379 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
12380 printf ("%s\n", hello);
12381 @}
12382 @end smallexample
12383
12384 @noindent
12385 you get during debugging:
12386
12387 @smallexample
12388 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
12389 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12390 1 pattern found
12391 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
12392 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12393 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12394 2 patterns found.
12395 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), @{char[5]@}"hello"
12396 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12397 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12398 2 patterns found.
12399 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
12400 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12401 1 pattern found
12402 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
12403 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
12404 1 pattern found
12405 (gdb) print $numfound
12406 $1 = 1
12407 (gdb) print $_
12408 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
12409 @end smallexample
12410
12411 @node Value Sizes
12412 @section Value Sizes
12413
12414 Whenever @value{GDBN} prints a value memory will be allocated within
12415 @value{GDBN} to hold the contents of the value. It is possible in
12416 some languages with dynamic typing systems, that an invalid program
12417 may indicate a value that is incorrectly large, this in turn may cause
12418 @value{GDBN} to try and allocate an overly large ammount of memory.
12419
12420 @table @code
12421 @kindex set max-value-size
12422 @item set max-value-size @var{bytes}
12423 @itemx set max-value-size unlimited
12424 Set the maximum size of memory that @value{GDBN} will allocate for the
12425 contents of a value to @var{bytes}, trying to display a value that
12426 requires more memory than that will result in an error.
12427
12428 Setting this variable does not effect values that have already been
12429 allocated within @value{GDBN}, only future allocations.
12430
12431 There's a minimum size that @code{max-value-size} can be set to in
12432 order that @value{GDBN} can still operate correctly, this minimum is
12433 currently 16 bytes.
12434
12435 The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions as well as to
12436 complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting a simple
12437 integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
12438 @var{x.y} is dynamic and exceeds @var{bytes}. On the other hand,
12439 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A[i]}, where
12440 @var{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
12441 succeed regardless of the bounds on @var{A}, as long as the component
12442 size is less than @var{bytes}.
12443
12444 The default value of @code{max-value-size} is currently 64k.
12445
12446 @kindex show max-value-size
12447 @item show max-value-size
12448 Show the maximum size of memory, in bytes, that @value{GDBN} will
12449 allocate for the contents of a value.
12450 @end table
12451
12452 @node Optimized Code
12453 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
12454 @cindex optimized code, debugging
12455 @cindex debugging optimized code
12456
12457 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
12458 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
12459 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
12460 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
12461 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
12462 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
12463 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
12464
12465 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
12466 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
12467 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
12468 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
12469
12470 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
12471 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
12472 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
12473 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
12474 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
12475 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
12476
12477 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
12478 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
12479 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
12480 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
12481 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
12482
12483 @menu
12484 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
12485 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
12486 @end menu
12487
12488 @node Inline Functions
12489 @section Inline Functions
12490 @cindex inline functions, debugging
12491
12492 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
12493 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
12494 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
12495 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
12496 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
12497 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
12498 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
12499 @code{info frame} command.
12500
12501 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
12502 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
12503 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
12504 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
12505 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
12506 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
12507 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
12508 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
12509 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
12510 local variables in the caller.
12511
12512 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
12513 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
12514 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
12515 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
12516 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
12517 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
12518 instructions are executed.
12519
12520 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
12521 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
12522 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
12523 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
12524
12525 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
12526 function calls are the same as normal calls:
12527
12528 @itemize @bullet
12529 @item
12530 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
12531 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
12532 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
12533 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
12534 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
12535 or inside the inlined function instead.
12536
12537 @item
12538 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
12539 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
12540 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
12541 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
12542
12543 @end itemize
12544
12545 @node Tail Call Frames
12546 @section Tail Call Frames
12547 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
12548
12549 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
12550 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
12551 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
12552 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
12553 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
12554
12555 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
12556 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
12557 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
12558 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
12559 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
12560 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
12561 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
12562
12563 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
12564 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
12565 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
12566 this information.
12567
12568 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
12569 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
12570
12571 @smallexample
12572 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
12573 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
12574 (gdb) info frame
12575 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
12576 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
12577 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
12578 source language c++.
12579 Arglist at unknown address.
12580 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
12581 @end smallexample
12582
12583 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
12584 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
12585 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
12586 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
12587 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
12588 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
12589
12590 @table @code
12591 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
12592 @item set debug entry-values
12593 @kindex set debug entry-values
12594 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
12595 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
12596 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
12597 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
12598 result.
12599
12600 @item show debug entry-values
12601 @kindex show debug entry-values
12602 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
12603 values at function entry and tail calls.
12604 @end table
12605
12606 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
12607 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
12608 reference by variable @code{x}):
12609
12610 @smallexample
12611 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
12612 void (*x) (void) = c;
12613 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12614 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
12615 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
12616
12617 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_entry_value resolving cannot find
12618 DW_TAG_call_site 0x40039a in main
12619 a () at t.c:3
12620 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12621 (gdb) bt
12622 #0 a () at t.c:3
12623 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
12624 @end smallexample
12625
12626 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
12627
12628 @smallexample
12629 int i;
12630 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
12631 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
12632 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
12633 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
12634 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
12635 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
12636 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
12637 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
12638
12639 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
12640 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
12641 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
12642 (gdb) bt
12643 #0 f () at t.c:2
12644 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
12645 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
12646 @end smallexample
12647
12648 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
12649 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
12650
12651 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
12652 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12653 @set ARROW @click{}
12654 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
12655 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
12656 @end ifset
12657 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12658 @set ARROW ->
12659 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
12660 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
12661 @end ifclear
12662
12663 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
12664 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
12665 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
12666
12667 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
12668 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
12669 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
12670 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
12671 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
12672 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
12673
12674 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
12675 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
12676 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
12677 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
12678 omitted.
12679
12680 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
12681 entry may fail:
12682
12683 @smallexample
12684 int v;
12685 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
12686 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
12687 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
12688 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
12689 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
12690 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
12691
12692 (gdb) bt
12693 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
12694 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_entry_value resolving has found
12695 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
12696 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
12697 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
12698 @end smallexample
12699
12700 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
12701 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
12702 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
12703 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
12704 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
12705
12706 @node Macros
12707 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
12708
12709 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
12710 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
12711 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
12712 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
12713 where it was defined.
12714
12715 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
12716 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
12717 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
12718 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
12719
12720 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
12721 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
12722 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
12723 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
12724 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
12725 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
12726 see @ref{List}.
12727
12728 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
12729 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
12730 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
12731
12732 @table @code
12733
12734 @kindex macro expand
12735 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
12736 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
12737 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
12738 @item macro expand @var{expression}
12739 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
12740 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
12741 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
12742 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
12743 it can be any string of tokens.
12744
12745 @kindex macro exp1
12746 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
12747 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
12748 @cindex expand macro once
12749 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
12750 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
12751 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
12752 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
12753 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
12754 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
12755 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
12756 can be any string of tokens.
12757
12758 @kindex info macro
12759 @cindex macro definition, showing
12760 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
12761 @cindex macros, from debug info
12762 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
12763 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
12764 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
12765 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
12766 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
12767 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
12768
12769 @kindex info macros
12770 @item info macros @var{location}
12771 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
12772 by @var{location}, and describe the source location or compiler
12773 command-line where those definitions were established.
12774
12775 @kindex macro define
12776 @cindex user-defined macros
12777 @cindex defining macros interactively
12778 @cindex macros, user-defined
12779 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
12780 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
12781 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
12782 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
12783 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
12784 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
12785 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
12786 @var{arglist}.
12787
12788 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
12789 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
12790 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
12791 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
12792 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
12793
12794 @kindex macro undef
12795 @item macro undef @var{macro}
12796 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
12797 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
12798 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
12799 in the program being debugged.
12800
12801 @kindex macro list
12802 @item macro list
12803 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
12804 @end table
12805
12806 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
12807 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
12808 show our source files:
12809
12810 @smallexample
12811 $ cat sample.c
12812 #include <stdio.h>
12813 #include "sample.h"
12814
12815 #define M 42
12816 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12817
12818 main ()
12819 @{
12820 #define N 28
12821 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12822 #undef N
12823 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12824 #define N 1729
12825 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12826 @}
12827 $ cat sample.h
12828 #define Q <
12829 $
12830 @end smallexample
12831
12832 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
12833 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
12834 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
12835 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
12836 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
12837 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
12838 information.
12839
12840 @smallexample
12841 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
12842 $
12843 @end smallexample
12844
12845 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
12846
12847 @smallexample
12848 $ gdb -nw sample
12849 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
12850 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12851 GDB is free software, @dots{}
12852 (@value{GDBP})
12853 @end smallexample
12854
12855 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
12856 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
12857 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
12858
12859 @smallexample
12860 (@value{GDBP}) list main
12861 3
12862 4 #define M 42
12863 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12864 6
12865 7 main ()
12866 8 @{
12867 9 #define N 28
12868 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12869 11 #undef N
12870 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12871 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
12872 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
12873 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12874 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
12875 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
12876 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
12877 #define Q <
12878 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
12879 expands to: (42 + 1)
12880 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
12881 expands to: once (M + 1)
12882 (@value{GDBP})
12883 @end smallexample
12884
12885 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
12886 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
12887 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
12888 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
12889
12890 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
12891 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
12892
12893 @smallexample
12894 (@value{GDBP}) break main
12895 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
12896 (@value{GDBP}) run
12897 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
12898
12899 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
12900 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12901 (@value{GDBP})
12902 @end smallexample
12903
12904 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
12905
12906 @smallexample
12907 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12908 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
12909 #define N 28
12910 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12911 expands to: 28 < 42
12912 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12913 $1 = 1
12914 (@value{GDBP})
12915 @end smallexample
12916
12917 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
12918 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
12919 thereof) in force at each point:
12920
12921 @smallexample
12922 (@value{GDBP}) next
12923 Hello, world!
12924 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12925 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12926 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
12927 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
12928 (@value{GDBP}) next
12929 We're so creative.
12930 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12931 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12932 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
12933 #define N 1729
12934 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12935 expands to: 1729 < 42
12936 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12937 $2 = 0
12938 (@value{GDBP})
12939 @end smallexample
12940
12941 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
12942 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
12943 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
12944 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
12945
12946 @smallexample
12947 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
12948 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
12949 -D__STDC__=1
12950 (@value{GDBP})
12951 @end smallexample
12952
12953
12954 @node Tracepoints
12955 @chapter Tracepoints
12956 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
12957 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
12958
12959 @cindex tracepoints
12960 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
12961 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
12962 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
12963 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
12964 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
12965 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
12966 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
12967
12968 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
12969 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
12970 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
12971 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
12972 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
12973 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
12974 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
12975 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
12976 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
12977 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
12978 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
12979
12980 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
12981 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
12982 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
12983 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
12984 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
12985 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
12986 Packets}.
12987
12988 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
12989 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
12990 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
12991
12992 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
12993
12994 @menu
12995 * Set Tracepoints::
12996 * Analyze Collected Data::
12997 * Tracepoint Variables::
12998 * Trace Files::
12999 @end menu
13000
13001 @node Set Tracepoints
13002 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
13003
13004 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
13005 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
13006 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
13007 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
13008 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
13009 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
13010 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
13011
13012 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
13013 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
13014 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
13015 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
13016 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
13017 tracepoint was hit.
13018
13019 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
13020 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
13021 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
13022 either.
13023
13024 @cindex fast tracepoints
13025 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
13026 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
13027 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
13028
13029 @cindex static tracepoints
13030 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
13031 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
13032 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
13033 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
13034 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
13035 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
13036 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
13037 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
13038 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
13039 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
13040 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
13041 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
13042 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
13043 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
13044 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
13045 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
13046 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
13047 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
13048 static tracepoint marker.
13049
13050 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
13051 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
13052
13053 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
13054 conditions and actions.
13055
13056 @menu
13057 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
13058 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
13059 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
13060 * Tracepoint Conditions::
13061 * Trace State Variables::
13062 * Tracepoint Actions::
13063 * Listing Tracepoints::
13064 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
13065 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
13066 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
13067 @end menu
13068
13069 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
13070 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
13071
13072 @table @code
13073 @cindex set tracepoint
13074 @kindex trace
13075 @item trace @var{location}
13076 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
13077 Its argument @var{location} can be any valid location.
13078 @xref{Specify Location}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
13079 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
13080 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
13081 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
13082 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
13083 in tracing}).
13084 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
13085 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
13086 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
13087 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
13088 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
13089 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
13090 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
13091 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
13092 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
13093 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
13094 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
13095 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
13096
13097 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
13098
13099 @smallexample
13100 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
13101
13102 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
13103
13104 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
13105
13106 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
13107
13108 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
13109 @end smallexample
13110
13111 @noindent
13112 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
13113
13114 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
13115 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
13116 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
13117 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
13118 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
13119 information on tracepoint conditions.
13120
13121 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
13122 @cindex set fast tracepoint
13123 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
13124 @kindex ftrace
13125 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
13126 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
13127 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
13128 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
13129 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
13130 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
13131 message.
13132
13133 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
13134 @code{trace}.
13135
13136 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
13137 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
13138 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
13139 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
13140 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
13141 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
13142 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
13143 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
13144
13145 @example
13146 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
13147 @end example
13148
13149 @noindent
13150 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
13151 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
13152
13153 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
13154 @cindex set static tracepoint
13155 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
13156 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
13157 @kindex strace
13158 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
13159 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
13160 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
13161 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
13162 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
13163
13164 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
13165 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
13166 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
13167 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
13168 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
13169 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
13170 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
13171 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
13172 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
13173 tracing engine:
13174
13175 @smallexample
13176 main ()
13177 @{
13178 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
13179 @}
13180 @end smallexample
13181
13182 @noindent
13183 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
13184 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
13185
13186 @smallexample
13187 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13188 Cnt Enb ID Address What
13189 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
13190 Data: "str %s"
13191 [etc...]
13192 @end smallexample
13193
13194 @noindent
13195 so you may probe the marker above with:
13196
13197 @smallexample
13198 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
13199 @end smallexample
13200
13201 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
13202 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
13203 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
13204 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
13205 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
13206 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
13207 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
13208 the @samp{Data:} field.
13209
13210 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
13211 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
13212 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
13213
13214 @vindex $tpnum
13215 @cindex last tracepoint number
13216 @cindex recent tracepoint number
13217 @cindex tracepoint number
13218 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
13219 of the most recently set tracepoint.
13220
13221 @kindex delete tracepoint
13222 @cindex tracepoint deletion
13223 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13224 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
13225 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
13226 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
13227
13228 Examples:
13229
13230 @smallexample
13231 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
13232
13233 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
13234 @end smallexample
13235
13236 @noindent
13237 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
13238 @end table
13239
13240 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
13241 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
13242
13243 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
13244
13245 @table @code
13246 @kindex disable tracepoint
13247 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13248 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
13249 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
13250 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
13251 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
13252 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
13253 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
13254 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
13255 next trace experiment.
13256
13257 @kindex enable tracepoint
13258 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13259 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
13260 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
13261 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
13262 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
13263 next time a trace experiment is run.
13264 @end table
13265
13266 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
13267 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
13268
13269 @table @code
13270 @kindex passcount
13271 @cindex tracepoint pass count
13272 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
13273 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
13274 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
13275 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
13276 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
13277 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
13278 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
13279 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
13280 user.
13281
13282 Examples:
13283
13284 @smallexample
13285 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
13286 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
13287
13288 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
13289 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
13290 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
13291 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
13292 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
13293 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
13294 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
13295 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
13296 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
13297 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
13298 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
13299 @end smallexample
13300 @end table
13301
13302 @node Tracepoint Conditions
13303 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
13304 @cindex conditional tracepoints
13305 @cindex tracepoint conditions
13306
13307 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
13308 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
13309 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
13310 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
13311 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
13312 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
13313 is true.
13314
13315 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
13316 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
13317 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
13318 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
13319 just as with breakpoints.
13320
13321 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
13322 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
13323 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
13324 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
13325 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
13326 accesses, and so forth.
13327
13328 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
13329 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
13330 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
13331 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
13332 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
13333 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
13334 search through.
13335
13336 @smallexample
13337 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
13338 @end smallexample
13339
13340 @node Trace State Variables
13341 @subsection Trace State Variables
13342 @cindex trace state variables
13343
13344 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
13345 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
13346 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
13347 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
13348 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
13349 integers.
13350
13351 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
13352 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
13353 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
13354 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
13355
13356 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
13357 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
13358 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
13359 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
13360 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
13361 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
13362 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
13363 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
13364 variable with the same name.
13365
13366 @table @code
13367
13368 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
13369 @kindex tvariable
13370 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
13371 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
13372 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
13373 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
13374 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
13375 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
13376 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
13377 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
13378 value. The default initial value is 0.
13379
13380 @item info tvariables
13381 @kindex info tvariables
13382 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
13383 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
13384 currently running.
13385
13386 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
13387 @kindex delete tvariable
13388 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
13389 are specified.
13390
13391 @end table
13392
13393 @node Tracepoint Actions
13394 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
13395
13396 @table @code
13397 @kindex actions
13398 @cindex tracepoint actions
13399 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13400 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
13401 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
13402 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
13403 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
13404 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
13405 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
13406 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
13407 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
13408 @code{while-stepping}.
13409
13410 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
13411 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
13412 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
13413
13414 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
13415 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
13416 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
13417
13418 @smallexample
13419 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
13420
13421 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
13422
13423 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
13424 @end smallexample
13425
13426 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
13427 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
13428 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
13429 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
13430 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
13431 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
13432 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
13433 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
13434
13435 @smallexample
13436 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
13437 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13438 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
13439 > collect bar,baz
13440 > collect $regs
13441 > while-stepping 12
13442 > collect $pc, arr[i]
13443 > end
13444 end
13445 @end smallexample
13446
13447 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
13448 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13449 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
13450 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
13451 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
13452 special arguments are supported:
13453
13454 @table @code
13455 @item $regs
13456 Collect all registers.
13457
13458 @item $args
13459 Collect all function arguments.
13460
13461 @item $locals
13462 Collect all local variables.
13463
13464 @item $_ret
13465 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
13466 of a backtrace.
13467
13468 @emph{Note:} The return address location can not always be reliably
13469 determined up front, and the wrong address / registers may end up
13470 collected instead. On some architectures the reliability is higher
13471 for tracepoints at function entry, while on others it's the opposite.
13472 When this happens, backtracing will stop because the return address is
13473 found unavailable (unless another collect rule happened to match it).
13474
13475 @item $_probe_argc
13476 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
13477 tracepoint is located.
13478 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13479
13480 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
13481 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
13482 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
13483 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13484
13485 @item $_sdata
13486 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
13487 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
13488 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
13489 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
13490 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
13491 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
13492 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
13493 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
13494 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
13495
13496 @smallexample
13497 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
13498 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
13499 @end smallexample
13500
13501 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
13502 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
13503 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
13504 @value{GDBN}.
13505 @end table
13506
13507 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
13508 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
13509 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
13510
13511 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
13512 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
13513 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
13514 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
13515 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
13516 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
13517 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
13518 @samp{mystr}.
13519
13520 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
13521 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
13522
13523 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
13524 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13525 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
13526 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
13527 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
13528 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
13529 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
13530 action were used.
13531
13532 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
13533 @item while-stepping @var{n}
13534 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
13535 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
13536 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
13537 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
13538
13539 @smallexample
13540 > while-stepping 12
13541 > collect $regs, myglobal
13542 > end
13543 >
13544 @end smallexample
13545
13546 @noindent
13547 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
13548 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
13549 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
13550 @code{stepping}.
13551
13552 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13553 @kindex set default-collect
13554 @cindex default collection action
13555 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
13556 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
13557 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
13558 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
13559 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
13560 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
13561
13562 @item show default-collect
13563 @kindex show default-collect
13564 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
13565 tracepoint hit.
13566
13567 @end table
13568
13569 @node Listing Tracepoints
13570 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
13571
13572 @table @code
13573 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13574 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13575 @cindex information about tracepoints
13576 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
13577 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
13578 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
13579 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
13580 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
13581 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
13582
13583 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
13584 tracing:
13585
13586 @itemize @bullet
13587 @item
13588 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
13589
13590 @item
13591 the state about installed on target of each location
13592 @end itemize
13593
13594 @smallexample
13595 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
13596 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
13597 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
13598 while-stepping 20
13599 collect globfoo, $regs
13600 end
13601 collect globfoo2
13602 end
13603 pass count 1200
13604 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
13605 collect $eip
13606 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13607 installed on target
13608 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13609 installed on target
13610 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
13611 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
13612 not installed on target
13613 (@value{GDBP})
13614 @end smallexample
13615
13616 @noindent
13617 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
13618 @end table
13619
13620 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13621 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13622
13623 @table @code
13624 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
13625 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
13626 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
13627 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
13628 program.
13629
13630 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
13631
13632 @table @emph
13633 @item Count
13634 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
13635 stable identifier.
13636 @item ID
13637 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
13638 @item Enabled or Disabled
13639 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
13640 that are not enabled.
13641 @item Address
13642 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
13643 @item What
13644 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
13645 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
13646 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
13647 will be left blank.
13648 @end table
13649
13650 @noindent
13651 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
13652
13653 @table @emph
13654 @item Data
13655 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
13656 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
13657 marker call.
13658 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
13659 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
13660 @end table
13661
13662 @smallexample
13663 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13664 Cnt ID Enb Address What
13665 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
13666 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
13667 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
13668 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
13669 Data: str %s
13670 (@value{GDBP})
13671 @end smallexample
13672 @end table
13673
13674 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13675 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13676
13677 @table @code
13678 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
13679 @cindex start a new trace experiment
13680 @cindex collected data discarded
13681 @item tstart
13682 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
13683 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
13684 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
13685 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
13686 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
13687 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
13688 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
13689 information, and so forth.
13690
13691 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
13692 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
13693 @item tstop
13694 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
13695 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
13696 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
13697 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
13698 needs to be stopped quickly.
13699
13700 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
13701 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
13702 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
13703
13704 @kindex tstatus
13705 @cindex status of trace data collection
13706 @cindex trace experiment, status of
13707 @item tstatus
13708 This command displays the status of the current trace data
13709 collection.
13710 @end table
13711
13712 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
13713
13714 @smallexample
13715 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
13716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13717 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
13718 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
13719 > while-stepping 11
13720 > collect $regs
13721 > end
13722 > end
13723 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13724 [time passes @dots{}]
13725 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
13726 @end smallexample
13727
13728 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
13729 @cindex disconnected tracing
13730 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
13731 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
13732 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
13733 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
13734 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
13735 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
13736 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
13737 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
13738
13739 @table @code
13740 @item set disconnected-tracing on
13741 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
13742 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
13743 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
13744 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
13745 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
13746 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
13747 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
13748
13749 @item show disconnected-tracing
13750 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
13751 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
13752
13753 @end table
13754
13755 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
13756 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
13757 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
13758 it will continue after reconnection.
13759
13760 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
13761 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
13762 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
13763 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
13764 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
13765 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
13766 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
13767 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
13768 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
13769 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
13770
13771 @cindex circular trace buffer
13772 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
13773 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
13774 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
13775 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
13776 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
13777 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
13778 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
13779 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
13780 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
13781 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
13782 the next run.
13783
13784 @table @code
13785 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
13786 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
13787 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
13788 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
13789 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
13790 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
13791 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
13792
13793 @item show circular-trace-buffer
13794 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
13795 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
13796 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
13797 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
13798 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
13799
13800 @end table
13801
13802 @table @code
13803 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
13804 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
13805 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
13806 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
13807 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
13808 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
13809 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
13810 likes. This is also the default.
13811
13812 @item show trace-buffer-size
13813 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
13814 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
13815 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
13816 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
13817 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
13818 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
13819 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
13820 @end table
13821
13822 @table @code
13823 @item set trace-user @var{text}
13824 @kindex set trace-user
13825
13826 @item show trace-user
13827 @kindex show trace-user
13828
13829 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
13830 @kindex set trace-notes
13831 Set the trace run's notes.
13832
13833 @item show trace-notes
13834 @kindex show trace-notes
13835 Show the trace run's notes.
13836
13837 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
13838 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
13839 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
13840 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
13841 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
13842
13843 @item show trace-stop-notes
13844 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
13845 Show the trace run's stop notes.
13846
13847 @end table
13848
13849 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
13850 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
13851
13852 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
13853 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
13854 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
13855 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
13856 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
13857 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
13858 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
13859 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
13860 mentioned here.
13861
13862 @itemize @bullet
13863
13864 @item
13865 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
13866 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
13867 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
13868 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
13869 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
13870 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
13871 cannot be collected either.
13872
13873 @item
13874 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
13875 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
13876 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
13877 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
13878 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
13879 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
13880 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
13881 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
13882 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
13883 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
13884
13885 @item
13886 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
13887 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
13888 in a misleading way.
13889
13890 @item
13891 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
13892 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
13893 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
13894 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
13895 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
13896 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
13897 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
13898 by @code{ptr}.
13899
13900 @item
13901 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
13902 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
13903 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
13904 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
13905 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
13906 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
13907 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
13908 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
13909 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
13910 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
13911 invalid address.
13912
13913 @item
13914 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
13915 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
13916 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
13917 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
13918 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
13919 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
13920 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
13921 it to zero.
13922
13923 @end itemize
13924
13925 @node Analyze Collected Data
13926 @section Using the Collected Data
13927
13928 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
13929 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
13930 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
13931 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
13932 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
13933 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
13934 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
13935 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
13936 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
13937 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
13938 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
13939 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
13940 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
13941 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
13942 the buffer will fail.
13943
13944 @menu
13945 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
13946 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
13947 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
13948 @end menu
13949
13950 @node tfind
13951 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
13952
13953 @kindex tfind
13954 @cindex select trace snapshot
13955 @cindex find trace snapshot
13956 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
13957 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
13958 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
13959 snapshot is selected.
13960
13961 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
13962
13963 @table @code
13964 @item tfind start
13965 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
13966 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
13967
13968 @item tfind none
13969 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
13970
13971 @item tfind end
13972 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
13973
13974 @item tfind
13975 No argument means find the next trace snapshot or find the first
13976 one if no trace snapshot is selected.
13977
13978 @item tfind -
13979 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
13980 retracing earlier steps.
13981
13982 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
13983 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
13984 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
13985 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
13986 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
13987
13988 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
13989 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
13990 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
13991 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
13992 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
13993
13994 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13995 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
13996 addresses (exclusive).
13997
13998 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13999 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
14000 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
14001
14002 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
14003 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
14004 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
14005 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
14006 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
14007 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
14008 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
14009 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
14010 @end table
14011
14012 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
14013 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
14014 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
14015 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
14016 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
14017 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
14018 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
14019 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
14020 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
14021 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
14022 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
14023 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
14024 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
14025 tracepoint as the current one.
14026
14027 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
14028 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
14029 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
14030 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
14031 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
14032
14033 @smallexample
14034 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
14035 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
14036 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
14037 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
14038 > tfind
14039 > end
14040
14041 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
14042 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
14043 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
14044 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
14045 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
14046 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
14047 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
14048 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
14049 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
14050 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
14051 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
14052 @end smallexample
14053
14054 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
14055 the buffer:
14056
14057 @smallexample
14058 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
14059 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
14060 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
14061 > tfind line
14062 > end
14063
14064 Frame 0, X = 1
14065 Frame 7, X = 2
14066 Frame 13, X = 255
14067 @end smallexample
14068
14069 @node tdump
14070 @subsection @code{tdump}
14071 @kindex tdump
14072 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
14073 @cindex tracepoint data, display
14074
14075 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
14076 the current trace snapshot.
14077
14078 @smallexample
14079 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
14080 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
14081 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
14082 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
14083 > end
14084
14085 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
14086
14087 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
14088 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
14089 at gdb_test.c:444
14090 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
14091
14092 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
14093 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
14094 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
14095 d1 0x18 24
14096 d2 0x80 128
14097 d3 0x33 51
14098 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
14099 d5 0x22 34
14100 d6 0xe0 224
14101 d7 0x380035 3670069
14102 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
14103 a1 0x3000668 50333288
14104 a2 0x100 256
14105 a3 0x322000 3284992
14106 a4 0x3000698 50333336
14107 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
14108 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
14109 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
14110 ps 0x0 0
14111 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
14112 fpcontrol 0x0 0
14113 fpstatus 0x0 0
14114 fpiaddr 0x0 0
14115 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
14116 p1 = (void *) 0x11
14117 p2 = (void *) 0x22
14118 p3 = (void *) 0x33
14119 p4 = (void *) 0x44
14120 p5 = (void *) 0x55
14121 p6 = (void *) 0x66
14122 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
14123
14124 (@value{GDBP})
14125 @end smallexample
14126
14127 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
14128 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
14129 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
14130 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
14131
14132 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
14133 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
14134 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
14135 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
14136 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
14137 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
14138 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
14139 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
14140 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
14141 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
14142
14143 @node save tracepoints
14144 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
14145 @kindex save tracepoints
14146 @kindex save-tracepoints
14147 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
14148
14149 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
14150 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
14151 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
14152 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
14153 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
14154 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
14155
14156 @node Tracepoint Variables
14157 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
14158 @cindex tracepoint variables
14159 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
14160
14161 @table @code
14162 @vindex $trace_frame
14163 @item (int) $trace_frame
14164 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
14165 snapshot is selected.
14166
14167 @vindex $tracepoint
14168 @item (int) $tracepoint
14169 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
14170
14171 @vindex $trace_line
14172 @item (int) $trace_line
14173 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
14174
14175 @vindex $trace_file
14176 @item (char []) $trace_file
14177 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
14178
14179 @vindex $trace_func
14180 @item (char []) $trace_func
14181 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
14182 @end table
14183
14184 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
14185 use @code{output} instead.
14186
14187 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
14188 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
14189 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
14190 which are managed by the target.
14191
14192 @smallexample
14193 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
14194
14195 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
14196 > output $trace_file
14197 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
14198 > tfind
14199 > end
14200 @end smallexample
14201
14202 @node Trace Files
14203 @section Using Trace Files
14204 @cindex trace files
14205
14206 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
14207 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
14208 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
14209 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
14210 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
14211
14212 @table @code
14213
14214 @kindex tsave
14215 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
14216 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
14217 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
14218 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
14219 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
14220 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
14221 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
14222 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
14223 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
14224 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
14225 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
14226 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save data in CTF
14227 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
14228 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
14229 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
14230
14231 @kindex target tfile
14232 @kindex tfile
14233 @kindex target ctf
14234 @kindex ctf
14235 @item target tfile @var{filename}
14236 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
14237 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
14238 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
14239 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
14240 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
14241 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
14242 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
14243 the host.
14244
14245 @smallexample
14246 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
14247 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
14248 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
14249 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
14250 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
14251 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
14252 i = 0
14253 a = 0
14254 b = 1 '\001'
14255 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
14256 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
14257 (@value{GDBP}) p b
14258 $1 = 1
14259 @end smallexample
14260
14261 @end table
14262
14263 @node Overlays
14264 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
14265 @cindex overlays
14266
14267 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
14268 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
14269 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
14270 use overlays.
14271
14272 @menu
14273 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
14274 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
14275 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
14276 mapped by asking the inferior.
14277 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
14278 @end menu
14279
14280 @node How Overlays Work
14281 @section How Overlays Work
14282 @cindex mapped overlays
14283 @cindex unmapped overlays
14284 @cindex load address, overlay's
14285 @cindex mapped address
14286 @cindex overlay area
14287
14288 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
14289 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
14290 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
14291 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
14292 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
14293
14294 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
14295 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
14296 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
14297 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
14298 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
14299 largest overlay as well.
14300
14301 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
14302 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
14303 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
14304 there.
14305
14306 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
14307 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
14308 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
14309
14310 @smallexample
14311 @group
14312 Data Instruction Larger
14313 Address Space Address Space Address Space
14314 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
14315 | | | | | |
14316 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
14317 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
14318 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
14319 | and heap | | | | | |
14320 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
14321 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
14322 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
14323 | | | | | |
14324 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
14325 address | | | | | |
14326 | overlay | <-' | | |
14327 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
14328 | | <---. | | load address
14329 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
14330 | | | |
14331 +-----------+ | |
14332 +-----------+
14333 | |
14334 +-----------+
14335
14336 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
14337 @end group
14338 @end smallexample
14339
14340 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
14341 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
14342 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
14343 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
14344 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
14345 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
14346 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
14347 program and the overlay area.
14348
14349 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
14350 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
14351 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
14352 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
14353 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
14354 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
14355 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
14356
14357 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
14358 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
14359 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
14360
14361 @itemize @bullet
14362
14363 @item
14364 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
14365 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
14366 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
14367 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
14368
14369 @item
14370 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
14371 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
14372 your program's performance.
14373
14374 @item
14375 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
14376 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
14377 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
14378 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
14379 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
14380 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
14381 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
14382
14383 @item
14384 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
14385 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
14386 instruction and data spaces.
14387
14388 @end itemize
14389
14390 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
14391 improved in many ways:
14392
14393 @itemize @bullet
14394
14395 @item
14396 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
14397 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
14398 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
14399 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
14400 area in the usual way.
14401
14402 @item
14403 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
14404 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
14405
14406 @item
14407 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
14408 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
14409 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
14410 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
14411 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
14412 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
14413 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
14414
14415 @end itemize
14416
14417
14418 @node Overlay Commands
14419 @section Overlay Commands
14420
14421 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
14422 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
14423 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
14424 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
14425 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
14426 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
14427
14428 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
14429 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
14430
14431 @table @code
14432 @item overlay off
14433 @kindex overlay
14434 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
14435 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
14436 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
14437 overlay support is disabled.
14438
14439 @item overlay manual
14440 @cindex manual overlay debugging
14441 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14442 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
14443 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
14444 commands described below.
14445
14446 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
14447 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
14448 @cindex map an overlay
14449 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
14450 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
14451 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
14452 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
14453 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
14454 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
14455
14456 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
14457 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
14458 @cindex unmap an overlay
14459 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
14460 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
14461 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
14462 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
14463
14464 @item overlay auto
14465 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14466 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
14467 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
14468 Overlay Debugging}.
14469
14470 @item overlay load-target
14471 @itemx overlay load
14472 @cindex reloading the overlay table
14473 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
14474 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
14475 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
14476 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
14477 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
14478
14479 @item overlay list-overlays
14480 @itemx overlay list
14481 @cindex listing mapped overlays
14482 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
14483 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
14484
14485 @end table
14486
14487 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
14488 of the function the address falls in:
14489
14490 @smallexample
14491 (@value{GDBP}) print main
14492 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
14493 @end smallexample
14494 @noindent
14495 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
14496 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
14497 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
14498 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
14499
14500 @smallexample
14501 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14502 No sections are mapped.
14503 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14504 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
14505 @end smallexample
14506 @noindent
14507 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
14508 name normally:
14509
14510 @smallexample
14511 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14512 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
14513 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
14514 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14515 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
14516 @end smallexample
14517
14518 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
14519 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
14520 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
14521 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
14522 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
14523
14524 @itemize @bullet
14525 @item
14526 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
14527 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
14528 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
14529 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
14530 @item
14531 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
14532 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
14533 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
14534 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
14535 breakpoints properly.
14536 @end itemize
14537
14538
14539 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
14540 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
14541 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
14542
14543 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
14544 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
14545 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
14546 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
14547 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
14548 current state of the overlays.
14549
14550 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
14551 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
14552
14553 @table @asis
14554
14555 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
14556 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
14557
14558 @smallexample
14559 struct
14560 @{
14561 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
14562 unsigned long vma;
14563
14564 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
14565 unsigned long size;
14566
14567 /* The overlay's load address. */
14568 unsigned long lma;
14569
14570 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
14571 zero otherwise. */
14572 unsigned long mapped;
14573 @}
14574 @end smallexample
14575
14576 @item @code{_novlys}:
14577 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
14578 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
14579
14580 @end table
14581
14582 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
14583 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
14584 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
14585 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
14586 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
14587 currently mapped.
14588
14589 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
14590 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
14591 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
14592 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
14593 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
14594 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
14595 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
14596 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
14597 are not being executed.
14598
14599 @node Overlay Sample Program
14600 @section Overlay Sample Program
14601 @cindex overlay example program
14602
14603 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
14604 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
14605 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
14606 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
14607 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
14608 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
14609 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
14610
14611 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
14612 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
14613 suite. The program consists of the following files from
14614 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
14615
14616 @table @file
14617 @item overlays.c
14618 The main program file.
14619 @item ovlymgr.c
14620 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
14621 @item foo.c
14622 @itemx bar.c
14623 @itemx baz.c
14624 @itemx grbx.c
14625 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
14626 @item d10v.ld
14627 @itemx m32r.ld
14628 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
14629 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
14630 @end table
14631
14632 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
14633 cross-compiler like this:
14634
14635 @smallexample
14636 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
14637 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
14638 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
14639 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
14640 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
14641 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
14642 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
14643 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
14644 @end smallexample
14645
14646 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
14647 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
14648 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
14649
14650
14651 @node Languages
14652 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
14653 @cindex languages
14654
14655 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
14656 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
14657 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
14658 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
14659 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
14660 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
14661
14662 @cindex working language
14663 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
14664 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
14665 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
14666 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
14667 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
14668 language}.
14669
14670 @menu
14671 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
14672 * Show:: Displaying the language
14673 * Checks:: Type and range checks
14674 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
14675 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
14676 @end menu
14677
14678 @node Setting
14679 @section Switching Between Source Languages
14680
14681 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
14682 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
14683 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
14684 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
14685 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
14686 are printed, etc.
14687
14688 In addition to the working language, every source file that
14689 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
14690 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
14691 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
14692 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
14693 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
14694 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
14695 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
14696 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
14697 Displaying the Language}.
14698
14699 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
14700 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
14701 another language. In that case, make the
14702 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
14703 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
14704 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
14705
14706 @menu
14707 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
14708 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
14709 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
14710 @end menu
14711
14712 @node Filenames
14713 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
14714
14715 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
14716 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
14717
14718 @table @file
14719 @item .ada
14720 @itemx .ads
14721 @itemx .adb
14722 @itemx .a
14723 Ada source file.
14724
14725 @item .c
14726 C source file
14727
14728 @item .C
14729 @itemx .cc
14730 @itemx .cp
14731 @itemx .cpp
14732 @itemx .cxx
14733 @itemx .c++
14734 C@t{++} source file
14735
14736 @item .d
14737 D source file
14738
14739 @item .m
14740 Objective-C source file
14741
14742 @item .f
14743 @itemx .F
14744 Fortran source file
14745
14746 @item .mod
14747 Modula-2 source file
14748
14749 @item .s
14750 @itemx .S
14751 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
14752 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
14753 @end table
14754
14755 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
14756 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
14757
14758 @node Manually
14759 @subsection Setting the Working Language
14760
14761 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
14762 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
14763 your program.
14764
14765 @kindex set language
14766 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
14767 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
14768 a language, such as
14769 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
14770 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
14771
14772 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
14773 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
14774 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
14775 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
14776 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
14777 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
14778 command such as:
14779
14780 @smallexample
14781 print a = b + c
14782 @end smallexample
14783
14784 @noindent
14785 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
14786 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
14787 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
14788 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
14789
14790 @node Automatically
14791 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
14792
14793 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
14794 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
14795 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
14796 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
14797 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
14798 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
14799 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
14800 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
14801 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
14802
14803 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
14804 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
14805 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
14806 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
14807 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
14808
14809 @node Show
14810 @section Displaying the Language
14811
14812 The following commands help you find out which language is the
14813 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
14814
14815 @table @code
14816 @item show language
14817 @anchor{show language}
14818 @kindex show language
14819 Display the current working language. This is the
14820 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
14821 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
14822
14823 @item info frame
14824 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
14825 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
14826 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
14827 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
14828 information listed here.
14829
14830 @item info source
14831 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
14832 Display the source language of this source file.
14833 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
14834 information listed here.
14835 @end table
14836
14837 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
14838 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
14839 with a language explicitly:
14840
14841 @table @code
14842 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
14843 @kindex set extension-language
14844 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
14845 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
14846
14847 @item info extensions
14848 @kindex info extensions
14849 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
14850 @end table
14851
14852 @node Checks
14853 @section Type and Range Checking
14854
14855 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
14856 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
14857 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
14858 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
14859 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
14860 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
14861 errors when your program is running.
14862
14863 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
14864 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
14865 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
14866 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
14867
14868 @menu
14869 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
14870 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
14871 @end menu
14872
14873 @cindex type checking
14874 @cindex checks, type
14875 @node Type Checking
14876 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
14877
14878 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
14879 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
14880 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
14881 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
14882
14883 @smallexample
14884 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
14885
14886 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
14887 $1 = 2
14888 @exdent but
14889 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
14890 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
14891 @end smallexample
14892
14893 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
14894 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
14895
14896 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14897 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
14898 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
14899 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
14900 expressions like the second example above.
14901
14902 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
14903 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
14904 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
14905 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
14906 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
14907 little sense to evaluate anyway.
14908
14909 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
14910
14911 @kindex set check type
14912 @kindex show check type
14913 @table @code
14914 @item set check type on
14915 @itemx set check type off
14916 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
14917 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
14918 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
14919
14920 @item show check type
14921 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
14922 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
14923 @end table
14924
14925 @cindex range checking
14926 @cindex checks, range
14927 @node Range Checking
14928 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
14929
14930 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
14931 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
14932 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
14933 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
14934 not exceed the bounds of the array.
14935
14936 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14937 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
14938 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
14939 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
14940
14941 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
14942 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
14943 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
14944 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
14945 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
14946 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
14947
14948 @smallexample
14949 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
14950 @end smallexample
14951
14952 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
14953 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
14954 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
14955
14956 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
14957
14958 @kindex set check range
14959 @kindex show check range
14960 @table @code
14961 @item set check range auto
14962 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
14963 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
14964 each language.
14965
14966 @item set check range on
14967 @itemx set check range off
14968 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
14969 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
14970 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
14971 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
14972
14973 @item set check range warn
14974 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
14975 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
14976 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
14977 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
14978 systems).
14979
14980 @item show range
14981 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
14982 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
14983 @end table
14984
14985 @node Supported Languages
14986 @section Supported Languages
14987
14988 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran,
14989 OpenCL C, Pascal, Rust, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
14990 @c This is false ...
14991 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
14992 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
14993 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
14994 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
14995 language.
14996
14997 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
14998 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
14999 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
15000 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
15001 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
15002 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
15003 language reference or tutorial.
15004
15005 @menu
15006 * C:: C and C@t{++}
15007 * D:: D
15008 * Go:: Go
15009 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
15010 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
15011 * Fortran:: Fortran
15012 * Pascal:: Pascal
15013 * Rust:: Rust
15014 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
15015 * Ada:: Ada
15016 @end menu
15017
15018 @node C
15019 @subsection C and C@t{++}
15020
15021 @cindex C and C@t{++}
15022 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
15023
15024 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
15025 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
15026 together.
15027
15028 @cindex C@t{++}
15029 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
15030 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
15031 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
15032 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
15033 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
15034 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
15035 compiler (@code{aCC}).
15036
15037 @menu
15038 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
15039 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
15040 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
15041 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
15042 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
15043 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
15044 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
15045 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
15046 @end menu
15047
15048 @node C Operators
15049 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
15050
15051 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
15052
15053 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15054 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15055 often defined on groups of types.
15056
15057 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
15058
15059 @itemize @bullet
15060
15061 @item
15062 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
15063 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
15064
15065 @item
15066 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
15067 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
15068
15069 @item
15070 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
15071
15072 @item
15073 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
15074
15075 @end itemize
15076
15077 @noindent
15078 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
15079 in order of increasing precedence:
15080
15081 @table @code
15082 @item ,
15083 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
15084 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
15085 expression being the last expression evaluated.
15086
15087 @item =
15088 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
15089 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
15090
15091 @item @var{op}=
15092 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
15093 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
15094 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
15095 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
15096 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
15097
15098 @item ?:
15099 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
15100 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
15101 should be of an integral type.
15102
15103 @item ||
15104 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
15105
15106 @item &&
15107 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
15108
15109 @item |
15110 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
15111
15112 @item ^
15113 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
15114
15115 @item &
15116 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
15117
15118 @item ==@r{, }!=
15119 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
15120 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
15121
15122 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
15123 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
15124 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
15125 and non-zero for true.
15126
15127 @item <<@r{, }>>
15128 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
15129
15130 @item @@
15131 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
15132
15133 @item +@r{, }-
15134 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
15135 pointer types.
15136
15137 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
15138 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
15139 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
15140 integral types.
15141
15142 @item ++@r{, }--
15143 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
15144 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
15145 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
15146 operation takes place.
15147
15148 @item *
15149 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
15150 @code{++}.
15151
15152 @item &
15153 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
15154
15155 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
15156 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
15157 to examine the address
15158 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
15159 stored.
15160
15161 @item -
15162 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
15163 precedence as @code{++}.
15164
15165 @item !
15166 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
15167 @code{++}.
15168
15169 @item ~
15170 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
15171 @code{++}.
15172
15173
15174 @item .@r{, }->
15175 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
15176 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
15177 pointer based on the stored type information.
15178 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
15179
15180 @item .*@r{, }->*
15181 Dereferences of pointers to members.
15182
15183 @item []
15184 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
15185 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
15186
15187 @item ()
15188 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
15189
15190 @item ::
15191 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
15192 and @code{class} types.
15193
15194 @item ::
15195 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
15196 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
15197 above.
15198 @end table
15199
15200 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
15201 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
15202 predefined meaning.
15203
15204 @node C Constants
15205 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
15206
15207 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
15208
15209 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
15210 following ways:
15211
15212 @itemize @bullet
15213 @item
15214 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
15215 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
15216 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
15217 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
15218 @code{long} value.
15219
15220 @item
15221 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
15222 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
15223 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
15224 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
15225 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
15226 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
15227 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
15228 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
15229 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
15230 constant.
15231
15232 @item
15233 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
15234 integral equivalents.
15235
15236 @item
15237 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
15238 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
15239 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
15240 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
15241 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
15242 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
15243 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
15244 @samp{\n} for newline.
15245
15246 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
15247 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
15248 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
15249 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
15250
15251 @item
15252 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
15253 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
15254 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
15255 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
15256 characters.
15257
15258 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
15259 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
15260 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
15261
15262 @item
15263 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
15264 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
15265
15266 @item
15267 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
15268 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
15269 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
15270 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
15271 @end itemize
15272
15273 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
15274 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
15275
15276 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
15277 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
15278
15279 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
15280 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
15281 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
15282 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
15283 @quotation
15284 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
15285 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
15286 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
15287 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
15288 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
15289 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
15290 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
15291 code. @xref{Compilation}.
15292 @end quotation
15293
15294 @enumerate
15295
15296 @cindex member functions
15297 @item
15298 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
15299
15300 @smallexample
15301 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
15302 @end smallexample
15303
15304 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
15305 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
15306 @item
15307 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
15308 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
15309 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
15310 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
15311 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
15312
15313 @cindex call overloaded functions
15314 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
15315 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
15316 @item
15317 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
15318 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
15319 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
15320 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
15321 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
15322 default arguments.
15323
15324 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
15325 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
15326 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
15327 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
15328 number of function arguments.
15329
15330 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
15331 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
15332 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
15333
15334 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
15335 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
15336 @smallexample
15337 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
15338 @end smallexample
15339
15340 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
15341 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
15342
15343 @cindex reference declarations
15344 @item
15345 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} lvalue or rvalue
15346 references; you can use them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++}
15347 source---they are automatically dereferenced.
15348
15349 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
15350 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
15351 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
15352 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
15353 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
15354
15355 @item
15356 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
15357 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
15358 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
15359 necessary, for example in an expression like
15360 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
15361 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
15362 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
15363
15364 @item
15365 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
15366 specification.
15367 @end enumerate
15368
15369 @node C Defaults
15370 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
15371
15372 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
15373
15374 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
15375 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
15376 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
15377 selects the working language.
15378
15379 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
15380 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
15381 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
15382 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
15383 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
15384 for further details.
15385
15386 @node C Checks
15387 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
15388
15389 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
15390
15391 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
15392 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
15393 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
15394 constants to pointers.
15395
15396 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
15397 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
15398 that is not itself an array.
15399
15400 @node Debugging C
15401 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
15402
15403 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
15404 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
15405 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
15406 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
15407
15408 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
15409 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
15410 ,Expressions}.
15411
15412 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
15413 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
15414
15415 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
15416
15417 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
15418 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
15419
15420 @table @code
15421 @cindex break in overloaded functions
15422 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
15423 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
15424 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
15425 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
15426 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
15427
15428 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
15429 @item rbreak @var{regex}
15430 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
15431 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
15432 classes.
15433 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15434
15435 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
15436 @item catch throw
15437 @itemx catch rethrow
15438 @itemx catch catch
15439 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
15440 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
15441
15442 @cindex inheritance
15443 @item ptype @var{typename}
15444 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
15445 @var{typename}.
15446 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
15447
15448 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
15449 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
15450 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
15451 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
15452 multiple inheritance is in use.
15453
15454 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
15455 @item demangle @var{name}
15456 Demangle @var{name}.
15457 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
15458
15459 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
15460 @item set print demangle
15461 @itemx show print demangle
15462 @itemx set print asm-demangle
15463 @itemx show print asm-demangle
15464 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
15465 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
15466 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15467
15468 @item set print object
15469 @itemx show print object
15470 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
15471 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15472
15473 @item set print vtbl
15474 @itemx show print vtbl
15475 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
15476 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15477 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
15478 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
15479
15480 @kindex set overload-resolution
15481 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
15482 @item set overload-resolution on
15483 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
15484 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
15485 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
15486 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
15487 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
15488 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
15489
15490 @item set overload-resolution off
15491 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
15492 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15493 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
15494 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
15495 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15496 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
15497 argument types.
15498
15499 @kindex show overload-resolution
15500 @item show overload-resolution
15501 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
15502
15503 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
15504 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
15505 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
15506 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
15507 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
15508 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
15509 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
15510
15511 @item @r{Breakpoints in functions with ABI tags}
15512
15513 The GNU C@t{++} compiler introduced the notion of ABI ``tags'', which
15514 correspond to changes in the ABI of a type, function, or variable that
15515 would not otherwise be reflected in a mangled name. See
15516 @url{https://developers.redhat.com/blog/2015/02/05/gcc5-and-the-c11-abi/}
15517 for more detail.
15518
15519 The ABI tags are visible in C@t{++} demangled names. For example, a
15520 function that returns a std::string:
15521
15522 @smallexample
15523 std::string function(int);
15524 @end smallexample
15525
15526 @noindent
15527 when compiled for the C++11 ABI is marked with the @code{cxx11} ABI
15528 tag, and @value{GDBN} displays the symbol like this:
15529
15530 @smallexample
15531 function[abi:cxx11](int)
15532 @end smallexample
15533
15534 You can set a breakpoint on such functions simply as if they had no
15535 tag. For example:
15536
15537 @smallexample
15538 (gdb) b function(int)
15539 Breakpoint 2 at 0x40060d: file main.cc, line 10.
15540 (gdb) info breakpoints
15541 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
15542 1 breakpoint keep y 0x0040060d in function[abi:cxx11](int)
15543 at main.cc:10
15544 @end smallexample
15545
15546 On the rare occasion you need to disambiguate between different ABI
15547 tags, you can do so by simply including the ABI tag in the function
15548 name, like:
15549
15550 @smallexample
15551 (@value{GDBP}) b ambiguous[abi:other_tag](int)
15552 @end smallexample
15553 @end table
15554
15555 @node Decimal Floating Point
15556 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
15557 @cindex decimal floating point format
15558
15559 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
15560 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
15561 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
15562 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
15563
15564 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
15565 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
15566 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
15567 configured target.
15568
15569 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
15570 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
15571 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
15572
15573 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
15574 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
15575 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
15576
15577 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
15578 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
15579 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
15580
15581 @node D
15582 @subsection D
15583
15584 @cindex D
15585 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
15586 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
15587 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
15588
15589 @node Go
15590 @subsection Go
15591
15592 @cindex Go (programming language)
15593 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
15594 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
15595
15596 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
15597
15598 @table @code
15599 @cindex current Go package
15600 @item The current Go package
15601 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
15602 specifying global variables and functions.
15603
15604 For example, given the program:
15605
15606 @example
15607 package main
15608 var myglob = "Shall we?"
15609 func main () @{
15610 // ...
15611 @}
15612 @end example
15613
15614 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
15615
15616 @example
15617 (gdb) p myglob
15618 (gdb) p main.myglob
15619 @end example
15620
15621 @cindex builtin Go types
15622 @item Builtin Go types
15623 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
15624 as a string.
15625
15626 @cindex builtin Go functions
15627 @item Builtin Go functions
15628 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
15629 function and handles it internally.
15630
15631 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
15632 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
15633 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
15634 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
15635 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
15636 @end table
15637
15638 @node Objective-C
15639 @subsection Objective-C
15640
15641 @cindex Objective-C
15642 This section provides information about some commands and command
15643 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
15644 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
15645 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
15646
15647 @menu
15648 * Method Names in Commands::
15649 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
15650 @end menu
15651
15652 @node Method Names in Commands
15653 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
15654
15655 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
15656 names as line specifications:
15657
15658 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
15659 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
15660 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
15661 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
15662 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
15663 @itemize
15664 @item @code{clear}
15665 @item @code{break}
15666 @item @code{info line}
15667 @item @code{jump}
15668 @item @code{list}
15669 @end itemize
15670
15671 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
15672
15673 @smallexample
15674 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
15675 @end smallexample
15676
15677 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
15678 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
15679 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
15680 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
15681 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
15682 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
15683 debugged, enter:
15684
15685 @smallexample
15686 break -[Fruit create]
15687 @end smallexample
15688
15689 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
15690 enter:
15691
15692 @smallexample
15693 list +[NSText initialize]
15694 @end smallexample
15695
15696 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
15697 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
15698 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
15699 is also possible to specify just a method name:
15700
15701 @smallexample
15702 break create
15703 @end smallexample
15704
15705 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
15706 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
15707 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
15708 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
15709 none apply.
15710
15711 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
15712 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
15713
15714 @smallexample
15715 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
15716 @end smallexample
15717
15718 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
15719 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
15720 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
15721 @kindex print-object
15722 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
15723
15724 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
15725
15726 @smallexample
15727 print -[@var{object} hash]
15728 @end smallexample
15729
15730 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
15731 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
15732 @noindent
15733 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
15734 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
15735 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
15736 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
15737 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
15738 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
15739
15740 @node OpenCL C
15741 @subsection OpenCL C
15742
15743 @cindex OpenCL C
15744 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
15745
15746 @menu
15747 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
15748 * OpenCL C Expressions::
15749 * OpenCL C Operators::
15750 @end menu
15751
15752 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
15753 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
15754
15755 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
15756 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
15757 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
15758 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
15759 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
15760
15761 @node OpenCL C Expressions
15762 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
15763
15764 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
15765 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
15766 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
15767 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
15768
15769 @node OpenCL C Operators
15770 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
15771
15772 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
15773 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
15774 vector data types.
15775
15776 @node Fortran
15777 @subsection Fortran
15778 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
15779
15780 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
15781 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
15782
15783 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
15784 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
15785 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
15786 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
15787 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
15788 underscore.
15789
15790 @menu
15791 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
15792 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
15793 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
15794 @end menu
15795
15796 @node Fortran Operators
15797 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
15798
15799 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
15800
15801 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15802 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
15803 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
15804
15805 @table @code
15806 @item **
15807 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
15808 of the second one.
15809
15810 @item :
15811 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
15812 represent a section of array.
15813
15814 @item %
15815 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
15816 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
15817 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
15818 union type.
15819 @end table
15820
15821 @node Fortran Defaults
15822 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
15823
15824 @cindex Fortran Defaults
15825
15826 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
15827 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
15828 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
15829 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
15830
15831 @node Special Fortran Commands
15832 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
15833
15834 @cindex Special Fortran commands
15835
15836 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
15837 such as displaying common blocks.
15838
15839 @table @code
15840 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
15841 @kindex info common
15842 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
15843 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
15844 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
15845 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
15846 printed.
15847 @end table
15848
15849 @node Pascal
15850 @subsection Pascal
15851
15852 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
15853 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
15854 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
15855 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
15856 syntax.
15857
15858 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
15859 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
15860 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
15861
15862 @node Rust
15863 @subsection Rust
15864
15865 @value{GDBN} supports the @url{https://www.rust-lang.org/, Rust
15866 Programming Language}. Type- and value-printing, and expression
15867 parsing, are reasonably complete. However, there are a few
15868 peculiarities and holes to be aware of.
15869
15870 @itemize @bullet
15871 @item
15872 Linespecs (@pxref{Specify Location}) are never relative to the current
15873 crate. Instead, they act as if there were a global namespace of
15874 crates, somewhat similar to the way @code{extern crate} behaves.
15875
15876 That is, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in a function in
15877 crate @samp{A}, module @samp{B}, then @code{break B::f} will attempt
15878 to set a breakpoint in a function named @samp{f} in a crate named
15879 @samp{B}.
15880
15881 As a consequence of this approach, linespecs also cannot refer to
15882 items using @samp{self::} or @samp{super::}.
15883
15884 @item
15885 Because @value{GDBN} implements Rust name-lookup semantics in
15886 expressions, it will sometimes prepend the current crate to a name.
15887 For example, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in the crate
15888 @samp{K}, then @code{print ::x::y} will try to find the symbol
15889 @samp{K::x::y}.
15890
15891 However, since it is useful to be able to refer to other crates when
15892 debugging, @value{GDBN} provides the @code{extern} extension to
15893 circumvent this. To use the extension, just put @code{extern} before
15894 a path expression to refer to the otherwise unavailable ``global''
15895 scope.
15896
15897 In the above example, if you wanted to refer to the symbol @samp{y} in
15898 the crate @samp{x}, you would use @code{print extern x::y}.
15899
15900 @item
15901 The Rust expression evaluator does not support ``statement-like''
15902 expressions such as @code{if} or @code{match}, or lambda expressions.
15903
15904 @item
15905 Tuple expressions are not implemented.
15906
15907 @item
15908 The Rust expression evaluator does not currently implement the
15909 @code{Drop} trait. Objects that may be created by the evaluator will
15910 never be destroyed.
15911
15912 @item
15913 @value{GDBN} does not implement type inference for generics. In order
15914 to call generic functions or otherwise refer to generic items, you
15915 will have to specify the type parameters manually.
15916
15917 @item
15918 @value{GDBN} currently uses the C@t{++} demangler for Rust. In most
15919 cases this does not cause any problems. However, in an expression
15920 context, completing a generic function name will give syntactically
15921 invalid results. This happens because Rust requires the @samp{::}
15922 operator between the function name and its generic arguments. For
15923 example, @value{GDBN} might provide a completion like
15924 @code{crate::f<u32>}, where the parser would require
15925 @code{crate::f::<u32>}.
15926
15927 @item
15928 As of this writing, the Rust compiler (version 1.8) has a few holes in
15929 the debugging information it generates. These holes prevent certain
15930 features from being implemented by @value{GDBN}:
15931 @itemize @bullet
15932
15933 @item
15934 Method calls cannot be made via traits.
15935
15936 @item
15937 Operator overloading is not implemented.
15938
15939 @item
15940 When debugging in a monomorphized function, you cannot use the generic
15941 type names.
15942
15943 @item
15944 The type @code{Self} is not available.
15945
15946 @item
15947 @code{use} statements are not available, so some names may not be
15948 available in the crate.
15949 @end itemize
15950 @end itemize
15951
15952 @node Modula-2
15953 @subsection Modula-2
15954
15955 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
15956
15957 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
15958 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
15959 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
15960 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15961 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
15962 table.
15963
15964 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
15965 @menu
15966 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
15967 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
15968 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
15969 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
15970 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
15971 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
15972 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
15973 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15974 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15975 @end menu
15976
15977 @node M2 Operators
15978 @subsubsection Operators
15979 @cindex Modula-2 operators
15980
15981 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15982 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15983 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
15984 following definitions hold:
15985
15986 @itemize @bullet
15987
15988 @item
15989 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
15990 their subranges.
15991
15992 @item
15993 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
15994
15995 @item
15996 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
15997
15998 @item
15999 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
16000 @var{type}}.
16001
16002 @item
16003 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
16004
16005 @item
16006 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
16007
16008 @item
16009 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
16010 @end itemize
16011
16012 @noindent
16013 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
16014 increasing precedence:
16015
16016 @table @code
16017 @item ,
16018 Function argument or array index separator.
16019
16020 @item :=
16021 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
16022 @var{value}.
16023
16024 @item <@r{, }>
16025 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
16026 types.
16027
16028 @item <=@r{, }>=
16029 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
16030 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
16031 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
16032
16033 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
16034 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
16035 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
16036 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
16037 comment character.
16038
16039 @item IN
16040 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
16041 Same precedence as @code{<}.
16042
16043 @item OR
16044 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
16045
16046 @item AND@r{, }&
16047 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
16048
16049 @item @@
16050 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
16051
16052 @item +@r{, }-
16053 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
16054 and difference on set types.
16055
16056 @item *
16057 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
16058 on set types.
16059
16060 @item /
16061 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
16062 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
16063
16064 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
16065 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
16066 precedence as @code{*}.
16067
16068 @item -
16069 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
16070
16071 @item ^
16072 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
16073
16074 @item NOT
16075 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
16076 @code{^}.
16077
16078 @item .
16079 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
16080 precedence as @code{^}.
16081
16082 @item []
16083 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
16084
16085 @item ()
16086 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
16087 as @code{^}.
16088
16089 @item ::@r{, }.
16090 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
16091 @end table
16092
16093 @quotation
16094 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
16095 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
16096 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
16097 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
16098 @end quotation
16099
16100
16101 @node Built-In Func/Proc
16102 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
16103 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
16104
16105 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
16106 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
16107
16108 @table @var
16109
16110 @item a
16111 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
16112
16113 @item c
16114 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
16115
16116 @item i
16117 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
16118
16119 @item m
16120 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
16121 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
16122 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
16123
16124 @item n
16125 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
16126
16127 @item r
16128 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
16129
16130 @item t
16131 represents a type.
16132
16133 @item v
16134 represents a variable.
16135
16136 @item x
16137 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
16138 explanation of the function for details.
16139 @end table
16140
16141 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
16142
16143 @table @code
16144 @item ABS(@var{n})
16145 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
16146
16147 @item CAP(@var{c})
16148 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
16149 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
16150
16151 @item CHR(@var{i})
16152 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
16153
16154 @item DEC(@var{v})
16155 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
16156
16157 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
16158 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
16159 new value.
16160
16161 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
16162 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
16163 set.
16164
16165 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
16166 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
16167
16168 @item HIGH(@var{a})
16169 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
16170
16171 @item INC(@var{v})
16172 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
16173
16174 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
16175 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
16176 new value.
16177
16178 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
16179 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
16180 there. Returns the new set.
16181
16182 @item MAX(@var{t})
16183 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
16184
16185 @item MIN(@var{t})
16186 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
16187
16188 @item ODD(@var{i})
16189 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
16190
16191 @item ORD(@var{x})
16192 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
16193 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
16194 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
16195 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
16196
16197 @item SIZE(@var{x})
16198 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
16199 variable or a type.
16200
16201 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
16202 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
16203
16204 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
16205 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
16206 variable or a type.
16207
16208 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
16209 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
16210 @end table
16211
16212 @quotation
16213 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
16214 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
16215 an error.
16216 @end quotation
16217
16218 @cindex Modula-2 constants
16219 @node M2 Constants
16220 @subsubsection Constants
16221
16222 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
16223 ways:
16224
16225 @itemize @bullet
16226
16227 @item
16228 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
16229 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
16230 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
16231 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
16232
16233 @item
16234 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
16235 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
16236 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
16237 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
16238 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
16239 digits.
16240
16241 @item
16242 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
16243 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
16244 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
16245 followed by a @samp{C}.
16246
16247 @item
16248 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
16249 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
16250 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
16251 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
16252 sequences.
16253
16254 @item
16255 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
16256
16257 @item
16258 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
16259 @code{FALSE}.
16260
16261 @item
16262 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
16263
16264 @item
16265 Set constants are not yet supported.
16266 @end itemize
16267
16268 @node M2 Types
16269 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
16270 @cindex Modula-2 types
16271
16272 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
16273 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
16274 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
16275 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
16276 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
16277 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
16278
16279 The first example contains the following section of code:
16280
16281 @smallexample
16282 VAR
16283 s: SET OF CHAR ;
16284 r: [20..40] ;
16285 @end smallexample
16286
16287 @noindent
16288 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
16289 @code{r} and @code{s}.
16290
16291 @smallexample
16292 (@value{GDBP}) print s
16293 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
16294 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16295 SET OF CHAR
16296 (@value{GDBP}) print r
16297 21
16298 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
16299 [20..40]
16300 @end smallexample
16301
16302 @noindent
16303 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
16304
16305 @smallexample
16306 VAR
16307 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
16308 @end smallexample
16309
16310 @noindent
16311 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
16312
16313 @smallexample
16314 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16315 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
16316 @end smallexample
16317
16318 @noindent
16319 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
16320 expressions using the debugger.
16321
16322 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
16323 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
16324
16325 @smallexample
16326 VAR
16327 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
16328 @end smallexample
16329
16330 @smallexample
16331 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16332 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
16333 @end smallexample
16334
16335 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
16336 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
16337 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
16338 above.
16339
16340 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
16341
16342 @smallexample
16343 TYPE
16344 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
16345 t = [blue..yellow] ;
16346 VAR
16347 s: t ;
16348 BEGIN
16349 s := blue ;
16350 @end smallexample
16351
16352 @noindent
16353 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
16354 and value of a variable.
16355
16356 @smallexample
16357 (@value{GDBP}) print s
16358 $1 = blue
16359 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
16360 type = [blue..yellow]
16361 @end smallexample
16362
16363 @noindent
16364 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
16365 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
16366 their @code{C} counterparts.
16367
16368 @smallexample
16369 VAR
16370 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
16371 BEGIN
16372 s[1] := 1 ;
16373 @end smallexample
16374
16375 @smallexample
16376 (@value{GDBP}) print s
16377 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
16378 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16379 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
16380 @end smallexample
16381
16382 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
16383 pointer types as shown in this example:
16384
16385 @smallexample
16386 VAR
16387 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
16388 BEGIN
16389 NEW(s) ;
16390 s^[1] := 1 ;
16391 @end smallexample
16392
16393 @noindent
16394 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
16395
16396 @smallexample
16397 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16398 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
16399 @end smallexample
16400
16401 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
16402 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
16403 types:
16404
16405 @smallexample
16406 TYPE
16407 foo = RECORD
16408 f1: CARDINAL ;
16409 f2: CHAR ;
16410 f3: myarray ;
16411 END ;
16412
16413 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
16414 myrange = [-2..2] ;
16415 VAR
16416 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
16417 @end smallexample
16418
16419 @noindent
16420 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
16421 below.
16422
16423 @smallexample
16424 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16425 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
16426 f1 : CARDINAL;
16427 f2 : CHAR;
16428 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
16429 END
16430 @end smallexample
16431
16432 @node M2 Defaults
16433 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
16434 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
16435
16436 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
16437 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
16438 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
16439 selected the working language.
16440
16441 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
16442 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
16443 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
16444 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
16445
16446 @node Deviations
16447 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
16448 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
16449
16450 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
16451 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
16452
16453 @itemize @bullet
16454 @item
16455 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
16456 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
16457 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
16458 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
16459 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
16460 returned a pointer.)
16461
16462 @item
16463 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
16464 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
16465 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
16466 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
16467
16468 @item
16469 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
16470 argument.
16471
16472 @item
16473 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
16474 @end itemize
16475
16476 @node M2 Checks
16477 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
16478 @cindex Modula-2 checks
16479
16480 @quotation
16481 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
16482 range checking.
16483 @end quotation
16484 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
16485
16486 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
16487
16488 @itemize @bullet
16489 @item
16490 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
16491 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
16492
16493 @item
16494 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
16495 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
16496 @end itemize
16497
16498 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
16499 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
16500
16501 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
16502 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
16503
16504 @node M2 Scope
16505 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
16506 @cindex scope
16507 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
16508 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
16509 @ifinfo
16510 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
16511 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
16512 @end ifinfo
16513 @ifnotinfo
16514 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
16515 @end ifnotinfo
16516
16517 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
16518 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
16519 similar syntax:
16520
16521 @smallexample
16522
16523 @var{module} . @var{id}
16524 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
16525 @end smallexample
16526
16527 @noindent
16528 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
16529 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
16530 identifier within your program, except another module.
16531
16532 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
16533 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
16534 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
16535 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
16536
16537 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
16538 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
16539 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
16540 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
16541 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
16542 @var{module}.
16543
16544 @node GDB/M2
16545 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
16546
16547 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
16548 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
16549 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
16550 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
16551 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
16552 analogue in Modula-2.
16553
16554 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
16555 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
16556 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
16557 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
16558 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
16559 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
16560
16561 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
16562 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
16563 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
16564
16565 @node Ada
16566 @subsection Ada
16567 @cindex Ada
16568
16569 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
16570 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
16571 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
16572 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
16573 to be difficult.
16574
16575
16576 @cindex expressions in Ada
16577 @menu
16578 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
16579 and semantics supported by Ada mode
16580 in @value{GDBN}.
16581 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
16582 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
16583 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
16584 subprograms.
16585 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
16586 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
16587 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
16588 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16589 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
16590 Profile
16591 * Ada Settings:: New settable GDB parameters for Ada.
16592 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
16593 @end menu
16594
16595 @node Ada Mode Intro
16596 @subsubsection Introduction
16597 @cindex Ada mode, general
16598
16599 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
16600 syntax, with some extensions.
16601 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
16602
16603 @itemize @bullet
16604 @item
16605 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
16606 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
16607 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
16608 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
16609
16610 @item
16611 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
16612 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16613
16614 @item
16615 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16616 @end itemize
16617
16618 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
16619 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
16620 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
16621 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
16622 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
16623
16624 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
16625 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
16626 was translated from an Ada source file.
16627
16628 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
16629 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
16630 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
16631 middle (to allow based literals).
16632
16633 @node Omissions from Ada
16634 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
16635 @cindex Ada, omissions from
16636
16637 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
16638
16639 @itemize @bullet
16640 @item
16641 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
16642
16643 @itemize @minus
16644 @item
16645 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
16646 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
16647
16648 @item
16649 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
16650
16651 @item
16652 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
16653
16654 @item
16655 @t{'Tag}.
16656
16657 @item
16658 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
16659 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
16660
16661 @item
16662 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
16663 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
16664
16665 @item
16666 @t{'Address}.
16667 @end itemize
16668
16669 @item
16670 The names in
16671 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
16672 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
16673 not currently available.
16674
16675 @item
16676 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
16677 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
16678 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
16679 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
16680 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
16681 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
16682 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
16683 indeterminate values.
16684
16685 @item
16686 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
16687 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
16688 are not implemented.
16689
16690 @item
16691 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
16692 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
16693 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
16694 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
16695 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
16696
16697 @smallexample
16698 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
16699 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
16700 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
16701 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
16702 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
16703 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
16704 @end smallexample
16705
16706 Changing a
16707 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
16708 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
16709 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
16710 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
16711 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
16712 declared to have a type such as:
16713
16714 @smallexample
16715 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
16716 Id : Integer;
16717 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
16718 end record;
16719 @end smallexample
16720
16721 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
16722 assignments:
16723
16724 @smallexample
16725 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
16726 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
16727 @end smallexample
16728
16729 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
16730 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
16731 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
16732 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
16733 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
16734 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
16735 redundant component associations, although which component values are
16736 assigned in such cases is not defined.
16737
16738 @item
16739 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
16740
16741 @item
16742 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
16743 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
16744 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
16745 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
16746 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
16747 the proper resolution.
16748
16749 @item
16750 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
16751
16752 @item
16753 Entry calls are not implemented.
16754
16755 @item
16756 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
16757 formats are not supported.
16758
16759 @item
16760 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
16761
16762 @item
16763 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
16764 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
16765 context.
16766 Should your program
16767 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
16768 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
16769 @end itemize
16770
16771 @node Additions to Ada
16772 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
16773 @cindex Ada, deviations from
16774
16775 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
16776 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
16777
16778 @itemize @bullet
16779 @item
16780 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
16781 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
16782 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
16783 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
16784 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
16785 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
16786 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
16787 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
16788
16789 @item
16790 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
16791 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
16792 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
16793
16794 @item
16795 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
16796 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
16797
16798 @item
16799 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
16800 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
16801 @end itemize
16802
16803 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
16804 additions specific to Ada:
16805
16806 @itemize @bullet
16807 @item
16808 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
16809 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
16810
16811 @smallexample
16812 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
16813 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
16814 @end smallexample
16815
16816 @item
16817 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
16818 the value of its right-hand operand.
16819 This allows, for example,
16820 complex conditional breaks:
16821
16822 @smallexample
16823 (@value{GDBP}) break f
16824 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
16825 @end smallexample
16826
16827 @item
16828 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
16829 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
16830 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
16831 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
16832 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
16833 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
16834 in strings. For example,
16835 @smallexample
16836 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
16837 @end smallexample
16838 @noindent
16839 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
16840 after each period.
16841
16842 @item
16843 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
16844 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
16845 to write
16846
16847 @smallexample
16848 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
16849 @end smallexample
16850
16851 @item
16852 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
16853 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
16854 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
16855 of 3 might print as
16856
16857 @smallexample
16858 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
16859 @end smallexample
16860
16861 @noindent
16862 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
16863 clause.
16864
16865 @item
16866 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
16867 multi-character subsequence of
16868 their names (an exact match gets preference).
16869 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
16870 in place of @t{a'length}.
16871
16872 @item
16873 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
16874 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
16875 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
16876 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
16877 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
16878 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
16879 For example,
16880 @smallexample
16881 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
16882 @end smallexample
16883
16884 @item
16885 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
16886 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
16887 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
16888 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
16889 object.
16890
16891 @end itemize
16892
16893 @node Overloading support for Ada
16894 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
16895 @cindex overloading, Ada
16896
16897 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
16898 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
16899 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
16900 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
16901 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
16902 functions to procedures elsewhere.
16903
16904 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
16905 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
16906 use, for instance:
16907
16908 @smallexample
16909 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
16910 Multiple matches for f
16911 [0] cancel
16912 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
16913 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
16914 >
16915 @end smallexample
16916
16917 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
16918 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
16919 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
16920
16921 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
16922 case:
16923
16924 @table @code
16925
16926 @kindex set ada print-signatures
16927 @item set ada print-signatures
16928 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
16929 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
16930 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16931
16932 @kindex show ada print-signatures
16933 @item show ada print-signatures
16934 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
16935 overloads selection menu.
16936 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16937
16938 @end table
16939
16940 @node Stopping Before Main Program
16941 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
16942
16943 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
16944 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
16945 before reaching the main procedure.
16946 As defined in the Ada Reference
16947 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
16948 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
16949 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
16950 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
16951
16952 @node Ada Exceptions
16953 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
16954
16955 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
16956
16957 @table @code
16958 @kindex info exceptions
16959 @item info exceptions
16960 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
16961 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
16962 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
16963 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
16964 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
16965 @end table
16966
16967 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
16968 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
16969 argument.
16970
16971 @smallexample
16972 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
16973 All defined Ada exceptions:
16974 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16975 program_error: 0x613d20
16976 storage_error: 0x613ce0
16977 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
16978 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16979 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
16980 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
16981 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16982 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16983 @end smallexample
16984
16985 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
16986 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
16987
16988 @node Ada Tasks
16989 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
16990 @cindex Ada, tasking
16991
16992 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
16993 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
16994
16995 @table @code
16996 @kindex info tasks
16997 @item info tasks
16998 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
16999
17000
17001 @smallexample
17002 @iftex
17003 @leftskip=0.5cm
17004 @end iftex
17005 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17006 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17007 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17008 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
17009 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
17010 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
17011
17012 @end smallexample
17013
17014 @noindent
17015 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
17016 task currently being inspected.
17017
17018 @table @asis
17019 @item ID
17020 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
17021
17022 @item TID
17023 The Ada task ID.
17024
17025 @item P-ID
17026 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
17027
17028 @item Pri
17029 The base priority of the task.
17030
17031 @item State
17032 Current state of the task.
17033
17034 @table @code
17035 @item Unactivated
17036 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
17037 executing.
17038
17039 @item Runnable
17040 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
17041 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
17042
17043 @item Terminated
17044 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
17045 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
17046 terminated themselves.
17047
17048 @item Child Activation Wait
17049 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
17050
17051 @item Accept Statement
17052 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
17053
17054 @item Waiting on entry call
17055 The task is waiting on an entry call.
17056
17057 @item Async Select Wait
17058 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
17059 select statement.
17060
17061 @item Delay Sleep
17062 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
17063 alternative open.
17064
17065 @item Child Termination Wait
17066 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
17067 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
17068 waiting on a terminate Phase.
17069
17070 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
17071 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
17072 finish terminating.
17073
17074 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
17075 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
17076 @end table
17077
17078 @item Name
17079 Name of the task in the program.
17080
17081 @end table
17082
17083 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
17084 @item info task @var{taskno}
17085 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
17086 the following example:
17087 @smallexample
17088 @iftex
17089 @leftskip=0.5cm
17090 @end iftex
17091 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17092 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17093 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17094 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
17095 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
17096 Ada Task: 0x807c468
17097 Name: task_1
17098 Thread: 0x807f378
17099 Parent: 1 (main_task)
17100 Base Priority: 15
17101 State: Runnable
17102 @end smallexample
17103
17104 @item task
17105 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
17106 @cindex current Ada task ID
17107 This command prints the ID of the current task.
17108
17109 @smallexample
17110 @iftex
17111 @leftskip=0.5cm
17112 @end iftex
17113 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17114 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17115 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17116 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
17117 (@value{GDBP}) task
17118 [Current task is 2]
17119 @end smallexample
17120
17121 @item task @var{taskno}
17122 @cindex Ada task switching
17123 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
17124 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
17125 from the current task to the given task.
17126
17127 @smallexample
17128 @iftex
17129 @leftskip=0.5cm
17130 @end iftex
17131 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17132 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17133 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17134 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
17135 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
17136 [Switching to task 1]
17137 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
17138 (@value{GDBP}) bt
17139 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
17140 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
17141 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
17142 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
17143 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
17144 @end smallexample
17145
17146 @item break @var{location} task @var{taskno}
17147 @itemx break @var{location} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
17148 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
17149 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
17150 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
17151 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
17152 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). The
17153 @var{location} argument specifies source lines, as described
17154 in @ref{Specify Location}.
17155
17156 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
17157 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
17158 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
17159 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
17160 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
17161
17162 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
17163 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
17164 program.
17165
17166 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
17167 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
17168 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
17169
17170 For example,
17171
17172 @smallexample
17173 @iftex
17174 @leftskip=0.5cm
17175 @end iftex
17176 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17177 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17178 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17179 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
17180 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
17181 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
17182 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
17183 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
17184 (@value{GDBP}) cont
17185 Continuing.
17186 task # 1 running
17187 task # 2 running
17188
17189 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
17190 15 flush;
17191 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
17192 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
17193 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
17194 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
17195 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
17196 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
17197 @end smallexample
17198 @end table
17199
17200 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
17201 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
17202 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
17203
17204 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
17205 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
17206 the platform being used.
17207 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
17208 switching is not supported.
17209
17210 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
17211 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
17212 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
17213 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
17214 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
17215 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
17216
17217 @node Ravenscar Profile
17218 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
17219 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
17220
17221 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
17222 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
17223 requirements.
17224
17225 @table @code
17226 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
17227 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
17228 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
17229 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
17230 Profile. This is the default.
17231
17232 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
17233 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
17234 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
17235 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
17236 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
17237 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
17238 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
17239
17240 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
17241 @item show ravenscar task-switching
17242 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
17243 using the Ravenscar Profile.
17244
17245 @end table
17246
17247 @node Ada Settings
17248 @subsubsection Ada Settings
17249 @cindex Ada settings
17250
17251 @table @code
17252 @kindex set varsize-limit
17253 @item set varsize-limit @var{size}
17254 Prevent @value{GDBN} from attempting to evaluate objects whose size
17255 is above the given limit (@var{size}) when those sizes are computed
17256 from run-time quantities. This is typically the case when the object
17257 has a variable size, such as an array whose bounds are not known at
17258 compile time for example. Setting @var{size} to @code{unlimited}
17259 removes the size limitation. By default, the limit is about 65KB.
17260
17261 The purpose of having such a limit is to prevent @value{GDBN} from
17262 trying to grab enormous chunks of virtual memory when asked to evaluate
17263 a quantity whose bounds have been corrupted or have not yet been fully
17264 initialized. The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions
17265 as well as to complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting
17266 a simple integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
17267 @code{x.y} is variable and exceeds @code{size}. On the other hand,
17268 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A(i)}, where
17269 @code{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
17270 succeed regardless of the bounds on @code{A}, as long as the component
17271 size is less than @var{size}.
17272
17273 @kindex show varsize-limit
17274 @item show varsize-limit
17275 Show the limit on types whose size is determined by run-time quantities.
17276 @end table
17277
17278 @node Ada Glitches
17279 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
17280 @cindex Ada, problems
17281
17282 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
17283 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
17284 @value{GDBN},
17285 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
17286 and the GNU Ada compiler.
17287
17288 @itemize @bullet
17289 @item
17290 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
17291 storage are invisible to the debugger.
17292
17293 @item
17294 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
17295 argument lists are treated as positional).
17296
17297 @item
17298 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
17299
17300 @item
17301 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
17302 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
17303 the host machine.
17304
17305 @item
17306 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
17307 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
17308 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
17309 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
17310 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
17311 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
17312 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
17313 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
17314 you can usually resolve the confusion
17315 by qualifying the problematic names with package
17316 @code{Standard} explicitly.
17317 @end itemize
17318
17319 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
17320 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
17321 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
17322 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
17323 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
17324 enabled.
17325
17326 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
17327 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
17328 @table @code
17329
17330 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
17331 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
17332 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
17333 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
17334 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
17335 This is the default.
17336
17337 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
17338 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
17339 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
17340 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
17341 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
17342 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
17343 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
17344
17345 @end table
17346
17347 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
17348 @cindex GNAT encoding
17349 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
17350 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
17351 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
17352 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
17353 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
17354 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
17355
17356 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
17357 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
17358 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
17359 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
17360 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
17361 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
17362 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
17363 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
17364
17365 @table @code
17366
17367 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
17368 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
17369 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
17370 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
17371
17372 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
17373 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
17374 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
17375
17376 @end table
17377
17378 @node Unsupported Languages
17379 @section Unsupported Languages
17380
17381 @cindex unsupported languages
17382 @cindex minimal language
17383 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
17384 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
17385 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
17386 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
17387 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
17388 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
17389
17390 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
17391 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
17392 language.
17393
17394 @node Symbols
17395 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
17396
17397 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
17398 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
17399 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
17400 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
17401 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
17402 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
17403 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17404
17405 @cindex symbol names
17406 @cindex names of symbols
17407 @cindex quoting names
17408 @anchor{quoting names}
17409 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
17410 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
17411 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
17412 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
17413 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
17414 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
17415 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
17416 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
17417
17418 @smallexample
17419 p 'foo.c'::x
17420 @end smallexample
17421
17422 @noindent
17423 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
17424
17425 @table @code
17426 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
17427 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
17428 @kindex set case-sensitive
17429 @item set case-sensitive on
17430 @itemx set case-sensitive off
17431 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
17432 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
17433 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
17434 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
17435 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
17436 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
17437 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
17438 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
17439 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
17440 case-insensitive matches.
17441
17442 @kindex show case-sensitive
17443 @item show case-sensitive
17444 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
17445 lookups.
17446
17447 @kindex set print type methods
17448 @item set print type methods
17449 @itemx set print type methods on
17450 @itemx set print type methods off
17451 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
17452 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
17453 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
17454 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
17455 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
17456 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
17457
17458 @kindex show print type methods
17459 @item show print type methods
17460 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
17461 classes.
17462
17463 @kindex set print type nested-type-limit
17464 @item set print type nested-type-limit @var{limit}
17465 @itemx set print type nested-type-limit unlimited
17466 Set the limit of displayed nested types that the type printer will
17467 show. A @var{limit} of @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} will show all
17468 nested definitions. By default, the type printer will not show any nested
17469 types defined in classes.
17470
17471 @kindex show print type nested-type-limit
17472 @item show print type nested-type-limit
17473 This command shows the current display limit of nested types when
17474 printing classes.
17475
17476 @kindex set print type typedefs
17477 @item set print type typedefs
17478 @itemx set print type typedefs on
17479 @itemx set print type typedefs off
17480
17481 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
17482 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
17483 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
17484 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
17485 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
17486 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
17487 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
17488 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
17489 types.
17490
17491 @kindex show print type typedefs
17492 @item show print type typedefs
17493 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
17494 printing classes.
17495
17496 @kindex info address
17497 @cindex address of a symbol
17498 @item info address @var{symbol}
17499 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
17500 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
17501 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
17502 is always stored.
17503
17504 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
17505 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
17506 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
17507
17508 @kindex info symbol
17509 @cindex symbol from address
17510 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
17511 @item info symbol @var{addr}
17512 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
17513 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
17514 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
17515
17516 @smallexample
17517 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
17518 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
17519 @end smallexample
17520
17521 @noindent
17522 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
17523 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
17524
17525 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
17526 library containing the symbol is also printed:
17527
17528 @smallexample
17529 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
17530 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
17531 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
17532 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
17533 @end smallexample
17534
17535 @kindex demangle
17536 @cindex demangle
17537 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
17538 Demangle @var{name}.
17539 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
17540 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
17541
17542 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
17543 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
17544
17545 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
17546 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
17547
17548 @kindex whatis
17549 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17550 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
17551 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
17552 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17553
17554 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
17555 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
17556 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
17557
17558 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
17559 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
17560 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
17561 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
17562 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
17563 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
17564 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
17565 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
17566 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
17567
17568 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
17569 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
17570 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
17571 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
17572 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
17573 unroll it.
17574
17575 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
17576 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
17577 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
17578
17579 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
17580 Available flags are:
17581
17582 @table @code
17583 @item r
17584 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
17585 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
17586 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
17587
17588 @item m
17589 Do not print methods defined in the class.
17590
17591 @item M
17592 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17593 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
17594
17595 @item t
17596 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
17597 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
17598 names are substituted when printing other types.
17599
17600 @item T
17601 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17602 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
17603
17604 @item o
17605 Print the offsets and sizes of fields in a struct, similar to what the
17606 @command{pahole} tool does. This option implies the @code{/tm} flags.
17607
17608 For example, given the following declarations:
17609
17610 @smallexample
17611 struct tuv
17612 @{
17613 int a1;
17614 char *a2;
17615 int a3;
17616 @};
17617
17618 struct xyz
17619 @{
17620 int f1;
17621 char f2;
17622 void *f3;
17623 struct tuv f4;
17624 @};
17625
17626 union qwe
17627 @{
17628 struct tuv fff1;
17629 struct xyz fff2;
17630 @};
17631
17632 struct tyu
17633 @{
17634 int a1 : 1;
17635 int a2 : 3;
17636 int a3 : 23;
17637 char a4 : 2;
17638 int64_t a5;
17639 int a6 : 5;
17640 int64_t a7 : 3;
17641 @};
17642 @end smallexample
17643
17644 Issuing a @kbd{ptype /o struct tuv} command would print:
17645
17646 @smallexample
17647 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o struct tuv
17648 /* offset | size */ type = struct tuv @{
17649 /* 0 | 4 */ int a1;
17650 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17651 /* 8 | 8 */ char *a2;
17652 /* 16 | 4 */ int a3;
17653
17654 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17655 @}
17656 @end smallexample
17657
17658 Notice the format of the first column of comments. There, you can
17659 find two parts separated by the @samp{|} character: the @emph{offset},
17660 which indicates where the field is located inside the struct, in
17661 bytes, and the @emph{size} of the field. Another interesting line is
17662 the marker of a @emph{hole} in the struct, indicating that it may be
17663 possible to pack the struct and make it use less space by reorganizing
17664 its fields.
17665
17666 It is also possible to print offsets inside an union:
17667
17668 @smallexample
17669 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o union qwe
17670 /* offset | size */ type = union qwe @{
17671 /* 24 */ struct tuv @{
17672 /* 0 | 4 */ int a1;
17673 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17674 /* 8 | 8 */ char *a2;
17675 /* 16 | 4 */ int a3;
17676
17677 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17678 @} fff1;
17679 /* 40 */ struct xyz @{
17680 /* 0 | 4 */ int f1;
17681 /* 4 | 1 */ char f2;
17682 /* XXX 3-byte hole */
17683 /* 8 | 8 */ void *f3;
17684 /* 16 | 24 */ struct tuv @{
17685 /* 16 | 4 */ int a1;
17686 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17687 /* 24 | 8 */ char *a2;
17688 /* 32 | 4 */ int a3;
17689
17690 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17691 @} f4;
17692
17693 /* total size (bytes): 40 */
17694 @} fff2;
17695
17696 /* total size (bytes): 40 */
17697 @}
17698 @end smallexample
17699
17700 In this case, since @code{struct tuv} and @code{struct xyz} occupy the
17701 same space (because we are dealing with an union), the offset is not
17702 printed for them. However, you can still examine the offset of each
17703 of these structures' fields.
17704
17705 Another useful scenario is printing the offsets of a struct containing
17706 bitfields:
17707
17708 @smallexample
17709 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o struct tyu
17710 /* offset | size */ type = struct tyu @{
17711 /* 0:31 | 4 */ int a1 : 1;
17712 /* 0:28 | 4 */ int a2 : 3;
17713 /* 0: 5 | 4 */ int a3 : 23;
17714 /* 3: 3 | 1 */ signed char a4 : 2;
17715 /* XXX 3-bit hole */
17716 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
17717 /* 8 | 8 */ int64_t a5;
17718 /* 16:27 | 4 */ int a6 : 5;
17719 /* 16:56 | 8 */ int64_t a7 : 3;
17720
17721 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
17722 @}
17723 @end smallexample
17724
17725 Note how the offset information is now extended to also include how
17726 many bits are left to be used in each bitfield.
17727 @end table
17728
17729 @kindex ptype
17730 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17731 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
17732 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
17733 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
17734
17735 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
17736 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
17737 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
17738 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
17739 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
17740 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
17741 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
17742 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
17743
17744 For example, for this variable declaration:
17745
17746 @smallexample
17747 typedef double real_t;
17748 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
17749 typedef struct complex complex_t;
17750 complex_t var;
17751 real_t *real_pointer_var;
17752 @end smallexample
17753
17754 @noindent
17755 the two commands give this output:
17756
17757 @smallexample
17758 @group
17759 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
17760 type = complex_t
17761 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17762 type = struct complex @{
17763 real_t real;
17764 double imag;
17765 @}
17766 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
17767 type = struct complex
17768 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
17769 type = struct complex
17770 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
17771 type = struct complex @{
17772 real_t real;
17773 double imag;
17774 @}
17775 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
17776 type = real_t *
17777 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
17778 type = double *
17779 @end group
17780 @end smallexample
17781
17782 @noindent
17783 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
17784 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17785
17786 @cindex incomplete type
17787 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
17788 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
17789 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
17790 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
17791 given these declarations:
17792
17793 @smallexample
17794 struct foo;
17795 struct foo *fooptr;
17796 @end smallexample
17797
17798 @noindent
17799 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
17800
17801 @smallexample
17802 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
17803 $1 = <incomplete type>
17804 @end smallexample
17805
17806 @noindent
17807 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
17808 completely specified.
17809
17810 @cindex unknown type
17811 Othertimes, information about a variable's type is completely absent
17812 from the debug information included in the program. This most often
17813 happens when the program or library where the variable is defined
17814 includes no debug information at all. @value{GDBN} knows the variable
17815 exists from inspecting the linker/loader symbol table (e.g., the ELF
17816 dynamic symbol table), but such symbols do not contain type
17817 information. Inspecting the type of a (global) variable for which
17818 @value{GDBN} has no type information shows:
17819
17820 @smallexample
17821 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17822 type = <data variable, no debug info>
17823 @end smallexample
17824
17825 @xref{Variables, no debug info variables}, for how to print the values
17826 of such variables.
17827
17828 @kindex info types
17829 @item info types @var{regexp}
17830 @itemx info types
17831 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
17832 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
17833 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
17834 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
17835 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
17836 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
17837 name is @code{value}.
17838
17839 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
17840 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
17841 lists all source files and line numbers where a type is defined.
17842
17843 @kindex info type-printers
17844 @item info type-printers
17845 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
17846 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
17847 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
17848 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
17849 type printers.
17850
17851 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
17852
17853 @kindex enable type-printer
17854 @kindex disable type-printer
17855 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17856 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17857 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
17858
17859 @kindex info scope
17860 @cindex local variables
17861 @item info scope @var{location}
17862 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
17863 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
17864 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
17865 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
17866 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
17867
17868 @smallexample
17869 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
17870 Scope for command_line_handler:
17871 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
17872 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
17873 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
17874 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
17875 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
17876 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
17877 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
17878 @end smallexample
17879
17880 @noindent
17881 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
17882 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
17883 collect}.
17884
17885 @kindex info source
17886 @item info source
17887 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
17888 the function containing the current point of execution:
17889 @itemize @bullet
17890 @item
17891 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
17892 @item
17893 the directory it was compiled in,
17894 @item
17895 its length, in lines,
17896 @item
17897 which programming language it is written in,
17898 @item
17899 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
17900 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
17901 @item
17902 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
17903 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
17904 @item
17905 whether the debugging information includes information about
17906 preprocessor macros.
17907 @end itemize
17908
17909
17910 @kindex info sources
17911 @item info sources
17912 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
17913 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
17914 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
17915
17916 @kindex info functions
17917 @item info functions
17918 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
17919 Similarly to @samp{info types}, this command groups its output by source
17920 files and annotates each function definition with its source line
17921 number.
17922
17923 @item info functions @var{regexp}
17924 Like @samp{info functions}, but only print the names and data types of
17925 functions whose names contain a match for regular expression
17926 @var{regexp}. Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose
17927 names include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
17928 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters that
17929 conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
17930 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
17931
17932 @kindex info variables
17933 @item info variables
17934 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
17935 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
17936 The printed variables are grouped by source files and annotated with
17937 their respective source line numbers.
17938
17939 @item info variables @var{regexp}
17940 Like @kbd{info variables}, but only print the names and data types of
17941 non-local variables whose names contain a match for regular expression
17942 @var{regexp}.
17943
17944 @kindex info classes
17945 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
17946 @item info classes
17947 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
17948 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
17949 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17950 expression.
17951
17952 @kindex info selectors
17953 @item info selectors
17954 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
17955 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
17956 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17957 expression.
17958
17959 @ignore
17960 This was never implemented.
17961 @kindex info methods
17962 @item info methods
17963 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
17964 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
17965 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
17966 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
17967 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
17968 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
17969 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
17970 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
17971 @end ignore
17972
17973 @cindex opaque data types
17974 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
17975 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
17976 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
17977 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
17978 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
17979 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
17980 another source file. The default is on.
17981
17982 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
17983 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
17984
17985 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
17986 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
17987 is printed as follows:
17988 @smallexample
17989 @{<no data fields>@}
17990 @end smallexample
17991
17992 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
17993 @item show opaque-type-resolution
17994 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
17995
17996 @kindex set print symbol-loading
17997 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
17998 @item set print symbol-loading
17999 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
18000 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
18001 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
18002 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
18003 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
18004 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
18005 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
18006 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
18007 can be annoying.
18008 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
18009 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
18010 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
18011 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
18012
18013 @kindex show print symbol-loading
18014 @item show print symbol-loading
18015 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
18016 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
18017
18018 @kindex maint print symbols
18019 @cindex symbol dump
18020 @kindex maint print psymbols
18021 @cindex partial symbol dump
18022 @kindex maint print msymbols
18023 @cindex minimal symbol dump
18024 @item maint print symbols @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18025 @itemx maint print symbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18026 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18027 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18028 @itemx maint print msymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18029 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename} or
18030 the terminal if @var{filename} is unspecified.
18031 If @code{-objfile @var{objfile}} is specified, only dump symbols for
18032 that objfile.
18033 If @code{-pc @var{address}} is specified, only dump symbols for the file
18034 with code at that address. Note that @var{address} may be a symbol like
18035 @code{main}.
18036 If @code{-source @var{source}} is specified, only dump symbols for that
18037 source file.
18038
18039 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code.
18040 These commands do not modify internal @value{GDBN} state, therefore
18041 @samp{maint print symbols} will only print symbols for already expanded symbol
18042 tables.
18043 You can use the command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are.
18044 If you use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information
18045 about symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols
18046 defined in files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely.
18047 Finally, @samp{maint print msymbols} just dumps ``minimal symbols'', e.g.,
18048 ``ELF symbols''.
18049
18050 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
18051 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
18052
18053 @kindex maint info symtabs
18054 @kindex maint info psymtabs
18055 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
18056 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18057 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18058 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18059 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
18060 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
18061
18062 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
18063 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
18064 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
18065 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
18066 structure in more detail. For example:
18067
18068 @smallexample
18069 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
18070 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
18071 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
18072 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
18073 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
18074 readin no
18075 fullname (null)
18076 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
18077 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
18078 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
18079 dependencies (none)
18080 @}
18081 @}
18082 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
18083 (@value{GDBP})
18084 @end smallexample
18085 @noindent
18086 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
18087 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
18088 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
18089 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
18090 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
18091
18092 @smallexample
18093 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
18094 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
18095 line 1574.
18096 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
18097 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
18098 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
18099 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
18100 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
18101 dirname (null)
18102 fullname (null)
18103 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
18104 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
18105 debugformat DWARF 2
18106 @}
18107 @}
18108 (@value{GDBP})
18109 @end smallexample
18110
18111 @kindex maint info line-table
18112 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal line tables
18113 @cindex line tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
18114 @item maint info line-table @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
18115
18116 List the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}
18117 instances whose name matches @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
18118 given, list the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}.
18119
18120 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
18121 @cindex symbol cache size
18122 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
18123 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
18124 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
18125 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
18126 with different sizes.
18127
18128 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
18129 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
18130 Show the size of the symbol cache.
18131
18132 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
18133 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
18134 @item maint print symbol-cache
18135 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
18136 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
18137
18138 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
18139 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
18140 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
18141 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
18142 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
18143
18144 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
18145 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
18146 @item maint flush-symbol-cache
18147 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed.
18148 This command is useful when debugging the symbol cache.
18149 It is also useful when collecting performance data.
18150
18151 @end table
18152
18153 @node Altering
18154 @chapter Altering Execution
18155
18156 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
18157 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
18158 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
18159 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
18160 program.
18161
18162 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
18163 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
18164 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
18165
18166 @menu
18167 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
18168 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
18169 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
18170 * Returning:: Returning from a function
18171 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
18172 * Patching:: Patching your program
18173 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
18174 @end menu
18175
18176 @node Assignment
18177 @section Assignment to Variables
18178
18179 @cindex assignment
18180 @cindex setting variables
18181 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
18182 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
18183
18184 @smallexample
18185 print x=4
18186 @end smallexample
18187
18188 @noindent
18189 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
18190 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
18191 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
18192 information on operators in supported languages.
18193
18194 @kindex set variable
18195 @cindex variables, setting
18196 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
18197 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
18198 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
18199 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
18200 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
18201
18202 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
18203 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
18204 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
18205 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
18206 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
18207 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
18208 command @code{set width}:
18209
18210 @smallexample
18211 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
18212 type = double
18213 (@value{GDBP}) p width
18214 $4 = 13
18215 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
18216 Invalid syntax in expression.
18217 @end smallexample
18218
18219 @noindent
18220 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
18221 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
18222
18223 @smallexample
18224 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
18225 @end smallexample
18226
18227 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
18228 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
18229 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
18230 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
18231 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
18232 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
18233
18234 @smallexample
18235 @group
18236 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
18237 type = double
18238 (@value{GDBP}) p g
18239 $1 = 1
18240 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
18241 (@value{GDBP}) p g
18242 $2 = 1
18243 (@value{GDBP}) r
18244 The program being debugged has been started already.
18245 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
18246 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
18247 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
18248 Invalid bfd target.
18249 (@value{GDBP}) show g
18250 The current BFD target is "=4".
18251 @end group
18252 @end smallexample
18253
18254 @noindent
18255 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
18256 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
18257 @code{g}, use
18258
18259 @smallexample
18260 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
18261 @end smallexample
18262
18263 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
18264 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
18265 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
18266 same length or shorter.
18267 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
18268 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
18269
18270 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
18271 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
18272 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
18273 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
18274 and representation in memory), and
18275
18276 @smallexample
18277 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
18278 @end smallexample
18279
18280 @noindent
18281 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
18282
18283 @node Jumping
18284 @section Continuing at a Different Address
18285
18286 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
18287 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
18288 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
18289
18290 @table @code
18291 @kindex jump
18292 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
18293 @item jump @var{location}
18294 @itemx j @var{location}
18295 Resume execution at @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately
18296 if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description
18297 of the different forms of @var{location}. It is common
18298 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
18299 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
18300
18301 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
18302 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
18303 register other than the program counter. If @var{location} is in
18304 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
18305 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
18306 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
18307 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
18308 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
18309 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
18310 @end table
18311
18312 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
18313 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
18314 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
18315 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
18316 example,
18317
18318 @smallexample
18319 set $pc = 0x485
18320 @end smallexample
18321
18322 @noindent
18323 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
18324 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
18325 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
18326
18327 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
18328 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
18329 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
18330 detail.
18331
18332 @c @group
18333 @node Signaling
18334 @section Giving your Program a Signal
18335 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
18336
18337 @table @code
18338 @kindex signal
18339 @item signal @var{signal}
18340 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
18341 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
18342 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
18343 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
18344
18345 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
18346 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
18347 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
18348 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
18349 signal.
18350
18351 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
18352 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
18353 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
18354 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
18355 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
18356 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
18357 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
18358 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
18359
18360 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
18361 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
18362 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
18363 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
18364 passes the signal directly to your program.
18365
18366 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
18367 after executing the command.
18368
18369 @kindex queue-signal
18370 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
18371 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
18372 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
18373 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
18374 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
18375 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
18376 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
18377 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
18378 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
18379
18380 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
18381 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
18382 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
18383 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
18384 @code{continue} command.
18385
18386 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
18387 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
18388 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
18389 (@pxref{Signals}).
18390 @end table
18391 @c @end group
18392
18393 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
18394 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
18395
18396 @node Returning
18397 @section Returning from a Function
18398
18399 @table @code
18400 @cindex returning from a function
18401 @kindex return
18402 @item return
18403 @itemx return @var{expression}
18404 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
18405 command. If you give an
18406 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
18407 value.
18408 @end table
18409
18410 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
18411 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
18412 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
18413 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
18414
18415 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
18416 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
18417 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
18418 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
18419 of functions.
18420
18421 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
18422 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
18423 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
18424 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
18425 selected stack frame returns naturally.
18426
18427 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
18428 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
18429 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
18430 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
18431 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
18432 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
18433 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
18434 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
18435 assignment into the right register(s).
18436
18437 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
18438 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
18439 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
18440 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
18441 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
18442 into a @code{long long int}:
18443
18444 @smallexample
18445 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
18446 29 return 31;
18447 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
18448 Make func return now? (y or n) y
18449 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
18450 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
18451 (@value{GDBP})
18452 @end smallexample
18453
18454 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
18455 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
18456 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
18457 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
18458 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
18459 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
18460 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
18461 an appropriate cast explicitly:
18462
18463 @smallexample
18464 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
18465 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
18466 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
18467 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
18468 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
18469 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
18470 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
18471 (@value{GDBP})
18472 @end smallexample
18473
18474 @node Calling
18475 @section Calling Program Functions
18476
18477 @table @code
18478 @cindex calling functions
18479 @cindex inferior functions, calling
18480 @item print @var{expr}
18481 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
18482 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
18483 debugged.
18484
18485 @kindex call
18486 @item call @var{expr}
18487 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
18488 returned values.
18489
18490 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
18491 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
18492 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
18493 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
18494 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
18495 value history.
18496 @end table
18497
18498 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
18499 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
18500 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
18501 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
18502
18503 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
18504 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
18505 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
18506 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
18507 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
18508 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
18509 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
18510 in that case is controlled by the
18511 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
18512
18513 @table @code
18514 @item set unwindonsignal
18515 @kindex set unwindonsignal
18516 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
18517 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
18518 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
18519 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
18520 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
18521 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
18522 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
18523 received.
18524
18525 @item show unwindonsignal
18526 @kindex show unwindonsignal
18527 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
18528 @value{GDBN}.
18529
18530 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
18531 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
18532 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
18533 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
18534 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
18535 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
18536 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
18537 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
18538 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
18539 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
18540
18541 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
18542 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
18543 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
18544 @value{GDBN}.
18545
18546 @end table
18547
18548 @subsection Calling functions with no debug info
18549
18550 @cindex no debug info functions
18551 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is missing debug information.
18552 In such case, @value{GDBN} does not know the type of the function,
18553 including the types of the function's parameters. To avoid calling
18554 the inferior function incorrectly, which could result in the called
18555 function functioning erroneously and even crash, @value{GDBN} refuses
18556 to call the function unless you tell it the type of the function.
18557
18558 For prototyped (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) functions, there are two ways
18559 to do that. The simplest is to cast the call to the function's
18560 declared return type. For example:
18561
18562 @smallexample
18563 (@value{GDBP}) p getenv ("PATH")
18564 'getenv' has unknown return type; cast the call to its declared return type
18565 (@value{GDBP}) p (char *) getenv ("PATH")
18566 $1 = 0x7fffffffe7ba "/usr/local/bin:/"...
18567 @end smallexample
18568
18569 Casting the return type of a no-debug function is equivalent to
18570 casting the function to a pointer to a prototyped function that has a
18571 prototype that matches the types of the passed-in arguments, and
18572 calling that. I.e., the call above is equivalent to:
18573
18574 @smallexample
18575 (@value{GDBP}) p ((char * (*) (const char *)) getenv) ("PATH")
18576 @end smallexample
18577
18578 @noindent
18579 and given this prototyped C or C++ function with float parameters:
18580
18581 @smallexample
18582 float multiply (float v1, float v2) @{ return v1 * v2; @}
18583 @end smallexample
18584
18585 @noindent
18586 these calls are equivalent:
18587
18588 @smallexample
18589 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) multiply (2.0f, 3.0f)
18590 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) (float, float)) multiply) (2.0f, 3.0f)
18591 @end smallexample
18592
18593 If the function you wish to call is declared as unprototyped (i.e.@:
18594 old K&R style), you must use the cast-to-function-pointer syntax, so
18595 that @value{GDBN} knows that it needs to apply default argument
18596 promotions (promote float arguments to double). @xref{ABI, float
18597 promotion}. For example, given this unprototyped C function with
18598 float parameters, and no debug info:
18599
18600 @smallexample
18601 float
18602 multiply_noproto (v1, v2)
18603 float v1, v2;
18604 @{
18605 return v1 * v2;
18606 @}
18607 @end smallexample
18608
18609 @noindent
18610 you call it like this:
18611
18612 @smallexample
18613 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) ()) multiply_noproto) (2.0f, 3.0f)
18614 @end smallexample
18615
18616 @node Patching
18617 @section Patching Programs
18618
18619 @cindex patching binaries
18620 @cindex writing into executables
18621 @cindex writing into corefiles
18622
18623 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
18624 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
18625 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
18626 patching your program's binary.
18627
18628 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
18629 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
18630 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
18631 repairs.
18632
18633 @table @code
18634 @kindex set write
18635 @item set write on
18636 @itemx set write off
18637 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
18638 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
18639 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
18640
18641 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
18642 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
18643 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
18644
18645 @item show write
18646 @kindex show write
18647 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
18648 as well as reading.
18649 @end table
18650
18651 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
18652 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
18653 @cindex injecting code
18654 @cindex writing into executables
18655 @cindex compiling code
18656
18657 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
18658 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
18659 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
18660 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
18661
18662 @table @code
18663 @kindex compile code
18664 @item compile code @var{source-code}
18665 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
18666 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
18667 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
18668 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
18669 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
18670 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
18671 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
18672 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
18673 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
18674 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
18675 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
18676
18677 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
18678 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
18679 E.g.:
18680
18681 @smallexample
18682 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
18683 @end smallexample
18684
18685 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
18686 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
18687 from actual source code. E.g.:
18688
18689 @smallexample
18690 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
18691 @end smallexample
18692
18693 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
18694 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
18695 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
18696 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
18697 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
18698 editor.
18699
18700 @smallexample
18701 compile code
18702 >printf ("hello\n");
18703 >printf ("world\n");
18704 >end
18705 @end smallexample
18706
18707 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
18708 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
18709 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
18710 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
18711 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
18712 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
18713 inferior symbols otherwise.
18714
18715 @kindex compile file
18716 @item compile file @var{filename}
18717 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
18718 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
18719
18720 @smallexample
18721 compile file /home/user/example.c
18722 @end smallexample
18723 @end table
18724
18725 @table @code
18726 @item compile print @var{expr}
18727 @itemx compile print /@var{f} @var{expr}
18728 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
18729 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
18730 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
18731 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
18732 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
18733 Formats}.
18734
18735 @item compile print
18736 @itemx compile print /@var{f}
18737 @cindex reprint the last value
18738 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
18739 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
18740 command without any text following the command. This will start the
18741 multiple-line editor.
18742 @end table
18743
18744 @noindent
18745 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
18746
18747 @table @code
18748 @anchor{set debug compile}
18749 @item set debug compile
18750 @cindex compile command debugging info
18751 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
18752 injecting the code. The default is off.
18753
18754 @item show debug compile
18755 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
18756 compiling and injecting the code.
18757
18758 @anchor{set debug compile-cplus-types}
18759 @item set debug compile-cplus-types
18760 @cindex compile C@t{++} type conversion
18761 Turns on or off the display of C@t{++} type conversion debugging information.
18762 The default is off.
18763
18764 @item show debug compile-cplus-types
18765 Displays the current state of displaying debugging information for
18766 C@t{++} type conversion.
18767 @end table
18768
18769 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
18770
18771 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
18772 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
18773 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
18774 injecting process.
18775
18776 @noindent
18777 The options used, in increasing precedence:
18778
18779 @table @asis
18780 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
18781 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
18782 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
18783 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
18784
18785 @item compilation options recorded in the target
18786 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
18787 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
18788 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
18789 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
18790 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
18791 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
18792 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
18793
18794 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
18795 @end table
18796
18797 @noindent
18798 You can override compilation options using the following command:
18799
18800 @table @code
18801 @item set compile-args
18802 @cindex compile command options override
18803 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
18804 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
18805 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
18806 compilation.
18807
18808 @item show compile-args
18809 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
18810 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
18811 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
18812 @end table
18813
18814 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
18815
18816 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
18817 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
18818 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
18819
18820 @table @asis
18821 @item C code examples and caveats
18822 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
18823 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
18824 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
18825 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
18826 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
18827
18828 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
18829 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
18830 much like any other normal debugging session.
18831
18832 @smallexample
18833 void function1 (void)
18834 @{
18835 int i = 42;
18836 printf ("function 1\n");
18837 @}
18838
18839 void function2 (void)
18840 @{
18841 int j = 12;
18842 function1 ();
18843 @}
18844
18845 int main(void)
18846 @{
18847 int k = 6;
18848 int *p;
18849 function2 ();
18850 return 0;
18851 @}
18852 @end smallexample
18853
18854 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
18855 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
18856 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
18857
18858 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
18859 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
18860 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
18861 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
18862 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
18863
18864 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
18865 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
18866 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
18867 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
18868 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
18869 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
18870 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
18871 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
18872 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
18873 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
18874
18875 @smallexample
18876 compile code k = 3;
18877 @end smallexample
18878
18879 @noindent
18880 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
18881 something else in the example program changes it, or another
18882 @code{compile} command changes it.
18883
18884 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
18885 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
18886 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
18887 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
18888 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
18889
18890 @smallexample
18891 compile code j = 3;
18892 @end smallexample
18893
18894 @noindent
18895 will result in a compilation error message.
18896
18897 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
18898 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
18899 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
18900
18901 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
18902 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
18903 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
18904 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
18905
18906 @smallexample
18907 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
18908 @end smallexample
18909
18910 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
18911 command has completed:
18912
18913 @smallexample
18914 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
18915 @end smallexample
18916
18917 @noindent
18918 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
18919 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
18920 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
18921 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
18922 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
18923
18924 @smallexample
18925 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
18926 @end smallexample
18927
18928 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
18929 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
18930 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
18931 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
18932 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
18933 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
18934 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
18935 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
18936
18937 @smallexample
18938 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
18939 @end smallexample
18940
18941 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
18942 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
18943 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
18944 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
18945 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
18946 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
18947 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
18948
18949 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
18950 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
18951 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
18952 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
18953 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
18954 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
18955
18956 @smallexample
18957 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
18958 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18959 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
18960 Compilation failed.
18961 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18962 42
18963 @end smallexample
18964
18965 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
18966 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
18967 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
18968 will print to the console.
18969 @end table
18970
18971 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
18972
18973 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged
18974 which may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture
18975 than where @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @code{PATH} on
18976 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
18977 target architecture and operating system. This search can be overriden
18978 by @code{set compile-gcc} @value{GDBN} command below. @code{PATH} is
18979 taken from shell that executed @value{GDBN}, it is not the value set by
18980 @value{GDBN} command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}.
18981
18982
18983 Specifically @code{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
18984 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
18985 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
18986 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
18987 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
18988 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
18989 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
18990
18991 On Posix hosts the compiler driver @value{GDBN} needs to find also
18992 shared library @file{libcc1.so} from the compiler. It is searched in
18993 default shared library search path (overridable with usual environment
18994 variable @code{LD_LIBRARY_PATH}), unrelated to @code{PATH} or @code{set
18995 compile-gcc} settings. Contrary to it @file{libcc1plugin.so} is found
18996 according to the installation of the found compiler --- as possibly
18997 specified by the @code{set compile-gcc} command.
18998
18999 @table @code
19000 @item set compile-gcc
19001 @cindex compile command driver filename override
19002 Set compilation command used for compiling and injecting code with the
19003 @code{compile} commands. If this option is not set (it is set to
19004 an empty string), the search described above will occur --- that is the
19005 default.
19006
19007 @item show compile-gcc
19008 Displays the current compile command @value{NGCC} driver filename.
19009 If set, it is the main command @command{gcc}, found usually for example
19010 under name @file{x86_64-linux-gnu-gcc}.
19011 @end table
19012
19013 @node GDB Files
19014 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
19015
19016 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
19017 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
19018 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
19019 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
19020
19021 @menu
19022 * Files:: Commands to specify files
19023 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
19024 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
19025 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
19026 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
19027 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
19028 * Data Files:: GDB data files
19029 @end menu
19030
19031 @node Files
19032 @section Commands to Specify Files
19033
19034 @cindex symbol table
19035 @cindex core dump file
19036
19037 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
19038 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
19039 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
19040 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
19041
19042 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
19043 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
19044 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
19045 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
19046 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
19047 new files are useful.
19048
19049 @table @code
19050 @cindex executable file
19051 @kindex file
19052 @item file @var{filename}
19053 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
19054 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
19055 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
19056 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
19057 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
19058 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
19059 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
19060 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
19061
19062 @cindex unlinked object files
19063 @cindex patching object files
19064 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
19065 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
19066 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
19067 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
19068 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
19069 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
19070 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
19071 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
19072
19073 @item file
19074 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
19075 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
19076
19077 @kindex exec-file
19078 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
19079 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
19080 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
19081 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
19082 discard information on the executable file.
19083
19084 @kindex symbol-file
19085 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{[} -o @var{offset} @r{]]}
19086 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
19087 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
19088 table and program to run from the same file.
19089
19090 If an optional @var{offset} is specified, it is added to the start
19091 address of each section in the symbol file. This is useful if the
19092 program is relocated at runtime, such as the Linux kernel with kASLR
19093 enabled.
19094
19095 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
19096 program's symbol table.
19097
19098 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
19099 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
19100 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
19101 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
19102 @value{GDBN}.
19103
19104 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
19105 executing it once.
19106
19107 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
19108 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
19109 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
19110 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
19111 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
19112 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
19113 optimized code.
19114
19115 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
19116 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
19117 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
19118 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
19119 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
19120
19121 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
19122 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
19123 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
19124 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
19125 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
19126 Warnings and Messages}.)
19127
19128 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
19129 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
19130 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
19131 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
19132 in stabs format.
19133
19134 @kindex readnow
19135 @cindex reading symbols immediately
19136 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
19137 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
19138 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
19139 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
19140 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
19141 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
19142 entire symbol table available.
19143
19144 @cindex @code{-readnever}, option for symbol-file command
19145 @cindex never read symbols
19146 @cindex symbols, never read
19147 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
19148 @itemx file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
19149 You can instruct @value{GDBN} to never read the symbolic information
19150 contained in @var{filename} by using the @samp{-readnever} option.
19151 @xref{--readnever}.
19152
19153 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
19154 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
19155 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
19156 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
19157 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
19158 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
19159 @c files.
19160
19161 @kindex core-file
19162 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
19163 @itemx core
19164 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
19165 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
19166 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
19167 executable file itself for other parts.
19168
19169 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
19170 to be used.
19171
19172 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
19173 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
19174 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
19175 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
19176 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
19177
19178 @kindex add-symbol-file
19179 @cindex dynamic linking
19180 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{|} -readnever @r{]} @r{[} -o @var{offset} @r{]} @r{[} @var{textaddress} @r{]} @r{[} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{} @r{]}
19181 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
19182 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
19183 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
19184 into the program that is running. The @var{textaddress} parameter gives
19185 the memory address at which the file's text section has been loaded.
19186 You can additionally specify the base address of other sections using
19187 an arbitrary number of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs.
19188 If a section is omitted, @value{GDBN} will use its default addresses
19189 as found in @var{filename}. Any @var{address} or @var{textaddress}
19190 can be given as an expression.
19191
19192 If an optional @var{offset} is specified, it is added to the start
19193 address of each section, except those for which the address was
19194 specified explicitly.
19195
19196 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
19197 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
19198 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
19199 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
19200
19201 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
19202
19203 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
19204 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
19205 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
19206 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
19207 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
19208 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
19209 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
19210 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
19211 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
19212
19213 @itemize @bullet
19214 @item
19215 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
19216 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
19217 @item
19218 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
19219 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
19220 @item
19221 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
19222 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
19223 @end itemize
19224
19225 @noindent
19226 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
19227 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
19228 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
19229 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
19230 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
19231 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
19232 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
19233 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
19234 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
19235 way.
19236
19237 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
19238
19239 @kindex remove-symbol-file
19240 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
19241 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
19242 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
19243 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
19244 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
19245
19246 @smallexample
19247 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
19248 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
19249 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
19250 (y or n) y
19251 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
19252 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
19253 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
19254 (gdb)
19255 @end smallexample
19256
19257
19258 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
19259
19260 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
19261 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
19262 @cindex load symbols from memory
19263 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
19264 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
19265 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
19266 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
19267 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
19268 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
19269 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
19270 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
19271 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
19272
19273 @kindex section
19274 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
19275 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
19276 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
19277 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
19278 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
19279 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
19280 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
19281 their addresses.
19282
19283 @kindex info files
19284 @kindex info target
19285 @item info files
19286 @itemx info target
19287 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
19288 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
19289 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
19290 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
19291 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
19292 current ones.
19293
19294 @kindex maint info sections
19295 @item maint info sections
19296 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
19297 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
19298 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
19299 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
19300 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
19301 may be arbitrarily combined):
19302
19303 @table @code
19304 @item ALLOBJ
19305 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
19306 @item @var{sections}
19307 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
19308 @item @var{section-flags}
19309 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
19310 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
19311 @table @code
19312 @item ALLOC
19313 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
19314 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
19315 @item LOAD
19316 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
19317 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
19318 @item RELOC
19319 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
19320 @item READONLY
19321 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
19322 @item CODE
19323 Section contains executable code only.
19324 @item DATA
19325 Section contains data only (no executable code).
19326 @item ROM
19327 Section will reside in ROM.
19328 @item CONSTRUCTOR
19329 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
19330 @item HAS_CONTENTS
19331 Section is not empty.
19332 @item NEVER_LOAD
19333 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
19334 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
19335 A notification to the linker that the section contains
19336 COFF shared library information.
19337 @item IS_COMMON
19338 Section contains common symbols.
19339 @end table
19340 @end table
19341 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
19342 @cindex read-only sections
19343 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
19344 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
19345 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
19346 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
19347 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
19348 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
19349 enhancement to debugging performance.
19350
19351 The default is off.
19352
19353 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
19354 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
19355 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
19356 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
19357
19358 @item show trust-readonly-sections
19359 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
19360 @end table
19361
19362 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
19363 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
19364 name and remembers it that way.
19365
19366 @cindex shared libraries
19367 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
19368 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
19369 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
19370 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
19371
19372 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
19373 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
19374
19375 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
19376 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
19377 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
19378 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
19379 debugging a core file).
19380
19381 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
19382 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
19383 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
19384
19385 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
19386 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
19387 particularly large or there are many of them.
19388
19389 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
19390 commands:
19391
19392 @table @code
19393 @kindex set auto-solib-add
19394 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
19395 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
19396 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
19397 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
19398 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
19399 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
19400 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
19401
19402 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
19403 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
19404 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
19405 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
19406 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
19407 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
19408 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
19409 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
19410 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
19411
19412 @kindex show auto-solib-add
19413 @item show auto-solib-add
19414 Display the current autoloading mode.
19415 @end table
19416
19417 @cindex load shared library
19418 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
19419 command:
19420
19421 @table @code
19422 @kindex info sharedlibrary
19423 @kindex info share
19424 @item info share @var{regex}
19425 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
19426 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
19427 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
19428 all shared libraries that are loaded.
19429
19430 @kindex info dll
19431 @item info dll @var{regex}
19432 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
19433
19434 @kindex sharedlibrary
19435 @kindex share
19436 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
19437 @itemx share @var{regex}
19438 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
19439 Unix regular expression.
19440 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
19441 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
19442 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
19443 loaded.
19444
19445 @item nosharedlibrary
19446 @kindex nosharedlibrary
19447 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
19448 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
19449 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
19450 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
19451 discarded.
19452 @end table
19453
19454 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
19455 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
19456 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
19457 Catchpoints}).
19458
19459 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
19460 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
19461 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
19462 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
19463
19464 @table @code
19465 @item set stop-on-solib-events
19466 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
19467 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
19468 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
19469 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
19470 shared library.
19471
19472 @item show stop-on-solib-events
19473 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
19474 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
19475 library events happen.
19476 @end table
19477
19478 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
19479 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
19480 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
19481 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
19482 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
19483 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
19484 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
19485 not.
19486
19487 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
19488 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
19489 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
19490 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
19491 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
19492
19493 @table @code
19494 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
19495 @cindex system root, alternate
19496 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
19497 @kindex set sysroot
19498 @item set sysroot @var{path}
19499 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
19500 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
19501 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
19502 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
19503 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
19504 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
19505 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
19506 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
19507 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
19508 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
19509 @var{path}.
19510
19511 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
19512 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
19513 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
19514 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
19515 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
19516 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
19517 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
19518 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
19519 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
19520 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
19521 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
19522 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
19523 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
19524 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
19525
19526 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
19527 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
19528 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
19529 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
19530 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
19531
19532 @smallexample
19533 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
19534 @end smallexample
19535
19536 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
19537 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
19538 system:
19539
19540 @smallexample
19541 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
19542 @end smallexample
19543
19544 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
19545 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
19546 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
19547 colons:
19548
19549 @smallexample
19550 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
19551 @end smallexample
19552
19553 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
19554 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
19555 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
19556 @samp{z}):
19557
19558 @smallexample
19559 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
19560 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
19561 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
19562 @end smallexample
19563
19564 @noindent
19565 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
19566 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
19567 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
19568
19569 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
19570 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
19571
19572 @smallexample
19573 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
19574 @end smallexample
19575
19576 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
19577 if you don't want or need to.
19578
19579 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
19580 sysroot}.
19581
19582 @cindex default system root
19583 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
19584 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
19585 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
19586 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19587 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
19588 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19589 location.
19590
19591 @kindex show sysroot
19592 @item show sysroot
19593 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
19594
19595 @kindex set solib-search-path
19596 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
19597 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
19598 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
19599 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
19600 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
19601 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
19602 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
19603 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
19604 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
19605 of shared library symbols.
19606
19607 @kindex show solib-search-path
19608 @item show solib-search-path
19609 Display the current shared library search path.
19610
19611 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
19612 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
19613 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
19614 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
19615 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
19616
19617 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
19618 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
19619 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
19620 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
19621 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
19622 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
19623 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
19624 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
19625 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
19626 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
19627 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
19628 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
19629 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
19630 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
19631 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
19632 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
19633 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
19634 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
19635 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
19636 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
19637 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
19638 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
19639
19640 @table @code
19641 @item unix
19642 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
19643 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
19644 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
19645 the forward slash.
19646
19647 @item dos-based
19648 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
19649 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
19650 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
19651 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
19652 considered directory separators.
19653
19654 @item auto
19655 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
19656 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
19657 This is the default.
19658 @end table
19659 @end table
19660
19661 @cindex file name canonicalization
19662 @cindex base name differences
19663 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
19664 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
19665 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
19666 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
19667 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
19668 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
19669 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
19670 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
19671 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
19672 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
19673 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
19674 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
19675 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
19676 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
19677 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
19678
19679 @table @code
19680 @item set basenames-may-differ
19681 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
19682 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19683
19684 @item show basenames-may-differ
19685 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
19686 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19687 @end table
19688
19689 @node File Caching
19690 @section File Caching
19691 @cindex caching of opened files
19692 @cindex caching of bfd objects
19693
19694 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
19695 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
19696 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
19697 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
19698
19699 @table @code
19700 @kindex maint info bfds
19701 @item maint info bfds
19702 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
19703 @value{GDBN}.
19704
19705 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
19706 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
19707 @kindex bfd caching
19708 @item maint set bfd-sharing
19709 @item maint show bfd-sharing
19710 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
19711 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
19712 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
19713 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
19714 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
19715 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
19716 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
19717
19718 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19719 @kindex bfd caching
19720 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19721 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
19722
19723 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
19724 @kindex bfd caching
19725 @item show debug bfd-cache
19726 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
19727 @end table
19728
19729 @node Separate Debug Files
19730 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
19731 @cindex separate debugging information files
19732 @cindex debugging information in separate files
19733 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
19734 @cindex debugging information directory, global
19735 @cindex global debugging information directories
19736 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
19737 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
19738
19739 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
19740 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
19741 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
19742 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
19743 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
19744 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
19745 install only when they need to debug a problem.
19746
19747 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
19748 file:
19749
19750 @itemize @bullet
19751 @item
19752 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
19753 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
19754 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
19755 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
19756 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
19757 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
19758 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
19759 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
19760
19761 @item
19762 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
19763 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
19764 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
19765 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
19766 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
19767 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld,
19768 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
19769 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
19770 below.
19771 @end itemize
19772
19773 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
19774 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
19775
19776 @itemize @bullet
19777 @item
19778 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
19779 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
19780 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
19781 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
19782 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
19783
19784 @item
19785 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
19786 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
19787 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
19788 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
19789 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
19790 hex characters, not 10.)
19791 @end itemize
19792
19793 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
19794 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
19795 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
19796 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
19797 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
19798 debug information files, in the indicated order:
19799
19800 @itemize @minus
19801 @item
19802 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
19803 @item
19804 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
19805 @item
19806 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
19807 @item
19808 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
19809 @end itemize
19810
19811 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
19812 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
19813 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
19814 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
19815 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
19816
19817 @table @code
19818
19819 @kindex set debug-file-directory
19820 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
19821 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19822 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
19823 concatenating them by a path separator.
19824
19825 @kindex show debug-file-directory
19826 @item show debug-file-directory
19827 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19828 information files.
19829
19830 @end table
19831
19832 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
19833 @cindex debug link sections
19834 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
19835 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
19836
19837 @itemize
19838 @item
19839 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
19840 a zero byte,
19841 @item
19842 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
19843 boundary within the section, and
19844 @item
19845 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
19846 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
19847 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
19848 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
19849 @end itemize
19850
19851 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
19852 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
19853 described above.
19854
19855 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
19856 @cindex build ID sections
19857 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
19858 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
19859 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
19860 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
19861 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
19862 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
19863 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
19864 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
19865 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
19866
19867 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
19868 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
19869 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
19870 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
19871 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
19872 in an ordinary executable.
19873
19874 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
19875 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
19876 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
19877 following commands:
19878
19879 @smallexample
19880 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
19881 @kbd{strip -g foo}
19882 @end smallexample
19883
19884 @noindent
19885 These commands remove the debugging
19886 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
19887 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
19888 two files:
19889
19890 @itemize @bullet
19891 @item
19892 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
19893 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
19894
19895 @smallexample
19896 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
19897 @end smallexample
19898
19899 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
19900 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
19901 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
19902 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
19903
19904 @item
19905 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
19906 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
19907 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
19908 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
19909 @end itemize
19910
19911 @noindent
19912
19913 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
19914 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
19915 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
19916
19917 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
19918 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
19919 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
19920 @c different ways!
19921 @ifhtml
19922 @display
19923 @html
19924 <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>
19925 + <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
19926 @end html
19927 @end display
19928 @end ifhtml
19929 @ifnothtml
19930 @display
19931 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
19932 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
19933 @end display
19934 @end ifnothtml
19935
19936 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
19937 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
19938 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
19939 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
19940 CRC.
19941
19942 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
19943 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
19944 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
19945 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
19946 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
19947
19948 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
19949 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
19950 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
19951 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
19952 @code{0xffffffff}.
19953
19954 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
19955 @smallexample
19956 unsigned long
19957 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
19958 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
19959 @{
19960 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
19961 @{
19962 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
19963 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
19964 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
19965 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
19966 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
19967 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
19968 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
19969 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
19970 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
19971 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
19972 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
19973 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
19974 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
19975 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
19976 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
19977 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
19978 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
19979 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
19980 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
19981 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
19982 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
19983 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
19984 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
19985 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
19986 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
19987 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
19988 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
19989 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
19990 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
19991 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
19992 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
19993 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
19994 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
19995 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
19996 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
19997 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
19998 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
19999 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
20000 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
20001 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
20002 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
20003 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
20004 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
20005 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
20006 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
20007 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
20008 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
20009 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
20010 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
20011 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
20012 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
20013 0x2d02ef8d
20014 @};
20015 unsigned char *end;
20016
20017 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
20018 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
20019 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
20020 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
20021 @}
20022 @end smallexample
20023
20024 @noindent
20025 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
20026
20027 @node MiniDebugInfo
20028 @section Debugging information in a special section
20029 @cindex separate debug sections
20030 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
20031
20032 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
20033 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
20034 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
20035 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
20036
20037 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
20038 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
20039 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
20040 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
20041 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
20042 debugging information might be included in the section.
20043
20044 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
20045 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
20046 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
20047
20048 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
20049 standard utilities:
20050
20051 @smallexample
20052 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
20053 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
20054 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
20055 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
20056
20057 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
20058 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
20059 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
20060 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
20061 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
20062 | sort > funcsyms
20063
20064 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
20065 # table.
20066 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
20067
20068 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
20069 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
20070
20071 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
20072 # removing some unnecessary sections.
20073 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
20074 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
20075
20076 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
20077 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
20078
20079 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
20080 # original binary.
20081 xz mini_debuginfo
20082 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
20083 @end smallexample
20084
20085 @node Index Files
20086 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
20087 @cindex index files
20088 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
20089
20090 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
20091 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
20092 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
20093 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
20094 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
20095 startup.
20096
20097 For convenience, @value{GDBN} comes with a program,
20098 @command{gdb-add-index}, which can be used to add the index to a
20099 symbol file. It takes the symbol file as its only argument:
20100
20101 @smallexample
20102 $ gdb-add-index symfile
20103 @end smallexample
20104
20105 @xref{gdb-add-index}.
20106
20107 It is also possible to do the work manually. Here is what
20108 @command{gdb-add-index} does behind the curtains.
20109
20110 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
20111 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
20112 using @command{objcopy}.
20113
20114 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
20115
20116 @table @code
20117 @item save gdb-index [-dwarf-5] @var{directory}
20118 @kindex save gdb-index
20119 Create index files for all symbol files currently known by
20120 @value{GDBN}. For each known @var{symbol-file}, this command by
20121 default creates it produces a single file
20122 @file{@var{symbol-file}.gdb-index}. If you invoke this command with
20123 the @option{-dwarf-5} option, it produces 2 files:
20124 @file{@var{symbol-file}.debug_names} and
20125 @file{@var{symbol-file}.debug_str}. The files are created in the
20126 given @var{directory}.
20127 @end table
20128
20129 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
20130 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
20131
20132 @smallexample
20133 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
20134 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
20135 @end smallexample
20136
20137 Or for @code{-dwarf-5}:
20138
20139 @smallexample
20140 $ objcopy --dump-section .debug_str=symfile.debug_str.new symfile
20141 $ cat symfile.debug_str >>symfile.debug_str.new
20142 $ objcopy --add-section .debug_names=symfile.gdb-index \
20143 --set-section-flags .debug_names=readonly \
20144 --update-section .debug_str=symfile.debug_str.new symfile symfile
20145 @end smallexample
20146
20147 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
20148 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
20149 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
20150 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
20151 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
20152 The default is @code{off}.
20153 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
20154 @xref{Index Section Format}.
20155
20156 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
20157 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
20158
20159 @smallexample
20160 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
20161 @end smallexample
20162
20163 Instead you must do, for example,
20164
20165 @smallexample
20166 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
20167 @end smallexample
20168
20169 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
20170 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
20171 currently work for programs using Ada.
20172
20173 @subsection Automatic symbol index cache
20174
20175 It is possible for @value{GDBN} to automatically save a copy of this index in a
20176 cache on disk and retrieve it from there when loading the same binary in the
20177 future. This feature can be turned on with @kbd{set index-cache on}. The
20178 following commands can be used to tweak the behavior of the index cache.
20179
20180 @table @code
20181
20182 @item set index-cache on
20183 @itemx set index-cache off
20184 Enable or disable the use of the symbol index cache.
20185
20186 @item set index-cache directory @var{directory}
20187 @itemx show index-cache directory
20188 Set/show the directory where index files will be saved.
20189
20190 The default value for this directory depends on the host platform. On
20191 most systems, the index is cached in the @file{gdb} subdirectory of
20192 the directory pointed to by the @env{XDG_CACHE_HOME} environment
20193 variable, if it is defined, else in the @file{.cache/gdb} subdirectory
20194 of your home directory. However, on some systems, the default may
20195 differ according to local convention.
20196
20197 There is no limit on the disk space used by index cache. It is perfectly safe
20198 to delete the content of that directory to free up disk space.
20199
20200 @item show index-cache stats
20201 Print the number of cache hits and misses since the launch of @value{GDBN}.
20202
20203 @end table
20204
20205 @node Symbol Errors
20206 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
20207
20208 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
20209 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
20210 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
20211 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
20212 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
20213 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
20214 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
20215 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
20216 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
20217 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
20218 Messages}).
20219
20220 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
20221
20222 @table @code
20223 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
20224
20225 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
20226 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
20227 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
20228 in its outer scope blocks.
20229
20230 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
20231 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
20232 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
20233 function.
20234
20235 @item block at @var{address} out of order
20236
20237 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
20238 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
20239 do so.
20240
20241 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
20242 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
20243 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
20244 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
20245 Messages}.)
20246
20247 @item bad block start address patched
20248
20249 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
20250 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
20251 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
20252
20253 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
20254 starting on the previous source line.
20255
20256 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
20257
20258 @cindex foo
20259 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
20260 larger than the size of the string table.
20261
20262 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
20263 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
20264 with this name.
20265
20266 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
20267
20268 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
20269 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
20270 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
20271
20272 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
20273 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
20274 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
20275 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
20276 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
20277 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
20278
20279 @item stub type has NULL name
20280
20281 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
20282
20283 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
20284 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
20285 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
20286 it.
20287
20288 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
20289
20290 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
20291
20292 @end table
20293
20294 @node Data Files
20295 @section GDB Data Files
20296
20297 @cindex prefix for data files
20298 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
20299 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
20300
20301 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
20302 is currently using.
20303
20304 @table @code
20305 @kindex set data-directory
20306 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
20307 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
20308 to @var{directory}.
20309
20310 @kindex show data-directory
20311 @item show data-directory
20312 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
20313 @end table
20314
20315 @cindex default data directory
20316 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
20317 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
20318 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
20319 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
20320 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
20321 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
20322 location.
20323
20324 The data directory may also be specified with the
20325 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
20326 @xref{Mode Options}.
20327
20328 @node Targets
20329 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
20330
20331 @cindex debugging target
20332 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
20333
20334 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
20335 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
20336 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
20337 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
20338 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
20339 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
20340 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
20341 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
20342
20343 @cindex target architecture
20344 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
20345 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
20346 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
20347 command.
20348
20349 @table @code
20350 @kindex set architecture
20351 @kindex show architecture
20352 @item set architecture @var{arch}
20353 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
20354 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
20355 supported architectures.
20356
20357 @item show architecture
20358 Show the current target architecture.
20359
20360 @item set processor
20361 @itemx processor
20362 @kindex set processor
20363 @kindex show processor
20364 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
20365 and @code{show architecture}.
20366 @end table
20367
20368 @menu
20369 * Active Targets:: Active targets
20370 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
20371 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
20372 @end menu
20373
20374 @node Active Targets
20375 @section Active Targets
20376
20377 @cindex stacking targets
20378 @cindex active targets
20379 @cindex multiple targets
20380
20381 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
20382 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
20383 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
20384 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
20385 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
20386 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
20387 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
20388 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
20389 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
20390
20391 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
20392 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
20393 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
20394 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
20395
20396 @node Target Commands
20397 @section Commands for Managing Targets
20398
20399 @table @code
20400 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
20401 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
20402 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
20403 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
20404 protocol of the target machine.
20405
20406 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
20407 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
20408 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
20409
20410 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
20411 after executing the command.
20412
20413 @kindex help target
20414 @item help target
20415 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
20416 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
20417 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
20418
20419 @item help target @var{name}
20420 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
20421 select it.
20422
20423 @kindex set gnutarget
20424 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
20425 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
20426 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
20427 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
20428 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
20429 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
20430
20431 @quotation
20432 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
20433 you must know the actual BFD name.
20434 @end quotation
20435
20436 @noindent
20437 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
20438
20439 @kindex show gnutarget
20440 @item show gnutarget
20441 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
20442 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
20443 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
20444 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
20445 @end table
20446
20447 @cindex common targets
20448 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
20449 configuration):
20450
20451 @table @code
20452 @kindex target
20453 @item target exec @var{program}
20454 @cindex executable file target
20455 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
20456 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
20457
20458 @item target core @var{filename}
20459 @cindex core dump file target
20460 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
20461 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
20462
20463 @item target remote @var{medium}
20464 @cindex remote target
20465 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
20466 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
20467 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
20468
20469 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
20470 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
20471
20472 @smallexample
20473 target remote /dev/ttya
20474 @end smallexample
20475
20476 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
20477 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
20478 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
20479 clobbered by the download.
20480
20481 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
20482 @cindex built-in simulator target
20483 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
20484 In general,
20485 @smallexample
20486 target sim
20487 load
20488 run
20489 @end smallexample
20490 @noindent
20491 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
20492 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
20493 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
20494 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
20495 Processors}.
20496
20497 @item target native
20498 @cindex native target
20499 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
20500 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
20501 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
20502 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
20503
20504 @end table
20505
20506 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
20507 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
20508
20509 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
20510 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
20511 various aspects of this process.
20512
20513 @table @code
20514
20515 @item set hash
20516 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
20517 @cindex hash mark while downloading
20518 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
20519 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
20520 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
20521 monitor.
20522
20523 @item show hash
20524 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
20525 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
20526
20527 @item set debug monitor
20528 @kindex set debug monitor
20529 @cindex display remote monitor communications
20530 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
20531 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
20532
20533 @item show debug monitor
20534 @kindex show debug monitor
20535 Show the current status of displaying communications between
20536 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
20537 @end table
20538
20539 @table @code
20540
20541 @kindex load @var{filename} @var{offset}
20542 @item load @var{filename} @var{offset}
20543 @anchor{load}
20544 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
20545 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
20546 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
20547 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
20548 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
20549 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
20550
20551 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
20552 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
20553 target is @dots{}}''
20554
20555 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
20556 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
20557 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
20558 specifies a fixed address.
20559 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
20560
20561 It is also possible to tell @value{GDBN} to load the executable file at a
20562 specific offset described by the optional argument @var{offset}. When
20563 @var{offset} is provided, @var{filename} must also be provided.
20564
20565 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
20566 load programs into flash memory.
20567
20568 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
20569 @end table
20570
20571 @table @code
20572
20573 @kindex flash-erase
20574 @item flash-erase
20575 @anchor{flash-erase}
20576
20577 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
20578
20579 @end table
20580
20581 @node Byte Order
20582 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
20583
20584 @cindex choosing target byte order
20585 @cindex target byte order
20586
20587 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
20588 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
20589 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
20590 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
20591 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
20592 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
20593
20594 @table @code
20595 @kindex set endian
20596 @item set endian big
20597 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
20598
20599 @item set endian little
20600 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
20601
20602 @item set endian auto
20603 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
20604 executable.
20605
20606 @item show endian
20607 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
20608
20609 @end table
20610
20611 If the @code{set endian auto} mode is in effect and no executable has
20612 been selected, then the endianness used is the last one chosen either
20613 by one of the @code{set endian big} and @code{set endian little}
20614 commands or by inferring from the last executable used. If no
20615 endianness has been previously chosen, then the default for this mode
20616 is inferred from the target @value{GDBN} has been built for, and is
20617 @code{little} if the name of the target CPU has an @code{el} suffix
20618 and @code{big} otherwise.
20619
20620 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
20621 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
20622 target system.
20623
20624
20625 @node Remote Debugging
20626 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
20627 @cindex remote debugging
20628
20629 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
20630 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
20631 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
20632 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
20633 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
20634
20635 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
20636 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
20637 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
20638 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
20639 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
20640 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
20641
20642 Other remote targets may be available in your
20643 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
20644
20645 @menu
20646 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
20647 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
20648 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
20649 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
20650 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
20651 @end menu
20652
20653 @node Connecting
20654 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
20655 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
20656 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
20657 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
20658 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
20659 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
20660 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
20661
20662 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
20663 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
20664 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
20665 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
20666
20667 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
20668
20669 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
20670 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
20671 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
20672 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
20673
20674 @table @asis
20675
20676 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
20677 @item Result of detach or program exit
20678 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
20679 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
20680 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
20681
20682 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
20683 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
20684 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
20685 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
20686
20687 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
20688 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
20689 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
20690 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
20691
20692 @item Specifying the program to debug
20693 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
20694 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
20695 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
20696 target.
20697
20698 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
20699 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
20700 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
20701
20702 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
20703 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
20704 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
20705 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
20706
20707 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
20708 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
20709 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
20710 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
20711 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
20712 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
20713 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
20714 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
20715 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
20716
20717 @item The @code{run} command
20718 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
20719 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
20720 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
20721 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
20722 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
20723
20724 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
20725 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
20726 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
20727 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
20728 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
20729
20730 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
20731 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
20732 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
20733 @code{target remote} mode.
20734
20735 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
20736 @item Attaching
20737 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
20738 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
20739 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20740
20741 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
20742 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
20743 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
20744 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
20745 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20746
20747 @end table
20748
20749 @anchor{Host and target files}
20750 @subsection Host and Target Files
20751 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
20752 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
20753
20754 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
20755 information for your program running on the target. This requires
20756 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
20757 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
20758 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
20759
20760 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
20761 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
20762 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
20763 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
20764 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
20765
20766 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
20767 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
20768 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
20769 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
20770 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
20771 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
20772 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
20773 target libraries.
20774
20775 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
20776 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
20777 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
20778 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
20779 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
20780 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
20781 programs.
20782
20783 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
20784 @cindex remote connection commands
20785 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, a
20786 local Unix domain socket, or
20787 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
20788 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
20789 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
20790 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
20791 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
20792 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
20793
20794 @table @code
20795
20796 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
20797 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
20798 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
20799 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
20800 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
20801
20802 @smallexample
20803 target remote /dev/ttyb
20804 @end smallexample
20805
20806 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
20807 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
20808 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
20809 @code{target} command.
20810
20811 @item target remote @var{local-socket}
20812 @itemx target extended-remote @var{local-socket}
20813 @cindex local socket, @code{target remote}
20814 @cindex Unix domain socket
20815 Use @var{local-socket} to communicate with the target. For example,
20816 to use a local Unix domain socket bound to the file system entry @file{/tmp/gdb-socket0}:
20817
20818 @smallexample
20819 target remote /tmp/gdb-socket0
20820 @end smallexample
20821
20822 Note that this command has the same form as the command to connect
20823 to a serial line. @value{GDBN} will automatically determine which
20824 kind of file you have specified and will make the appropriate kind
20825 of connection.
20826 This feature is not available if the host system does not support
20827 Unix domain sockets.
20828
20829 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20830 @itemx target remote @code{@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20831 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20832 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20833 @itemx target remote @code{tcp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20834 @itemx target remote @code{tcp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20835 @itemx target remote @code{tcp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20836 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20837 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20838 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20839 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20840 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20841 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20842 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20843 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
20844 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
20845 The @var{host} may be either a host name, a numeric @acronym{IPv4}
20846 address, or a numeric @acronym{IPv6} address (with or without the
20847 square brackets to separate the address from the port); @var{port}
20848 must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be the target machine
20849 itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or it might be a
20850 terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the target.
20851
20852 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
20853 @code{manyfarms}:
20854
20855 @smallexample
20856 target remote manyfarms:2828
20857 @end smallexample
20858
20859 To connect to port 2828 on a terminal server whose address is
20860 @code{2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334}, you can either use the
20861 square bracket syntax:
20862
20863 @smallexample
20864 target remote [2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334]:2828
20865 @end smallexample
20866
20867 @noindent
20868 or explicitly specify the @acronym{IPv6} protocol:
20869
20870 @smallexample
20871 target remote tcp6:2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334:2828
20872 @end smallexample
20873
20874 This last example may be confusing to the reader, because there is no
20875 visible separation between the hostname and the port number.
20876 Therefore, we recommend the user to provide @acronym{IPv6} addresses
20877 using square brackets for clarity. However, it is important to
20878 mention that for @value{GDBN} there is no ambiguity: the number after
20879 the last colon is considered to be the port number.
20880
20881 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
20882 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
20883 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
20884 port 1234 on your local machine:
20885
20886 @smallexample
20887 target remote :1234
20888 @end smallexample
20889 @noindent
20890
20891 Note that the colon is still required here.
20892
20893 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20894 @itemx target remote @code{udp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20895 @itemx target remote @code{udp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20896 @itemx target remote @code{udp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20897 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20898 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20899 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20900 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20901 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20902 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp6:@var{[host]}:@var{port}}
20903 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
20904 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
20905 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
20906
20907 @smallexample
20908 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
20909 @end smallexample
20910
20911 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
20912 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
20913 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
20914 cause havoc with your debugging session.
20915
20916 @item target remote | @var{command}
20917 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
20918 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
20919 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
20920 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
20921 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
20922 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
20923 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
20924 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
20925 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
20926
20927 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
20928 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
20929 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
20930
20931 @end table
20932
20933 @cindex interrupting remote programs
20934 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
20935 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
20936 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
20937 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
20938 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
20939 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
20940
20941 @smallexample
20942 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
20943 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
20944 @end smallexample
20945
20946 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
20947 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
20948 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
20949 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
20950
20951 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
20952 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
20953
20954 @table @code
20955 @kindex detach (remote)
20956 @item detach
20957 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
20958 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
20959 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
20960 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
20961 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
20962 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
20963 still connected to the target.
20964
20965 @kindex disconnect
20966 @item disconnect
20967 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
20968 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
20969 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
20970 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
20971 another target.
20972
20973 @cindex send command to remote monitor
20974 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
20975 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
20976 @kindex monitor
20977 @item monitor @var{cmd}
20978 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
20979 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
20980 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
20981 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
20982 and implement.
20983 @end table
20984
20985 @node File Transfer
20986 @section Sending files to a remote system
20987 @cindex remote target, file transfer
20988 @cindex file transfer
20989 @cindex sending files to remote systems
20990
20991 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
20992 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
20993 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
20994 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
20995 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
20996 the only way to upload or download files.
20997
20998 Not all remote targets support these commands.
20999
21000 @table @code
21001 @kindex remote put
21002 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
21003 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
21004 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
21005
21006 @kindex remote get
21007 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
21008 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
21009 on the host system.
21010
21011 @kindex remote delete
21012 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
21013 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
21014
21015 @end table
21016
21017 @node Server
21018 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
21019
21020 @kindex gdbserver
21021 @cindex remote connection without stubs
21022 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
21023 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
21024 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
21025 linking in the usual debugging stub.
21026
21027 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
21028 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
21029 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
21030 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
21031 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
21032 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
21033 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
21034 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
21035 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
21036 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
21037 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
21038 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
21039 choice for debugging.
21040
21041 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
21042 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
21043 protocol.
21044
21045 @quotation
21046 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
21047 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
21048 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
21049 target system with the same privileges as the user running
21050 @code{gdbserver}.
21051 @end quotation
21052
21053 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
21054 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
21055 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
21056 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
21057
21058 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
21059 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
21060 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
21061 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
21062 system does all the symbol handling.
21063
21064 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
21065 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
21066 syntax is:
21067
21068 @smallexample
21069 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
21070 @end smallexample
21071
21072 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
21073 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
21074 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
21075 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
21076 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
21077 @file{/dev/com1}:
21078
21079 @smallexample
21080 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
21081 @end smallexample
21082
21083 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
21084 with it.
21085
21086 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
21087
21088 @smallexample
21089 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
21090 @end smallexample
21091
21092 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
21093 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
21094 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
21095 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
21096 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
21097 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
21098 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
21099 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
21100 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
21101 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
21102 @code{target remote} command.
21103
21104 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
21105 with ssh:
21106
21107 @smallexample
21108 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
21109 @end smallexample
21110
21111 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
21112 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
21113 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
21114 You could elide it if you want to.
21115
21116 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
21117 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
21118 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
21119 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
21120
21121 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
21122 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
21123 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
21124 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
21125
21126 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
21127 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
21128
21129 @smallexample
21130 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
21131 @end smallexample
21132
21133 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
21134 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
21135
21136 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
21137 @value{GDBN} attach command
21138 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
21139
21140 @pindex pidof
21141 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
21142 @code{pidof} utility:
21143
21144 @smallexample
21145 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
21146 @end smallexample
21147
21148 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
21149 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
21150 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
21151
21152 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
21153
21154 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
21155 port.
21156
21157 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
21158 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
21159 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
21160 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
21161 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
21162 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
21163 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
21164 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
21165
21166 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
21167 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
21168 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
21169
21170 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
21171 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
21172 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
21173 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
21174 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
21175 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
21176 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
21177 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
21178 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
21179 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
21180 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
21181 instance closes its port after the first connection.
21182
21183 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
21184 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
21185
21186 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
21187 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
21188 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
21189 program. For more information,
21190 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
21191
21192 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
21193 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
21194 status information about the debugging process.
21195 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
21196 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
21197 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
21198 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
21199
21200 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
21201 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
21202 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
21203 Possible options are:
21204
21205 @table @code
21206 @item none
21207 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
21208 @item all
21209 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
21210 @item timestamps
21211 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
21212 @end table
21213
21214 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
21215 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
21216
21217 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
21218 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
21219 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
21220 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
21221 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
21222
21223 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
21224 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
21225 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
21226 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
21227
21228 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
21229 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
21230 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
21231 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
21232
21233 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
21234 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
21235 environment:
21236
21237 @smallexample
21238 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
21239 @end smallexample
21240
21241 @cindex @option{--selftest}
21242 The @option{--selftest} option runs the self tests in @code{gdbserver}:
21243
21244 @smallexample
21245 $ gdbserver --selftest
21246 Ran 2 unit tests, 0 failed
21247 @end smallexample
21248
21249 These tests are disabled in release.
21250 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
21251
21252 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
21253 @itemize
21254
21255 @item
21256 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
21257
21258 @item
21259 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
21260 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
21261 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
21262 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
21263 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
21264 @code{--with-sysroot}).
21265
21266 @item
21267 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
21268 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
21269 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
21270 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
21271 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
21272 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
21273 program is already on the target.
21274
21275 @end itemize
21276
21277 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
21278 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
21279 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
21280
21281 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
21282 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
21283 Here are the available commands.
21284
21285 @table @code
21286 @item monitor help
21287 List the available monitor commands.
21288
21289 @item monitor set debug 0
21290 @itemx monitor set debug 1
21291 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
21292
21293 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
21294 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
21295 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
21296 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
21297
21298 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
21299 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
21300 Possible options are:
21301
21302 @table @code
21303 @item none
21304 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
21305 @item all
21306 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
21307 @item timestamps
21308 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
21309 @end table
21310
21311 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
21312 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
21313
21314 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
21315 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
21316 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
21317 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
21318 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
21319 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
21320
21321 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
21322 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
21323
21324 @item monitor exit
21325 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
21326 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
21327 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
21328 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
21329 of a multi-process mode debug session.
21330
21331 @end table
21332
21333 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
21334 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
21335
21336 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
21337 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
21338
21339 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
21340 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
21341 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
21342 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
21343 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
21344 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
21345 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
21346 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
21347 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
21348 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
21349 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
21350 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
21351
21352 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
21353
21354 @table @code
21355 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
21356
21357 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
21358 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
21359 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
21360
21361 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
21362
21363 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
21364 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
21365 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
21366 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
21367 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
21368 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
21369
21370 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
21371
21372 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
21373 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
21374 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
21375 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
21376 command for that. For example:
21377
21378 @smallexample
21379 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
21380 @end smallexample
21381
21382 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
21383 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
21384 @end table
21385
21386 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
21387 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
21388 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
21389 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
21390 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
21391 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
21392 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
21393 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
21394 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
21395 @code{gdbserver} like so:
21396
21397 @smallexample
21398 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
21399 @end smallexample
21400
21401 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
21402
21403 @smallexample
21404 $ gdb myprogram
21405 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
21406 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
21407 (@value{GDBP}) b main
21408 (@value{GDBP}) continue
21409 @end smallexample
21410
21411 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
21412 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
21413 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
21414 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
21415 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
21416 tracing.
21417
21418 @node Remote Configuration
21419 @section Remote Configuration
21420
21421 @kindex set remote
21422 @kindex show remote
21423 This section documents the configuration options available when
21424 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
21425 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
21426 system-call-allowed}.
21427
21428 @table @code
21429 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
21430 @cindex address size for remote targets
21431 @cindex bits in remote address
21432 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
21433 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
21434 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
21435 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
21436
21437 @item show remoteaddresssize
21438 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
21439
21440 @item set serial baud @var{n}
21441 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
21442 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
21443 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
21444 remote targets.
21445
21446 @item show serial baud
21447 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
21448
21449 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
21450 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
21451 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
21452
21453 @item show serial parity
21454 Show the current parity of the serial port.
21455
21456 @item set remotebreak
21457 @cindex interrupt remote programs
21458 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
21459 @anchor{set remotebreak}
21460 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
21461 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
21462 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
21463 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
21464 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
21465
21466 @item show remotebreak
21467 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
21468 interrupt the remote program.
21469
21470 @item set remoteflow on
21471 @itemx set remoteflow off
21472 @kindex set remoteflow
21473 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
21474 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
21475
21476 @item show remoteflow
21477 @kindex show remoteflow
21478 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
21479
21480 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
21481 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
21482 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
21483 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
21484 @code{ascii}.
21485
21486 @item show remotelogbase
21487 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
21488 protocol.
21489
21490 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
21491 @cindex record serial communications on file
21492 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
21493 default is not to record at all.
21494
21495 @item show remotelogfile.
21496 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
21497 serial communications.
21498
21499 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
21500 @cindex timeout for serial communications
21501 @cindex remote timeout
21502 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
21503 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
21504
21505 @item show remotetimeout
21506 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
21507 responses.
21508
21509 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
21510 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
21511 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
21512 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
21513 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
21514 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
21515 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware watchpoints
21516 or breakpoints. The @var{limit} can be set to 0 to disable hardware
21517 watchpoints or breakpoints, and @code{unlimited} for unlimited
21518 watchpoints or breakpoints.
21519
21520 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-limit
21521 @itemx show remote hardware-breakpoint-limit
21522 Show the current limit for the number of hardware watchpoints or
21523 breakpoints that @value{GDBN} can use.
21524
21525 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
21526 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
21527 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
21528 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
21529 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum
21530 length of a remote hardware watchpoint. A @var{limit} of 0 disables
21531 hardware watchpoints and @code{unlimited} allows watchpoints of any
21532 length.
21533
21534 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
21535 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
21536 a remote hardware watchpoint.
21537
21538 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
21539 @itemx show remote exec-file
21540 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
21541 @cindex executable file, for remote target
21542 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
21543 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
21544 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
21545 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
21546
21547 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
21548 @cindex interrupt remote programs
21549 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
21550 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
21551 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
21552 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
21553 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
21554 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
21555 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
21556 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
21557
21558 @item show interrupt-sequence
21559 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
21560 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
21561 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
21562 also known as Magic SysRq g.
21563
21564 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
21565 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
21566 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
21567 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
21568 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
21569 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
21570
21571 @item show interrupt-on-connect
21572 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
21573 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
21574
21575 @kindex set tcp
21576 @kindex show tcp
21577 @item set tcp auto-retry on
21578 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
21579 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
21580 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
21581 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
21582 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
21583 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
21584 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
21585 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
21586
21587 @item set tcp auto-retry off
21588 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
21589
21590 @item show tcp auto-retry
21591 Show the current auto-retry setting.
21592
21593 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
21594 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
21595 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
21596 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
21597 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
21598 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
21599 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
21600 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
21601 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
21602 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
21603 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
21604
21605 @item show tcp connect-timeout
21606 Show the current connection timeout setting.
21607 @end table
21608
21609 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
21610 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
21611 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
21612 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
21613 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
21614 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
21615 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
21616 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
21617 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
21618
21619 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
21620 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
21621 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
21622 @value{GDBN} developers.
21623
21624 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
21625 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
21626 are:
21627
21628 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
21629 @item Command Name
21630 @tab Remote Packet
21631 @tab Related Features
21632
21633 @item @code{fetch-register}
21634 @tab @code{p}
21635 @tab @code{info registers}
21636
21637 @item @code{set-register}
21638 @tab @code{P}
21639 @tab @code{set}
21640
21641 @item @code{binary-download}
21642 @tab @code{X}
21643 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
21644
21645 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
21646 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
21647 @tab @code{info auxv}
21648
21649 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
21650 @tab @code{qSymbol}
21651 @tab Detecting multiple threads
21652
21653 @item @code{attach}
21654 @tab @code{vAttach}
21655 @tab @code{attach}
21656
21657 @item @code{verbose-resume}
21658 @tab @code{vCont}
21659 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
21660
21661 @item @code{run}
21662 @tab @code{vRun}
21663 @tab @code{run}
21664
21665 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
21666 @tab @code{Z0}
21667 @tab @code{break}
21668
21669 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
21670 @tab @code{Z1}
21671 @tab @code{hbreak}
21672
21673 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
21674 @tab @code{Z2}
21675 @tab @code{watch}
21676
21677 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
21678 @tab @code{Z3}
21679 @tab @code{rwatch}
21680
21681 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
21682 @tab @code{Z4}
21683 @tab @code{awatch}
21684
21685 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
21686 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
21687 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
21688
21689 @item @code{target-features}
21690 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
21691 @tab @code{set architecture}
21692
21693 @item @code{library-info}
21694 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
21695 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
21696
21697 @item @code{memory-map}
21698 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
21699 @tab @code{info mem}
21700
21701 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
21702 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
21703 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
21704
21705 @item @code{read-spu-object}
21706 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
21707 @tab @code{info spu}
21708
21709 @item @code{write-spu-object}
21710 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
21711 @tab @code{info spu}
21712
21713 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
21714 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
21715 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
21716
21717 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
21718 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
21719 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
21720
21721 @item @code{threads}
21722 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
21723 @tab @code{info threads}
21724
21725 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
21726 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
21727 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
21728
21729 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
21730 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
21731 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
21732
21733 @item @code{search-memory}
21734 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
21735 @tab @code{find}
21736
21737 @item @code{supported-packets}
21738 @tab @code{qSupported}
21739 @tab Remote communications parameters
21740
21741 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
21742 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
21743 @tab @code{catch syscall}
21744
21745 @item @code{pass-signals}
21746 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
21747 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
21748
21749 @item @code{program-signals}
21750 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
21751 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
21752
21753 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
21754 @tab @code{vFile:close}
21755 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21756
21757 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
21758 @tab @code{vFile:open}
21759 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21760
21761 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
21762 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
21763 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21764
21765 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
21766 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
21767 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21768
21769 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
21770 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
21771 @tab @code{remote delete}
21772
21773 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
21774 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
21775 @tab Host I/O
21776
21777 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
21778 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
21779 @tab Host I/O
21780
21781 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
21782 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
21783 @tab Host I/O
21784
21785 @item @code{noack-packet}
21786 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
21787 @tab Packet acknowledgment
21788
21789 @item @code{osdata}
21790 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
21791 @tab @code{info os}
21792
21793 @item @code{query-attached}
21794 @tab @code{qAttached}
21795 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
21796
21797 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
21798 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
21799 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
21800
21801 @item @code{trace-status}
21802 @tab @code{qTStatus}
21803 @tab @code{tstatus}
21804
21805 @item @code{traceframe-info}
21806 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
21807 @tab Traceframe info
21808
21809 @item @code{install-in-trace}
21810 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
21811 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
21812
21813 @item @code{disable-randomization}
21814 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
21815 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
21816
21817 @item @code{startup-with-shell}
21818 @tab @code{QStartupWithShell}
21819 @tab @code{set startup-with-shell}
21820
21821 @item @code{environment-hex-encoded}
21822 @tab @code{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
21823 @tab @code{set environment}
21824
21825 @item @code{environment-unset}
21826 @tab @code{QEnvironmentUnset}
21827 @tab @code{unset environment}
21828
21829 @item @code{environment-reset}
21830 @tab @code{QEnvironmentReset}
21831 @tab @code{Reset the inferior environment (i.e., unset user-set variables)}
21832
21833 @item @code{set-working-dir}
21834 @tab @code{QSetWorkingDir}
21835 @tab @code{set cwd}
21836
21837 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
21838 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
21839 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
21840
21841 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
21842 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
21843 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
21844
21845 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
21846 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
21847 @tab @code{break}
21848
21849 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
21850 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
21851 @tab @code{hbreak}
21852
21853 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
21854 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
21855 @tab @code{fork}
21856
21857 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
21858 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
21859 @tab @code{vfork}
21860
21861 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
21862 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
21863 @tab @code{exec}
21864
21865 @item @code{thread-events}
21866 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
21867 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21868
21869 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
21870 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
21871 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21872
21873 @end multitable
21874
21875 @node Remote Stub
21876 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
21877
21878 @cindex debugging stub, example
21879 @cindex remote stub, example
21880 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
21881 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
21882 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
21883 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
21884 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
21885 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
21886 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
21887 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
21888
21889 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
21890 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
21891 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
21892 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
21893 program, you need:
21894
21895 @enumerate
21896 @item
21897 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
21898 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
21899 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
21900
21901 @item
21902 A C subroutine library to support your program's
21903 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
21904
21905 @item
21906 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
21907 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
21908 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
21909 documentation.
21910 @end enumerate
21911
21912 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
21913 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
21914 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
21915
21916 @table @emph
21917 @item On the host,
21918 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
21919 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
21920 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
21921
21922 @item On the target,
21923 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
21924 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
21925 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
21926
21927 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
21928 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
21929 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
21930 @end table
21931
21932 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
21933 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
21934 @sc{sparc} boards.
21935
21936 @cindex remote serial stub list
21937 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
21938
21939 @table @code
21940
21941 @item i386-stub.c
21942 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
21943 @cindex Intel
21944 @cindex i386
21945 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
21946
21947 @item m68k-stub.c
21948 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
21949 @cindex Motorola 680x0
21950 @cindex m680x0
21951 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
21952
21953 @item sh-stub.c
21954 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
21955 @cindex Renesas
21956 @cindex SH
21957 For Renesas SH architectures.
21958
21959 @item sparc-stub.c
21960 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
21961 @cindex Sparc
21962 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
21963
21964 @item sparcl-stub.c
21965 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
21966 @cindex Fujitsu
21967 @cindex SparcLite
21968 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
21969
21970 @end table
21971
21972 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
21973 recently added stubs.
21974
21975 @menu
21976 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
21977 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
21978 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
21979 @end menu
21980
21981 @node Stub Contents
21982 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
21983
21984 @cindex remote serial stub
21985 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
21986 subroutines:
21987
21988 @table @code
21989 @item set_debug_traps
21990 @findex set_debug_traps
21991 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
21992 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
21993 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
21994 program's startup code.
21995
21996 @item handle_exception
21997 @findex handle_exception
21998 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
21999 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
22000 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
22001 run when a trap is triggered.
22002
22003 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
22004 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
22005 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
22006 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
22007 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
22008 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
22009 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
22010 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
22011 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
22012 machine.
22013
22014 @item breakpoint
22015 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
22016 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
22017 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
22018 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
22019 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
22020 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
22021 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
22022 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
22023 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
22024 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
22025 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
22026
22027 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
22028 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
22029 start of your debugging session.
22030 @end table
22031
22032 @node Bootstrapping
22033 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
22034
22035 @cindex remote stub, support routines
22036 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
22037 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
22038 debugging target machine.
22039
22040 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
22041 serial port.
22042
22043 @table @code
22044 @item int getDebugChar()
22045 @findex getDebugChar
22046 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
22047 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
22048 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
22049
22050 @item void putDebugChar(int)
22051 @findex putDebugChar
22052 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
22053 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
22054 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
22055 @end table
22056
22057 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
22058 @cindex interrupting remote targets
22059 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
22060 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
22061 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
22062 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
22063 remote system to stop.
22064
22065 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
22066 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
22067 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
22068 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
22069
22070 Other routines you need to supply are:
22071
22072 @table @code
22073 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
22074 @findex exceptionHandler
22075 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
22076 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
22077 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
22078 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
22079 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
22080 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
22081 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
22082 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
22083 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
22084 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
22085 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
22086 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
22087 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
22088
22089 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
22090 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
22091 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
22092 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
22093 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
22094
22095 @item void flush_i_cache()
22096 @findex flush_i_cache
22097 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
22098 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
22099 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
22100
22101 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
22102 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
22103 @end table
22104
22105 @noindent
22106 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
22107
22108 @table @code
22109 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
22110 @findex memset
22111 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
22112 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
22113 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
22114 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
22115 @end table
22116
22117 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
22118 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
22119 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
22120 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
22121
22122
22123 @node Debug Session
22124 @subsection Putting it All Together
22125
22126 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
22127 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
22128 steps.
22129
22130 @enumerate
22131 @item
22132 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
22133 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
22134 @display
22135 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
22136 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
22137 @end display
22138
22139 @item
22140 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
22141 procedure is called:
22142
22143 @smallexample
22144 set_debug_traps();
22145 breakpoint();
22146 @end smallexample
22147
22148 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
22149 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
22150 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
22151 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
22152 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
22153 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
22154 progress.
22155
22156 @item
22157 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
22158 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
22159
22160 @smallexample
22161 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
22162 @end smallexample
22163
22164 @noindent
22165 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
22166 function in your program, that function is called when
22167 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
22168 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
22169 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
22170
22171 @item
22172 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
22173 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
22174
22175 @item
22176 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
22177 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
22178
22179 @item
22180 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
22181 @c document that. FIXME.
22182 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
22183 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
22184
22185 @item
22186 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
22187 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
22188
22189 @end enumerate
22190
22191 @node Configurations
22192 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
22193
22194 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
22195 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
22196 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
22197
22198 There are three major categories of configurations: native
22199 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
22200 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
22201 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
22202 are quite different from each other.
22203
22204 @menu
22205 * Native::
22206 * Embedded OS::
22207 * Embedded Processors::
22208 * Architectures::
22209 @end menu
22210
22211 @node Native
22212 @section Native
22213
22214 This section describes details specific to particular native
22215 configurations.
22216
22217 @menu
22218 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
22219 * Process Information:: Process information
22220 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
22221 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
22222 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
22223 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
22224 @end menu
22225
22226 @node BSD libkvm Interface
22227 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
22228
22229 @cindex libkvm
22230 @cindex kernel memory image
22231 @cindex kernel crash dump
22232
22233 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
22234 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
22235 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
22236 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
22237 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
22238 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
22239 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
22240 @code{kvm} target:
22241
22242 @smallexample
22243 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
22244 @end smallexample
22245
22246 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
22247 argument:
22248
22249 @smallexample
22250 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
22251 @end smallexample
22252
22253 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
22254 available:
22255
22256 @table @code
22257 @kindex kvm
22258 @item kvm pcb
22259 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
22260
22261 @item kvm proc
22262 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
22263 modern FreeBSD systems.
22264 @end table
22265
22266 @node Process Information
22267 @subsection Process Information
22268 @cindex /proc
22269 @cindex examine process image
22270 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
22271
22272 Some operating systems provide interfaces to fetch additional
22273 information about running processes beyond memory and per-thread
22274 register state. If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system
22275 with a supported interface, the command @code{info proc} is available
22276 to report information about the process running your program, or about
22277 any process running on your system.
22278
22279 One supported interface is a facility called @samp{/proc} that can be
22280 used to examine the image of a running process using file-system
22281 subroutines. This facility is supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris
22282 systems.
22283
22284 On FreeBSD systems, system control nodes are used to query process
22285 information.
22286
22287 In addition, some systems may provide additional process information
22288 in core files. Note that a core file may include a subset of the
22289 information available from a live process. Process information is
22290 currently avaiable from cores created on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD
22291 systems.
22292
22293 @table @code
22294 @kindex info proc
22295 @cindex process ID
22296 @item info proc
22297 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
22298 Summarize available information about a process. If a
22299 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
22300 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
22301 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
22302 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
22303 executable file's absolute file name.
22304
22305 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
22306 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
22307 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
22308 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
22309 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
22310 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
22311
22312 @item info proc cmdline
22313 @cindex info proc cmdline
22314 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
22315 supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22316
22317 @item info proc cwd
22318 @cindex info proc cwd
22319 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
22320 supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22321
22322 @item info proc exe
22323 @cindex info proc exe
22324 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is supported
22325 on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22326
22327 @item info proc files
22328 @cindex info proc files
22329 Show the file descriptors open by the process. For each open file
22330 descriptor, @value{GDBN} shows its number, type (file, directory,
22331 character device, socket), file pointer offset, and the name of the
22332 resource open on the descriptor. The resource name can be a file name
22333 (for files, directories, and devices) or a protocol followed by socket
22334 address (for network connections). This command is supported on
22335 FreeBSD.
22336
22337 This example shows the open file descriptors for a process using a
22338 tty for standard input and output as well as two network sockets:
22339
22340 @smallexample
22341 (gdb) info proc files 22136
22342 process 22136
22343 Open files:
22344
22345 FD Type Offset Flags Name
22346 text file - r-------- /usr/bin/ssh
22347 ctty chr - rw------- /dev/pts/20
22348 cwd dir - r-------- /usr/home/john
22349 root dir - r-------- /
22350 0 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
22351 1 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
22352 2 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
22353 3 socket 0x0 rw----n-- tcp4 10.0.1.2:53014 -> 10.0.1.10:22
22354 4 socket 0x0 rw------- unix stream:/tmp/ssh-FIt89oAzOn5f/agent.2456
22355 @end smallexample
22356
22357 @item info proc mappings
22358 @cindex memory address space mappings
22359 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in a process. On
22360 Solaris and FreeBSD systems, each memory range includes information on
22361 whether the process has read, write, or execute access rights to each
22362 range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD systems, each memory range
22363 includes the object file which is mapped to that range.
22364
22365 @item info proc stat
22366 @itemx info proc status
22367 @cindex process detailed status information
22368 Show additional process-related information, including the user ID and
22369 group ID; virtual memory usage; the signals that are pending, blocked,
22370 and ignored; its TTY; its consumption of system and user time; its
22371 stack size; its @samp{nice} value; etc. These commands are supported
22372 on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD.
22373
22374 For @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, see the @samp{proc} man page for more
22375 information (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
22376
22377 For FreeBSD systems, @code{info proc stat} is an alias for @code{info
22378 proc status}.
22379
22380 @item info proc all
22381 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
22382 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
22383
22384 @ignore
22385 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
22386 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
22387 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
22388 @kindex info proc times
22389 @item info proc times
22390 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
22391 its children.
22392
22393 @kindex info proc id
22394 @item info proc id
22395 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
22396 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
22397 @end ignore
22398
22399 @item set procfs-trace
22400 @kindex set procfs-trace
22401 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
22402 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
22403
22404 @item show procfs-trace
22405 @kindex show procfs-trace
22406 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
22407
22408 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
22409 @kindex set procfs-file
22410 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
22411 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
22412 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
22413 standard output.
22414
22415 @item show procfs-file
22416 @kindex show procfs-file
22417 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
22418
22419 @item proc-trace-entry
22420 @itemx proc-trace-exit
22421 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
22422 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
22423 @kindex proc-trace-entry
22424 @kindex proc-trace-exit
22425 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
22426 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
22427 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
22428 from the @code{syscall} interface.
22429
22430 @item info pidlist
22431 @kindex info pidlist
22432 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
22433 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
22434 processes and all the threads within each process.
22435
22436 @item info meminfo
22437 @kindex info meminfo
22438 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
22439 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
22440 @end table
22441
22442 @node DJGPP Native
22443 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
22444 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
22445 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
22446 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
22447
22448 @cindex DPMI
22449 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
22450 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
22451 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
22452 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
22453
22454 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
22455 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
22456 subsection describes those commands.
22457
22458 @table @code
22459 @kindex info dos
22460 @item info dos
22461 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
22462 information about the target system and important OS structures.
22463
22464 @kindex sysinfo
22465 @cindex MS-DOS system info
22466 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
22467 @item info dos sysinfo
22468 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
22469 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
22470 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
22471
22472 @cindex GDT
22473 @cindex LDT
22474 @cindex IDT
22475 @cindex segment descriptor tables
22476 @cindex descriptor tables display
22477 @item info dos gdt
22478 @itemx info dos ldt
22479 @itemx info dos idt
22480 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
22481 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
22482 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
22483 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
22484 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
22485 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
22486 rights.
22487
22488 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
22489 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
22490 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
22491 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
22492 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
22493
22494 @cindex garbled pointers
22495 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
22496 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
22497 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
22498 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
22499 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
22500 debugged program's data segment:
22501
22502 @smallexample
22503 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
22504 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
22505 @end smallexample
22506
22507 @noindent
22508 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
22509 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
22510
22511 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
22512 @item info dos pde
22513 @itemx info dos pte
22514 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
22515 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
22516 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
22517 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
22518 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
22519 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
22520 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
22521 that is currently in use.
22522
22523 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
22524 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
22525 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
22526 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
22527 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
22528 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
22529 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
22530
22531 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
22532 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
22533 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
22534 controller.
22535
22536 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
22537
22538 @cindex physical address from linear address
22539 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
22540 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
22541 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
22542 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
22543 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
22544 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
22545 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
22546
22547 @smallexample
22548 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
22549 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
22550 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
22551 @end smallexample
22552
22553 @noindent
22554 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
22555 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
22556 attributes of that page.
22557
22558 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
22559 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
22560 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
22561 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
22562 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
22563 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
22564
22565 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
22566 transfer buffer:
22567
22568 @smallexample
22569 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
22570 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
22571 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
22572 @end smallexample
22573
22574 @noindent
22575 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
22576 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
22577 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
22578 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
22579 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
22580
22581 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
22582 @end table
22583
22584 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
22585 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
22586 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
22587 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
22588
22589 @table @code
22590 @kindex set com1base
22591 @kindex set com1irq
22592 @kindex set com2base
22593 @kindex set com2irq
22594 @kindex set com3base
22595 @kindex set com3irq
22596 @kindex set com4base
22597 @kindex set com4irq
22598 @item set com1base @var{addr}
22599 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
22600 port.
22601
22602 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
22603 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
22604 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
22605
22606 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
22607 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
22608 other 3 COM ports.
22609
22610 @kindex show com1base
22611 @kindex show com1irq
22612 @kindex show com2base
22613 @kindex show com2irq
22614 @kindex show com3base
22615 @kindex show com3irq
22616 @kindex show com4base
22617 @kindex show com4irq
22618 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
22619 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
22620 lines used by the COM ports.
22621
22622 @item info serial
22623 @kindex info serial
22624 @cindex DOS serial port status
22625 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
22626 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
22627 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
22628 counts of various errors encountered so far.
22629 @end table
22630
22631
22632 @node Cygwin Native
22633 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
22634 @cindex MS Windows debugging
22635 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
22636 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
22637
22638 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
22639 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
22640
22641 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
22642 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
22643 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
22644 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
22645 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
22646 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
22647 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
22648 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
22649
22650 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
22651 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
22652 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
22653
22654 @table @code
22655 @kindex info w32
22656 @item info w32
22657 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
22658 information about the target system and important OS structures.
22659
22660 @item info w32 selector
22661 This command displays information returned by
22662 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
22663 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
22664 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
22665 Without argument, this command displays information
22666 about the six segment registers.
22667
22668 @item info w32 thread-information-block
22669 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
22670 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
22671 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
22672
22673 @kindex signal-event
22674 @item signal-event @var{id}
22675 This command signals an event with user-provided @var{id}. Used to resume
22676 crashing process when attached to it using MS-Windows JIT debugging (AeDebug).
22677
22678 To use it, create or edit the following keys in
22679 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug} and/or
22680 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug}
22681 (for x86_64 versions):
22682
22683 @itemize @minus
22684 @item
22685 @code{Debugger} (REG_SZ) --- a command to launch the debugger.
22686 Suggested command is: @code{@var{fully-qualified-path-to-gdb.exe} -ex
22687 "attach %ld" -ex "signal-event %ld" -ex "continue"}.
22688
22689 The first @code{%ld} will be replaced by the process ID of the
22690 crashing process, the second @code{%ld} will be replaced by the ID of
22691 the event that blocks the crashing process, waiting for @value{GDBN}
22692 to attach.
22693
22694 @item
22695 @code{Auto} (REG_SZ) --- either @code{1} or @code{0}. @code{1} will
22696 make the system run debugger specified by the Debugger key
22697 automatically, @code{0} will cause a dialog box with ``OK'' and
22698 ``Cancel'' buttons to appear, which allows the user to either
22699 terminate the crashing process (OK) or debug it (Cancel).
22700 @end itemize
22701
22702 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
22703 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
22704 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
22705 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
22706 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
22707 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
22708 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
22709 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
22710 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
22711 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
22712 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
22713
22714 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
22715 @item show cygwin-exceptions
22716 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
22717 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
22718
22719 @kindex set new-console
22720 @item set new-console @var{mode}
22721 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
22722 be started in a new console on next start.
22723 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
22724 be started in the same console as the debugger.
22725
22726 @kindex show new-console
22727 @item show new-console
22728 Displays whether a new console is used
22729 when the debuggee is started.
22730
22731 @kindex set new-group
22732 @item set new-group @var{mode}
22733 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
22734 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
22735 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
22736 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
22737
22738 @kindex show new-group
22739 @item show new-group
22740 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
22741
22742 @kindex set debugevents
22743 @item set debugevents
22744 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
22745 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
22746 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
22747 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
22748 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
22749
22750 @kindex set debugexec
22751 @item set debugexec
22752 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
22753 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
22754
22755 @kindex set debugexceptions
22756 @item set debugexceptions
22757 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
22758 debuggee seen by the debugger.
22759
22760 @kindex set debugmemory
22761 @item set debugmemory
22762 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
22763 and writes by the debugger.
22764
22765 @kindex set shell
22766 @item set shell
22767 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
22768 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
22769
22770 @kindex show shell
22771 @item show shell
22772 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
22773
22774 @end table
22775
22776 @menu
22777 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
22778 @end menu
22779
22780 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
22781 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
22782 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
22783 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
22784
22785 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
22786 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
22787 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
22788 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
22789 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
22790 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
22791 ``minimal symbols''.
22792
22793 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
22794 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
22795 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
22796 program run once to completion.
22797
22798 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
22799
22800 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
22801 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
22802 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
22803 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
22804 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
22805 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
22806 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
22807 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
22808 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
22809
22810 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
22811 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
22812 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
22813 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
22814 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
22815 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
22816
22817 @smallexample
22818 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
22819 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
22820
22821 Non-debugging symbols:
22822 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
22823 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
22824 @end smallexample
22825
22826 @smallexample
22827 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
22828 All functions matching regular expression "!":
22829
22830 Non-debugging symbols:
22831 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
22832 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
22833 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
22834 [etc...]
22835 @end smallexample
22836
22837 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
22838
22839 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
22840 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
22841 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
22842 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
22843 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
22844 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
22845 a function within a DLL without a running program.
22846
22847 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
22848 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
22849 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
22850 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
22851 problem:
22852
22853 @smallexample
22854 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
22855 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22856 @end smallexample
22857
22858 @smallexample
22859 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
22860 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22861 @end smallexample
22862
22863 And two possible solutions:
22864
22865 @smallexample
22866 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
22867 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22868 @end smallexample
22869
22870 @smallexample
22871 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
22872 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
22873 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
22874 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
22875 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
22876 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22877 @end smallexample
22878
22879 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
22880 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
22881 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
22882 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
22883 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
22884
22885 @smallexample
22886 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
22887 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
22888 @end smallexample
22889
22890 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
22891 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
22892 safe.
22893
22894 @node Hurd Native
22895 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
22896 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
22897
22898 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
22899 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
22900
22901 @table @code
22902 @item set signals
22903 @itemx set sigs
22904 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
22905 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22906 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
22907 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
22908 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
22909 @code{signals}.
22910
22911 @item show signals
22912 @itemx show sigs
22913 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
22914 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22915 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
22916
22917 @item set signal-thread
22918 @itemx set sigthread
22919 @kindex set signal-thread
22920 @kindex set sigthread
22921 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
22922 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
22923 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
22924 signal-thread}.
22925
22926 @item show signal-thread
22927 @itemx show sigthread
22928 @kindex show signal-thread
22929 @kindex show sigthread
22930 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
22931 delivered a signal.
22932
22933 @item set stopped
22934 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22935 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
22936 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
22937 continued by delivering a signal to it.
22938
22939 @item show stopped
22940 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22941 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
22942 stopped.
22943
22944 @item set exceptions
22945 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22946 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
22947 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
22948 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
22949 trapping on.
22950
22951 @item show exceptions
22952 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22953 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
22954
22955 @item set task pause
22956 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
22957 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22958 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22959 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
22960 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
22961 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
22962 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
22963 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
22964 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
22965
22966 @item show task pause
22967 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
22968 Show the current state of task suspension.
22969
22970 @item set task detach-suspend-count
22971 @cindex task suspend count
22972 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22973 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
22974 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
22975
22976 @item show task detach-suspend-count
22977 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
22978
22979 @item set task exception-port
22980 @itemx set task excp
22981 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22982 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
22983 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
22984 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
22985
22986 @item set noninvasive
22987 @cindex noninvasive task options
22988 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
22989 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
22990 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
22991 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
22992
22993 @item info send-rights
22994 @itemx info receive-rights
22995 @itemx info port-rights
22996 @itemx info port-sets
22997 @itemx info dead-names
22998 @itemx info ports
22999 @itemx info psets
23000 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23001 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23002 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23003 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23004 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23005 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
23006 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
23007 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
23008 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
23009
23010 @item set thread pause
23011 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
23012 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23013 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
23014 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
23015 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
23016 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
23017 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
23018 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
23019 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
23020 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
23021 only the current thread.
23022
23023 @item show thread pause
23024 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
23025 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
23026
23027 @item set thread run
23028 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
23029
23030 @item show thread run
23031 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
23032
23033 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
23034 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23035 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23036 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
23037 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
23038 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
23039 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
23040
23041 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
23042 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
23043 detaching.
23044
23045 @item set thread exception-port
23046 @itemx set thread excp
23047 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
23048 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
23049 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
23050
23051 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
23052 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
23053 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
23054 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
23055
23056 @item set thread default
23057 @itemx show thread default
23058 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
23059 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
23060 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
23061 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
23062 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
23063 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
23064 the non-default commands.
23065 @end table
23066
23067 @node Darwin
23068 @subsection Darwin
23069 @cindex Darwin
23070
23071 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
23072
23073 @table @code
23074 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
23075 @kindex set debug darwin
23076 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
23077 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
23078
23079 @item show debug darwin
23080 @kindex show debug darwin
23081 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
23082
23083 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
23084 @kindex set debug mach-o
23085 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
23086 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
23087 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
23088 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
23089 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
23090 usage.
23091
23092 @item show debug mach-o
23093 @kindex show debug mach-o
23094 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
23095
23096 @item set mach-exceptions on
23097 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
23098 @kindex set mach-exceptions
23099 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
23100 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
23101 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
23102 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
23103
23104 @item show mach-exceptions
23105 @kindex show mach-exceptions
23106 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
23107 @end table
23108
23109
23110 @node Embedded OS
23111 @section Embedded Operating Systems
23112
23113 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
23114 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
23115 architectures.
23116
23117 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
23118 various real-time operating systems.
23119
23120 @node Embedded Processors
23121 @section Embedded Processors
23122
23123 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
23124 configurations.
23125
23126 @cindex send command to simulator
23127 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
23128 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
23129
23130 @table @code
23131 @item sim @var{command}
23132 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
23133 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
23134 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
23135 acceptable commands.
23136 @end table
23137
23138
23139 @menu
23140 * ARC:: Synopsys ARC
23141 * ARM:: ARM
23142 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
23143 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
23144 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
23145 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRISC 1000 (or1k)
23146 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
23147 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
23148 * CRIS:: CRIS
23149 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
23150 @end menu
23151
23152 @node ARC
23153 @subsection Synopsys ARC
23154 @cindex Synopsys ARC
23155 @cindex ARC specific commands
23156 @cindex ARC600
23157 @cindex ARC700
23158 @cindex ARC EM
23159 @cindex ARC HS
23160
23161 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARC-specific commands:
23162
23163 @table @code
23164 @item set debug arc
23165 @kindex set debug arc
23166 Control the level of ARC specific debug messages. Use 0 for no messages (the
23167 default), 1 for debug messages, and 2 for even more debug messages.
23168
23169 @item show debug arc
23170 @kindex show debug arc
23171 Show the level of ARC specific debugging in operation.
23172
23173 @item maint print arc arc-instruction @var{address}
23174 @kindex maint print arc arc-instruction
23175 Print internal disassembler information about instruction at a given address.
23176
23177 @end table
23178
23179 @node ARM
23180 @subsection ARM
23181
23182 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
23183
23184 @table @code
23185 @item set arm disassembler
23186 @kindex set arm
23187 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
23188 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
23189
23190 @item show arm disassembler
23191 @kindex show arm
23192 Show the current disassembly style.
23193
23194 @item set arm apcs32
23195 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
23196 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
23197
23198 @item show arm apcs32
23199 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
23200
23201 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
23202 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
23203 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
23204
23205 @table @code
23206 @item auto
23207 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
23208 @item softfpa
23209 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
23210 processors.
23211 @item fpa
23212 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
23213 @item softvfp
23214 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
23215 @item vfp
23216 VFP co-processor.
23217 @end table
23218
23219 @item show arm fpu
23220 Show the current type of the FPU.
23221
23222 @item set arm abi
23223 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
23224
23225 @item show arm abi
23226 Show the currently used ABI.
23227
23228 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
23229 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
23230 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
23231 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
23232 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
23233 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
23234 register).
23235
23236 @item show arm fallback-mode
23237 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
23238
23239 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
23240 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
23241 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
23242 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
23243 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
23244
23245 @item show arm force-mode
23246 Show the current forced instruction mode.
23247
23248 @item set debug arm
23249 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
23250 target support subsystem.
23251
23252 @item show debug arm
23253 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
23254 @end table
23255
23256 @table @code
23257 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
23258 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
23259
23260 @table @code
23261 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
23262 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
23263 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
23264 The default value is @code{all}.
23265
23266 @table @code
23267 @item none
23268 @item demon
23269 @item angel
23270 @item redboot
23271 @item all
23272 @end table
23273 @end table
23274 @end table
23275
23276 @node M68K
23277 @subsection M68k
23278
23279 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
23280
23281 @node MicroBlaze
23282 @subsection MicroBlaze
23283 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
23284 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
23285
23286 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
23287 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
23288 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
23289 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
23290 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
23291 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
23292 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
23293 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
23294 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
23295 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
23296 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
23297
23298 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
23299
23300 @table @code
23301 @item target remote :1234
23302 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
23303 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
23304
23305 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
23306 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
23307 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
23308
23309 @item load
23310 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
23311
23312 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
23313 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
23314
23315 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
23316 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
23317 @end table
23318
23319 @node MIPS Embedded
23320 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
23321
23322 @noindent
23323 @value{GDBN} supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
23324
23325 @table @code
23326 @item set mipsfpu double
23327 @itemx set mipsfpu single
23328 @itemx set mipsfpu none
23329 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
23330 @itemx show mipsfpu
23331 @kindex set mipsfpu
23332 @kindex show mipsfpu
23333 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
23334 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
23335 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
23336 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
23337 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
23338 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
23339 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
23340 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
23341 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
23342 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
23343 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
23344 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
23345 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
23346
23347 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
23348 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
23349 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
23350
23351 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
23352 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
23353 @end table
23354
23355 @node OpenRISC 1000
23356 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
23357 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
23358
23359 @noindent
23360 The OpenRISC 1000 provides a free RISC instruction set architecture. It is
23361 mainly provided as a soft-core which can run on Xilinx, Altera and other
23362 FPGA's.
23363
23364 @value{GDBN} for OpenRISC supports the below commands when connecting to
23365 a target:
23366
23367 @table @code
23368
23369 @kindex target sim
23370 @item target sim
23371
23372 Runs the builtin CPU simulator which can run very basic
23373 programs but does not support most hardware functions like MMU.
23374 For more complex use cases the user is advised to run an external
23375 target, and connect using @samp{target remote}.
23376
23377 Example: @code{target sim}
23378
23379 @item set debug or1k
23380 Toggle whether to display OpenRISC-specific debugging messages from the
23381 OpenRISC target support subsystem.
23382
23383 @item show debug or1k
23384 Show whether OpenRISC-specific debugging messages are enabled.
23385 @end table
23386
23387 @node PowerPC Embedded
23388 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
23389
23390 @cindex DVC register
23391 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
23392 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
23393
23394 @smallexample
23395 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
23396 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
23397 @end smallexample
23398
23399 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
23400 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
23401 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
23402 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
23403 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
23404 or newer.
23405
23406 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
23407 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
23408 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
23409 watching variables of scalar types.
23410
23411 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
23412 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
23413
23414 @smallexample
23415 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
23416 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
23417 @end smallexample
23418
23419 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
23420 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
23421
23422 @cindex ranged breakpoint
23423 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
23424 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
23425 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
23426 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
23427 use the @code{break-range} command.
23428
23429 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
23430
23431 @table @code
23432 @kindex break-range
23433 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
23434 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by
23435 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}, which can specify a function name,
23436 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
23437 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
23438 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
23439 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
23440 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
23441 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
23442
23443 @kindex set powerpc
23444 @item set powerpc soft-float
23445 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
23446 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
23447 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
23448 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
23449
23450 @item set powerpc vector-abi
23451 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
23452 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
23453 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
23454 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
23455 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
23456 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
23457 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
23458
23459 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
23460 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
23461 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
23462 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
23463 address of its first byte.
23464
23465 @end table
23466
23467 @node AVR
23468 @subsection Atmel AVR
23469 @cindex AVR
23470
23471 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
23472 following AVR-specific commands:
23473
23474 @table @code
23475 @item info io_registers
23476 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
23477 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
23478 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
23479 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
23480 @end table
23481
23482 @node CRIS
23483 @subsection CRIS
23484 @cindex CRIS
23485
23486 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
23487 following CRIS-specific commands:
23488
23489 @table @code
23490 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
23491 @cindex CRIS version
23492 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
23493 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
23494 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
23495
23496 @item show cris-version
23497 Show the current CRIS version.
23498
23499 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
23500 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
23501 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
23502 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
23503 @code{R59}.
23504
23505 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
23506 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
23507
23508 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
23509 @cindex CRIS mode
23510 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
23511 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
23512 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
23513
23514 @item show cris-mode
23515 Show the current CRIS mode.
23516 @end table
23517
23518 @node Super-H
23519 @subsection Renesas Super-H
23520 @cindex Super-H
23521
23522 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
23523 commands:
23524
23525 @table @code
23526 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
23527 @kindex set sh calling-convention
23528 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
23529 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
23530 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
23531 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
23532 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
23533 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
23534 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
23535 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
23536 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
23537 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
23538
23539 @item show sh calling-convention
23540 @kindex show sh calling-convention
23541 Show the current calling convention setting.
23542
23543 @end table
23544
23545
23546 @node Architectures
23547 @section Architectures
23548
23549 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
23550 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
23551
23552 @menu
23553 * AArch64::
23554 * i386::
23555 * Alpha::
23556 * MIPS::
23557 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
23558 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
23559 * PowerPC::
23560 * Nios II::
23561 * Sparc64::
23562 @end menu
23563
23564 @node AArch64
23565 @subsection AArch64
23566 @cindex AArch64 support
23567
23568 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
23569 following special commands:
23570
23571 @table @code
23572 @item set debug aarch64
23573 @kindex set debug aarch64
23574 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
23575 messages are to be displayed.
23576
23577 @item show debug aarch64
23578 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
23579
23580 @end table
23581
23582 @subsubsection AArch64 SVE.
23583 @cindex AArch64 SVE.
23584
23585 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, if the Scalable Vector
23586 Extension (SVE) is present, then @value{GDBN} will provide the vector registers
23587 @code{$z0} through @code{$z31}, vector predicate registers @code{$p0} through
23588 @code{$p15}, and the @code{$ffr} register. In addition, the pseudo register
23589 @code{$vg} will be provided. This is the vector granule for the current thread
23590 and represents the number of 64-bit chunks in an SVE @code{z} register.
23591
23592 If the vector length changes, then the @code{$vg} register will be updated,
23593 but the lengths of the @code{z} and @code{p} registers will not change. This
23594 is a known limitation of @value{GDBN} and does not affect the execution of the
23595 target process.
23596
23597
23598 @node i386
23599 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
23600
23601 @table @code
23602 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
23603 @kindex set struct-convention
23604 @cindex struct return convention
23605 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
23606 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
23607 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
23608 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
23609 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
23610 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
23611 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
23612 be returned in a register.
23613
23614 @item show struct-convention
23615 @kindex show struct-convention
23616 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
23617 from functions.
23618 @end table
23619
23620
23621 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
23622 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
23623
23624 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
23625 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
23626 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
23627 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
23628 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
23629 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
23630 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
23631
23632 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
23633 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
23634 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
23635 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
23636 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
23637 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
23638
23639 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
23640 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
23641 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
23642
23643 @smallexample
23644 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
23645 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
23646 @end smallexample
23647
23648 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
23649 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
23650 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
23651 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
23652 the pointer.
23653
23654 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
23655 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
23656 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
23657 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
23658 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
23659
23660 @table @code
23661 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
23662 @kindex show mpx bound
23663 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
23664
23665 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
23666 @kindex set mpx bound
23667 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
23668 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
23669 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
23670 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
23671 @end table
23672
23673 When you call an inferior function on an Intel MPX enabled program,
23674 GDB sets the inferior's bound registers to the init (disabled) state
23675 before calling the function. As a consequence, bounds checks for the
23676 pointer arguments passed to the function will always pass.
23677
23678 This is necessary because when you call an inferior function, the
23679 program is usually in the middle of the execution of other function.
23680 Since at that point bound registers are in an arbitrary state, not
23681 clearing them would lead to random bound violations in the called
23682 function.
23683
23684 You can still examine the influence of the bound registers on the
23685 execution of the called function by stopping the execution of the
23686 called function at its prologue, setting bound registers, and
23687 continuing the execution. For example:
23688
23689 @smallexample
23690 $ break *upper
23691 Breakpoint 2 at 0x4009de: file i386-mpx-call.c, line 47.
23692 $ print upper (a, b, c, d, 1)
23693 Breakpoint 2, upper (a=0x0, b=0x6e0000005b, c=0x0, d=0x0, len=48)....
23694 $ print $bnd0
23695 @{lbound = 0x0, ubound = ffffffff@} : size -1
23696 @end smallexample
23697
23698 At this last step the value of bnd0 can be changed for investigation of bound
23699 violations caused along the execution of the call. In order to know how to
23700 set the bound registers or bound table for the call consult the ABI.
23701
23702 @node Alpha
23703 @subsection Alpha
23704
23705 See the following section.
23706
23707 @node MIPS
23708 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
23709
23710 @cindex stack on Alpha
23711 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
23712 @cindex Alpha stack
23713 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
23714 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
23715 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
23716 find the beginning of a function.
23717
23718 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
23719 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
23720 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
23721 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
23722 commands:
23723
23724 @table @code
23725 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
23726 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
23727 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
23728 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
23729 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
23730 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
23731 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
23732 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
23733
23734 @item show heuristic-fence-post
23735 Display the current limit.
23736 @end table
23737
23738 @noindent
23739 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
23740 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
23741
23742 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
23743 programs:
23744
23745 @table @code
23746 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
23747 @kindex set mips abi
23748 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
23749 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
23750 values of @var{arg} are:
23751
23752 @table @samp
23753 @item auto
23754 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
23755 default).
23756 @item o32
23757 @item o64
23758 @item n32
23759 @item n64
23760 @item eabi32
23761 @item eabi64
23762 @end table
23763
23764 @item show mips abi
23765 @kindex show mips abi
23766 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
23767
23768 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
23769 @kindex set mips compression
23770 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
23771 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
23772 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
23773 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
23774 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
23775 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
23776 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
23777 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
23778 provided by the executable.
23779
23780 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
23781 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
23782 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
23783 identified as such.
23784
23785 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
23786 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
23787 implicitly from an executable.
23788
23789 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
23790 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
23791 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
23792 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
23793 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
23794
23795 @item show mips compression
23796 @kindex show mips compression
23797 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
23798 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
23799
23800 @item set mipsfpu
23801 @itemx show mipsfpu
23802 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
23803
23804 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
23805 @kindex set mips mask-address
23806 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
23807 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
23808 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
23809 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
23810 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
23811
23812 @item show mips mask-address
23813 @kindex show mips mask-address
23814 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
23815 not.
23816
23817 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23818 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23819 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
23820 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
23821 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
23822 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
23823
23824 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23825 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23826 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
23827
23828 @item set debug mips
23829 @kindex set debug mips
23830 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
23831 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23832
23833 @item show debug mips
23834 @kindex show debug mips
23835 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
23836 @end table
23837
23838
23839 @node HPPA
23840 @subsection HPPA
23841 @cindex HPPA support
23842
23843 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
23844 following special commands:
23845
23846 @table @code
23847 @item set debug hppa
23848 @kindex set debug hppa
23849 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
23850 messages are to be displayed.
23851
23852 @item show debug hppa
23853 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
23854
23855 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
23856 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
23857 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
23858 given @var{address}.
23859
23860 @end table
23861
23862
23863 @node SPU
23864 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
23865 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
23866 @cindex SPU
23867
23868 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
23869 it provides the following special commands:
23870
23871 @table @code
23872 @item info spu event
23873 @kindex info spu
23874 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
23875 and pending event status.
23876
23877 @item info spu signal
23878 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
23879 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
23880 notification channels.
23881
23882 @item info spu mailbox
23883 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
23884 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
23885 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
23886
23887 @item info spu dma
23888 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23889 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23890 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23891
23892 @item info spu proxydma
23893 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23894 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23895 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23896
23897 @end table
23898
23899 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
23900 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
23901 special commands:
23902
23903 @table @code
23904 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
23905 @kindex set spu
23906 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
23907 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
23908 function. The default is @code{off}.
23909
23910 @item show spu stop-on-load
23911 @kindex show spu
23912 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
23913
23914 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
23915 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
23916 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
23917 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
23918 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
23919 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
23920
23921 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
23922 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
23923
23924 @end table
23925
23926 @node PowerPC
23927 @subsection PowerPC
23928 @cindex PowerPC architecture
23929
23930 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
23931 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
23932 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
23933 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
23934 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
23935
23936 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
23937 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
23938 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
23939
23940 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
23941 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
23942
23943 @node Nios II
23944 @subsection Nios II
23945 @cindex Nios II architecture
23946
23947 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
23948 it provides the following special commands:
23949
23950 @table @code
23951
23952 @item set debug nios2
23953 @kindex set debug nios2
23954 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
23955 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23956
23957 @item show debug nios2
23958 @kindex show debug nios2
23959 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
23960 @end table
23961
23962 @node Sparc64
23963 @subsection Sparc64
23964 @cindex Sparc64 support
23965 @cindex Application Data Integrity
23966 @subsubsection ADI Support
23967
23968 The M7 processor supports an Application Data Integrity (ADI) feature that
23969 detects invalid data accesses. When software allocates memory and enables
23970 ADI on the allocated memory, it chooses a 4-bit version number, sets the
23971 version in the upper 4 bits of the 64-bit pointer to that data, and stores
23972 the 4-bit version in every cacheline of that data. Hardware saves the latter
23973 in spare bits in the cache and memory hierarchy. On each load and store,
23974 the processor compares the upper 4 VA (virtual address) bits to the
23975 cacheline's version. If there is a mismatch, the processor generates a
23976 version mismatch trap which can be either precise or disrupting. The trap
23977 is an error condition which the kernel delivers to the process as a SIGSEGV
23978 signal.
23979
23980 Note that only 64-bit applications can use ADI and need to be built with
23981 ADI-enabled.
23982
23983 Values of the ADI version tags, which are in granularity of a
23984 cacheline (64 bytes), can be viewed or modified.
23985
23986
23987 @table @code
23988 @kindex adi examine
23989 @item adi (examine | x) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr}
23990
23991 The @code{adi examine} command displays the value of one ADI version tag per
23992 cacheline.
23993
23994 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes; the default
23995 is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the ratio of 1:ADI
23996 block size, to display.
23997
23998 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
23999 to begin displaying the ADI version tags.
24000
24001 Below is an example of displaying ADI versions of variable "shmaddr".
24002
24003 @smallexample
24004 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
24005 0xfff800010002c000: 0 0
24006 @end smallexample
24007
24008 @kindex adi assign
24009 @item adi (assign | a) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr} = @var{tag}
24010
24011 The @code{adi assign} command is used to assign new ADI version tag
24012 to an address.
24013
24014 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes;
24015 the default is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the
24016 ratio of 1:ADI block size, to modify.
24017
24018 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
24019 to begin modifying the ADI version tags.
24020
24021 @var{tag} is the new ADI version tag.
24022
24023 For example, do the following to modify then verify ADI versions of
24024 variable "shmaddr":
24025
24026 @smallexample
24027 (@value{GDBP}) adi a/100 shmaddr = 7
24028 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
24029 0xfff800010002c000: 7 7
24030 @end smallexample
24031
24032 @end table
24033
24034 @node Controlling GDB
24035 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
24036
24037 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
24038 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
24039 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
24040 described here.
24041
24042 @menu
24043 * Prompt:: Prompt
24044 * Editing:: Command editing
24045 * Command History:: Command history
24046 * Screen Size:: Screen size
24047 * Numbers:: Numbers
24048 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
24049 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
24050 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
24051 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
24052 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
24053 @end menu
24054
24055 @node Prompt
24056 @section Prompt
24057
24058 @cindex prompt
24059
24060 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
24061 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
24062 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
24063 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
24064 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
24065 which one you are talking to.
24066
24067 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
24068 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
24069 or a prompt that does not.
24070
24071 @table @code
24072 @kindex set prompt
24073 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
24074 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
24075
24076 @kindex show prompt
24077 @item show prompt
24078 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
24079 @end table
24080
24081 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
24082 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
24083 are:
24084
24085 @table @code
24086 @kindex set extended-prompt
24087 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
24088 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
24089 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
24090 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
24091 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
24092 is displayed.
24093
24094 For example:
24095
24096 @smallexample
24097 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
24098 @end smallexample
24099
24100 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
24101 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
24102
24103 @kindex show extended-prompt
24104 @item show extended-prompt
24105 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
24106 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
24107 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
24108 @end table
24109
24110 @node Editing
24111 @section Command Editing
24112 @cindex readline
24113 @cindex command line editing
24114
24115 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
24116 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
24117 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
24118 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
24119 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
24120 debugging sessions.
24121
24122 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
24123 command @code{set}.
24124
24125 @table @code
24126 @kindex set editing
24127 @cindex editing
24128 @item set editing
24129 @itemx set editing on
24130 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
24131
24132 @item set editing off
24133 Disable command line editing.
24134
24135 @kindex show editing
24136 @item show editing
24137 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
24138 @end table
24139
24140 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24141 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
24142 @end ifset
24143 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24144 @xref{Command Line Editing},
24145 @end ifclear
24146 for more details about the Readline
24147 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
24148 encouraged to read that chapter.
24149
24150 @node Command History
24151 @section Command History
24152 @cindex command history
24153
24154 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
24155 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
24156 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
24157 history facility.
24158
24159 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
24160 package, to provide the history facility.
24161 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24162 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
24163 @end ifset
24164 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24165 @xref{Using History Interactively},
24166 @end ifclear
24167 for the detailed description of the History library.
24168
24169 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
24170 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
24171 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
24172 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
24173 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
24174 pressed on a line by itself.
24175
24176 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
24177 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
24178 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
24179 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
24180
24181 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
24182 history.
24183
24184 @table @code
24185 @cindex history substitution
24186 @cindex history file
24187 @kindex set history filename
24188 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
24189 @item set history filename @var{fname}
24190 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
24191 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
24192 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
24193 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
24194 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
24195 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
24196 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
24197 is not set.
24198
24199 @cindex save command history
24200 @kindex set history save
24201 @item set history save
24202 @itemx set history save on
24203 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
24204 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
24205
24206 @item set history save off
24207 Stop recording command history in a file.
24208
24209 @cindex history size
24210 @kindex set history size
24211 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
24212 @item set history size @var{size}
24213 @itemx set history size unlimited
24214 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
24215 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
24216 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
24217 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
24218 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
24219 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
24220
24221 @cindex remove duplicate history
24222 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
24223 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
24224 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
24225 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
24226 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
24227 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
24228 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
24229 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
24230 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
24231
24232 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
24233 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
24234
24235 @end table
24236
24237 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
24238 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24239 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
24240 @end ifset
24241 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24242 @xref{Event Designators},
24243 @end ifclear
24244 for more details.
24245
24246 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
24247 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
24248 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
24249 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
24250 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
24251 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
24252 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
24253 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
24254
24255 The commands to control history expansion are:
24256
24257 @table @code
24258 @item set history expansion on
24259 @itemx set history expansion
24260 @kindex set history expansion
24261 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
24262
24263 @item set history expansion off
24264 Disable history expansion.
24265
24266 @c @group
24267 @kindex show history
24268 @item show history
24269 @itemx show history filename
24270 @itemx show history save
24271 @itemx show history size
24272 @itemx show history expansion
24273 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
24274 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
24275 @c @end group
24276 @end table
24277
24278 @table @code
24279 @kindex show commands
24280 @cindex show last commands
24281 @cindex display command history
24282 @item show commands
24283 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
24284
24285 @item show commands @var{n}
24286 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
24287
24288 @item show commands +
24289 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
24290 @end table
24291
24292 @node Screen Size
24293 @section Screen Size
24294 @cindex size of screen
24295 @cindex screen size
24296 @cindex pagination
24297 @cindex page size
24298 @cindex pauses in output
24299
24300 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
24301 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
24302 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
24303 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to see one more page of output,
24304 @kbd{q} to discard the remaining output, or @kbd{c} to continue
24305 without paging for the rest of the current command. Also, the screen
24306 width setting determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on
24307 what is being printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a
24308 readable place, rather than simply letting it overflow onto the
24309 following line.
24310
24311 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
24312 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
24313 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
24314 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
24315 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
24316 width} commands:
24317
24318 @table @code
24319 @kindex set height
24320 @kindex set width
24321 @kindex show width
24322 @kindex show height
24323 @item set height @var{lpp}
24324 @itemx set height unlimited
24325 @itemx show height
24326 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
24327 @itemx set width unlimited
24328 @itemx show width
24329 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
24330 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
24331 commands display the current settings.
24332
24333 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
24334 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
24335 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
24336 buffer.
24337
24338 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
24339 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
24340
24341 @item set pagination on
24342 @itemx set pagination off
24343 @kindex set pagination
24344 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
24345 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
24346 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
24347 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
24348
24349 @item show pagination
24350 @kindex show pagination
24351 Show the current pagination mode.
24352 @end table
24353
24354 @node Numbers
24355 @section Numbers
24356 @cindex number representation
24357 @cindex entering numbers
24358
24359 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
24360 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
24361 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
24362 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
24363 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
24364 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
24365 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
24366 both input and output with the commands described below.
24367
24368 @table @code
24369 @kindex set input-radix
24370 @item set input-radix @var{base}
24371 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
24372 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
24373 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
24374 example, any of
24375
24376 @smallexample
24377 set input-radix 012
24378 set input-radix 10.
24379 set input-radix 0xa
24380 @end smallexample
24381
24382 @noindent
24383 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
24384 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
24385 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
24386 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
24387 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
24388 change the radix.
24389
24390 @kindex set output-radix
24391 @item set output-radix @var{base}
24392 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
24393 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
24394 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
24395
24396 @kindex show input-radix
24397 @item show input-radix
24398 Display the current default base for numeric input.
24399
24400 @kindex show output-radix
24401 @item show output-radix
24402 Display the current default base for numeric display.
24403
24404 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
24405 @itemx show radix
24406 @kindex set radix
24407 @kindex show radix
24408 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
24409 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
24410 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
24411 default value of 10.
24412
24413 @end table
24414
24415 @node ABI
24416 @section Configuring the Current ABI
24417
24418 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
24419 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
24420 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
24421 current ABI.
24422
24423 @cindex OS ABI
24424 @kindex set osabi
24425 @kindex show osabi
24426 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
24427
24428 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
24429 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
24430 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
24431 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
24432 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
24433 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
24434 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
24435 platform provides.
24436
24437 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
24438 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
24439 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
24440 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
24441
24442 @table @code
24443 @item show osabi
24444 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
24445
24446 @item set osabi
24447 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
24448
24449 @item set osabi @var{abi}
24450 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
24451 @end table
24452
24453 @cindex float promotion
24454
24455 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
24456 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
24457 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
24458 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
24459 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
24460 @code{double} and then passed.
24461
24462 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
24463 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
24464 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
24465
24466 @table @code
24467 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
24468 @item set coerce-float-to-double
24469 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
24470 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
24471 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
24472
24473 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
24474 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
24475 functions.
24476
24477 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
24478 @item show coerce-float-to-double
24479 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
24480 @end table
24481
24482 @kindex set cp-abi
24483 @kindex show cp-abi
24484 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
24485 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
24486 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
24487 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
24488 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
24489 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
24490 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
24491 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
24492 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
24493 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
24494 ``auto''.
24495
24496 @table @code
24497 @item show cp-abi
24498 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
24499
24500 @item set cp-abi
24501 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
24502
24503 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
24504 @itemx set cp-abi auto
24505 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
24506 @end table
24507
24508 @node Auto-loading
24509 @section Automatically loading associated files
24510 @cindex auto-loading
24511
24512 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
24513 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
24514 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
24515 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
24516 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
24517 sources).
24518
24519 @menu
24520 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
24521 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
24522
24523 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
24524 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
24525 @end menu
24526
24527 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
24528 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
24529 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
24530
24531 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
24532 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
24533 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24534
24535 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
24536 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
24537
24538 @table @code
24539 @anchor{set auto-load off}
24540 @kindex set auto-load off
24541 @item set auto-load off
24542 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
24543 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
24544 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
24545 @smallexample
24546 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
24547 @end smallexample
24548
24549 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
24550 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
24551 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
24552 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
24553 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
24554 @code{set auto-load no}.
24555
24556 @anchor{show auto-load}
24557 @kindex show auto-load
24558 @item show auto-load
24559 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
24560 or disabled.
24561
24562 @smallexample
24563 (gdb) show auto-load
24564 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
24565 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
24566 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
24567 is on.
24568 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
24569 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
24570 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
24571 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
24572 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
24573 @end smallexample
24574
24575 @anchor{info auto-load}
24576 @kindex info auto-load
24577 @item info auto-load
24578 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
24579 not.
24580
24581 @smallexample
24582 (gdb) info auto-load
24583 gdb-scripts:
24584 Loaded Script
24585 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
24586 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
24587 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
24588 loaded.
24589 python-scripts:
24590 Loaded Script
24591 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
24592 @end smallexample
24593 @end table
24594
24595 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
24596
24597 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
24598 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
24599 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
24600 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
24601 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
24602 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
24603 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
24604 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
24605 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
24606 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
24607 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
24608 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
24609 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
24610 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
24611 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
24612 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
24613 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
24614 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
24615 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
24616 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
24617 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
24618 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
24619 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
24620 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
24621 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
24622 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
24623 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
24624 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
24625 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
24626 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
24627 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
24628 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
24629 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
24630 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
24631 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
24632 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
24633 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
24634 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
24635 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
24636 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
24637 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
24638 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
24639 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
24640 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
24641 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
24642 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
24643 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
24644 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
24645 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
24646 @end multitable
24647
24648 @node Init File in the Current Directory
24649 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
24650 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
24651
24652 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
24653 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
24654 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
24655
24656 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
24657 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24658
24659 @table @code
24660 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
24661 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
24662 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
24663 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
24664 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
24665
24666 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
24667 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
24668 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
24669 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
24670 current directory is enabled or disabled.
24671
24672 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
24673 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
24674 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
24675 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
24676 current directory have been auto-loaded.
24677 @end table
24678
24679 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
24680 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
24681 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
24682
24683 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
24684
24685 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
24686 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
24687
24688 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
24689 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
24690 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
24691 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
24692 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
24693 library.
24694
24695 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
24696 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24697
24698 @table @code
24699 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
24700 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
24701 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
24702 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
24703
24704 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
24705 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
24706 @item show auto-load libthread-db
24707 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
24708 enabled or disabled.
24709
24710 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
24711 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
24712 @item info auto-load libthread-db
24713 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
24714 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
24715 @end table
24716
24717 @node Auto-loading safe path
24718 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
24719 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
24720
24721 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
24722 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
24723 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
24724 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
24725 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
24726
24727 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
24728 get loaded:
24729
24730 @smallexample
24731 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
24732 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
24733 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
24734 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
24735 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
24736 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
24737 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
24738 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
24739 @end smallexample
24740
24741 @noindent
24742 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
24743 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
24744
24745 @smallexample
24746 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
24747 @end smallexample
24748
24749 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
24750
24751 @table @code
24752 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
24753 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
24754 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
24755 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
24756 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
24757 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
24758 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
24759 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
24760 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
24761 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
24762
24763 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
24764 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
24765 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
24766
24767 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
24768 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
24769 @item show auto-load safe-path
24770 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
24771 scripts.
24772
24773 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
24774 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
24775 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
24776 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
24777 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
24778 by the host platform path separator in use.
24779 @end table
24780
24781 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
24782 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
24783 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
24784 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
24785 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
24786
24787 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
24788 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
24789 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
24790 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
24791 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
24792 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
24793 init file in the current directory
24794 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
24795
24796 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
24797 example, you could use one of the following ways:
24798
24799 @table @asis
24800 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
24801 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
24802 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
24803 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
24804
24805 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
24806 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
24807 @value{GDBN} session.
24808
24809 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
24810 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
24811 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
24812 from trusted sources.
24813
24814 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
24815 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
24816 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
24817 trusted sources.
24818 @end table
24819
24820 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
24821 also suppresses any such warning messages:
24822
24823 @table @asis
24824 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
24825 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
24826
24827 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
24828 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
24829 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
24830 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
24831 @end table
24832
24833 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
24834 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
24835 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
24836 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
24837 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
24838 recommended to be entered.
24839
24840 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
24841 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
24842 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
24843
24844 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
24845 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
24846 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
24847 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
24848 be printed.
24849
24850 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
24851 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
24852 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
24853
24854 @smallexample
24855 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
24856 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
24857 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
24858 for objfile "/tmp/true".
24859 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
24860 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
24861 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
24862 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
24863 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
24864 @end smallexample
24865
24866 @table @code
24867 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
24868 @kindex set debug auto-load
24869 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
24870 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
24871
24872 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
24873 @kindex show debug auto-load
24874 @item show debug auto-load
24875 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
24876 on or off.
24877 @end table
24878
24879 @node Messages/Warnings
24880 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
24881
24882 @cindex verbose operation
24883 @cindex optional warnings
24884 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
24885 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
24886 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
24887 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
24888
24889 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
24890 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
24891 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
24892
24893 @table @code
24894 @kindex set verbose
24895 @item set verbose on
24896 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24897
24898 @item set verbose off
24899 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24900
24901 @kindex show verbose
24902 @item show verbose
24903 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
24904 @end table
24905
24906 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
24907 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
24908 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
24909 Symbol Files}).
24910
24911 @table @code
24912
24913 @kindex set complaints
24914 @item set complaints @var{limit}
24915 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
24916 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
24917 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
24918 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
24919
24920 @kindex show complaints
24921 @item show complaints
24922 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
24923
24924 @end table
24925
24926 @anchor{confirmation requests}
24927 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
24928 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
24929 you try to run a program which is already running:
24930
24931 @smallexample
24932 (@value{GDBP}) run
24933 The program being debugged has been started already.
24934 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
24935 @end smallexample
24936
24937 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
24938 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
24939
24940 @table @code
24941
24942 @kindex set confirm
24943 @cindex flinching
24944 @cindex confirmation
24945 @cindex stupid questions
24946 @item set confirm off
24947 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
24948 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
24949 automatically disables confirmation requests.
24950
24951 @item set confirm on
24952 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
24953
24954 @kindex show confirm
24955 @item show confirm
24956 Displays state of confirmation requests.
24957
24958 @end table
24959
24960 @cindex command tracing
24961 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
24962 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
24963 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
24964 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
24965
24966 @table @code
24967 @kindex set trace-commands
24968 @cindex command scripts, debugging
24969 @item set trace-commands on
24970 Enable command tracing.
24971 @item set trace-commands off
24972 Disable command tracing.
24973 @item show trace-commands
24974 Display the current state of command tracing.
24975 @end table
24976
24977 @node Debugging Output
24978 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
24979 @cindex optional debugging messages
24980
24981 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
24982 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
24983 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
24984 section documents those commands.
24985
24986 @table @code
24987 @kindex set exec-done-display
24988 @item set exec-done-display
24989 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
24990 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
24991 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
24992 @kindex show exec-done-display
24993 @item show exec-done-display
24994 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
24995 notification.
24996 @kindex set debug
24997 @cindex ARM AArch64
24998 @item set debug aarch64
24999 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
25000 The default is off.
25001 @kindex show debug
25002 @item show debug aarch64
25003 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
25004 ARM AArch64.
25005 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
25006 @cindex architecture debugging info
25007 @item set debug arch
25008 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
25009 @item show debug arch
25010 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
25011 @item set debug aix-solib
25012 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
25013 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
25014 support module. The default is off.
25015 @item show debug aix-thread
25016 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
25017 @item set debug aix-thread
25018 @cindex AIX threads
25019 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
25020 module.
25021 @item show debug aix-thread
25022 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
25023 @item set debug check-physname
25024 @cindex physname
25025 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
25026 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
25027 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
25028 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
25029 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
25030 both ways and display any discrepancies.
25031 @item show debug check-physname
25032 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
25033 @item set debug coff-pe-read
25034 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
25035 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
25036 exported symbols. The default is off.
25037 @item show debug coff-pe-read
25038 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
25039 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
25040 @item set debug dwarf-die
25041 @cindex DWARF DIEs
25042 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
25043 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
25044 A value of zero turns off the display.
25045 @item show debug dwarf-die
25046 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
25047 @item set debug dwarf-line
25048 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
25049 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
25050 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
25051 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25052 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25053 @item show debug dwarf-line
25054 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
25055 @item set debug dwarf-read
25056 @cindex DWARF Reading
25057 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
25058 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
25059 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25060 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25061 @item show debug dwarf-read
25062 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
25063 @item set debug displaced
25064 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
25065 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
25066 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
25067 @item show debug displaced
25068 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
25069 related to displaced stepping.
25070 @item set debug event
25071 @cindex event debugging info
25072 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
25073 default is off.
25074 @item show debug event
25075 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
25076 info.
25077 @item set debug expression
25078 @cindex expression debugging info
25079 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
25080 expression parsing. The default is off.
25081 @item show debug expression
25082 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
25083 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
25084 @item set debug fbsd-lwp
25085 @cindex FreeBSD LWP debug messages
25086 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD LWP debug support.
25087 @item show debug fbsd-lwp
25088 Show the current state of FreeBSD LWP debugging messages.
25089 @item set debug fbsd-nat
25090 @cindex FreeBSD native target debug messages
25091 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD native target.
25092 @item show debug fbsd-nat
25093 Show the current state of FreeBSD native target debugging messages.
25094 @item set debug frame
25095 @cindex frame debugging info
25096 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
25097 default is off.
25098 @item show debug frame
25099 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
25100 info.
25101 @item set debug gnu-nat
25102 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
25103 Turn on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
25104 @item show debug gnu-nat
25105 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
25106 @item set debug infrun
25107 @cindex inferior debugging info
25108 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
25109 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
25110 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
25111 @item show debug infrun
25112 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
25113 @item set debug jit
25114 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
25115 Turn on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
25116 @item show debug jit
25117 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
25118 @item set debug lin-lwp
25119 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
25120 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
25121 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
25122 @item show debug lin-lwp
25123 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
25124 @item set debug linux-namespaces
25125 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
25126 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
25127 @item show debug linux-namespaces
25128 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
25129 @item set debug mach-o
25130 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
25131 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
25132 processing. The default is off.
25133 @item show debug mach-o
25134 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
25135 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
25136 @item set debug notification
25137 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
25138 Turn on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
25139 The default is off.
25140 @item show debug notification
25141 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
25142 @item set debug observer
25143 @cindex observer debugging info
25144 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
25145 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
25146 @item show debug observer
25147 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
25148 @item set debug overload
25149 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
25150 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
25151 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
25152 is off.
25153 @item show debug overload
25154 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
25155 debugging info.
25156 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
25157 @cindex debug expression parser
25158 @item set debug parser
25159 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
25160 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
25161 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
25162 details. The default is off.
25163 @item show debug parser
25164 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
25165 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
25166 @cindex serial connections, debugging
25167 @cindex debug remote protocol
25168 @cindex remote protocol debugging
25169 @cindex display remote packets
25170 @item set debug remote
25171 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
25172 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
25173 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
25174 @item show debug remote
25175 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
25176
25177 @item set debug separate-debug-file
25178 Turns on or off display of debug output about separate debug file search.
25179 @item show debug separate-debug-file
25180 Displays the state of separate debug file search debug output.
25181
25182 @item set debug serial
25183 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
25184 default is off.
25185 @item show debug serial
25186 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
25187 info.
25188 @item set debug solib-frv
25189 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
25190 Turn on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
25191 @item show debug solib-frv
25192 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
25193 messages.
25194 @item set debug symbol-lookup
25195 @cindex symbol lookup
25196 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
25197 The default is 0 (off).
25198 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25199 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25200 @item show debug symbol-lookup
25201 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
25202 @item set debug symfile
25203 @cindex symbol file functions
25204 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
25205 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
25206 @item show debug symfile
25207 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
25208 @item set debug symtab-create
25209 @cindex symbol table creation
25210 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
25211 The default is 0 (off).
25212 A value of 1 provides basic information.
25213 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
25214 @item show debug symtab-create
25215 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
25216 @item set debug target
25217 @cindex target debugging info
25218 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
25219 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
25220 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
25221 value of large memory transfers.
25222 @item show debug target
25223 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
25224 info.
25225 @item set debug timestamp
25226 @cindex timestampping debugging info
25227 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
25228 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
25229 message.
25230 @item show debug timestamp
25231 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
25232 debugging info.
25233 @item set debug varobj
25234 @cindex variable object debugging info
25235 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
25236 info. The default is off.
25237 @item show debug varobj
25238 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
25239 debugging info.
25240 @item set debug xml
25241 @cindex XML parser debugging
25242 Turn on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
25243 @item show debug xml
25244 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
25245 @end table
25246
25247 @node Other Misc Settings
25248 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
25249 @cindex miscellaneous settings
25250
25251 @table @code
25252 @kindex set interactive-mode
25253 @item set interactive-mode
25254 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
25255 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
25256 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
25257 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
25258 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
25259 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
25260 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
25261 is, non-interactively otherwise.
25262
25263 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
25264 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
25265 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
25266 inside a cygwin window.
25267
25268 @kindex show interactive-mode
25269 @item show interactive-mode
25270 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
25271 @end table
25272
25273 @node Extending GDB
25274 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
25275 @cindex extending GDB
25276
25277 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
25278 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
25279 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
25280 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
25281 being debugged.
25282
25283 @menu
25284 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
25285 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
25286 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
25287 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
25288 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
25289 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
25290 @end menu
25291
25292 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
25293 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
25294 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
25295 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
25296 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
25297 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
25298
25299 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
25300 setting:
25301
25302 @table @code
25303 @kindex set script-extension
25304 @kindex show script-extension
25305 @item set script-extension off
25306 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
25307
25308 @item set script-extension soft
25309 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
25310 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
25311 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
25312 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
25313
25314 @item set script-extension strict
25315 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
25316 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
25317 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
25318
25319 @item show script-extension
25320 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
25321
25322 @end table
25323
25324 @node Sequences
25325 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
25326
25327 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
25328 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
25329 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
25330 files.
25331
25332 @menu
25333 * Define:: How to define your own commands
25334 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
25335 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
25336 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
25337 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
25338 @end menu
25339
25340 @node Define
25341 @subsection User-defined Commands
25342
25343 @cindex user-defined command
25344 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
25345 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
25346 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
25347 @code{define} command. User commands may accept an unlimited number of arguments
25348 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
25349 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$argN}. A trivial example:
25350
25351 @smallexample
25352 define adder
25353 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
25354 end
25355 @end smallexample
25356
25357 @noindent
25358 To execute the command use:
25359
25360 @smallexample
25361 adder 1 2 3
25362 @end smallexample
25363
25364 @noindent
25365 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
25366 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
25367 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
25368 functions calls.
25369
25370 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
25371 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
25372 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
25373 been passed.
25374
25375 @smallexample
25376 define adder
25377 if $argc == 2
25378 print $arg0 + $arg1
25379 end
25380 if $argc == 3
25381 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
25382 end
25383 end
25384 @end smallexample
25385
25386 Combining with the @code{eval} command (@pxref{eval}) makes it easier
25387 to process a variable number of arguments:
25388
25389 @smallexample
25390 define adder
25391 set $i = 0
25392 set $sum = 0
25393 while $i < $argc
25394 eval "set $sum = $sum + $arg%d", $i
25395 set $i = $i + 1
25396 end
25397 print $sum
25398 end
25399 @end smallexample
25400
25401 @table @code
25402
25403 @kindex define
25404 @item define @var{commandname}
25405 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
25406 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
25407 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
25408 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
25409 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
25410 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
25411
25412 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
25413 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
25414 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
25415
25416 @kindex document
25417 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
25418 @item document @var{commandname}
25419 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
25420 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
25421 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
25422 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
25423 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
25424 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
25425
25426 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
25427 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
25428 does not change the documentation.
25429
25430 @kindex dont-repeat
25431 @cindex don't repeat command
25432 @item dont-repeat
25433 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
25434 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
25435 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
25436
25437 @kindex help user-defined
25438 @item help user-defined
25439 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
25440 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
25441 included (if any).
25442
25443 @kindex show user
25444 @item show user
25445 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
25446 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
25447 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
25448 definitions for all user-defined commands.
25449 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
25450
25451 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
25452 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
25453 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
25454 @item show max-user-call-depth
25455 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
25456 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
25457 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
25458 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
25459 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
25460 @end table
25461
25462 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
25463 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
25464
25465 When user-defined commands are executed, the
25466 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
25467 stops execution of the user-defined command.
25468
25469 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
25470 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
25471 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
25472 messages when used in a user-defined command.
25473
25474 @node Hooks
25475 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
25476 @cindex command hooks
25477 @cindex hooks, for commands
25478 @cindex hooks, pre-command
25479
25480 @kindex hook
25481 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
25482 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
25483 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
25484 before that command.
25485
25486 @cindex hooks, post-command
25487 @kindex hookpost
25488 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
25489 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
25490 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
25491 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
25492 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
25493
25494 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
25495 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
25496
25497 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
25498 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
25499
25500 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
25501 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
25502 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
25503 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
25504 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
25505
25506 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
25507 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
25508 you could define:
25509
25510 @smallexample
25511 define hook-stop
25512 handle SIGALRM nopass
25513 end
25514
25515 define hook-run
25516 handle SIGALRM pass
25517 end
25518
25519 define hook-continue
25520 handle SIGALRM pass
25521 end
25522 @end smallexample
25523
25524 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
25525 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
25526 you could define:
25527
25528 @smallexample
25529 define hook-echo
25530 echo <<<---
25531 end
25532
25533 define hookpost-echo
25534 echo --->>>\n
25535 end
25536
25537 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
25538 <<<---Hello World--->>>
25539 (@value{GDBP})
25540
25541 @end smallexample
25542
25543 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
25544 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
25545 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
25546 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
25547 @c or not?
25548 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
25549 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
25550 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
25551
25552 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
25553 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
25554 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
25555
25556 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
25557 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
25558
25559 @node Command Files
25560 @subsection Command Files
25561
25562 @cindex command files
25563 @cindex scripting commands
25564 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
25565 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
25566 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
25567 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
25568 terminal.
25569
25570 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
25571 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
25572 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
25573 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
25574 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
25575
25576 @table @code
25577 @kindex source
25578 @cindex execute commands from a file
25579 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
25580 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
25581 @end table
25582
25583 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
25584 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
25585 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
25586 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
25587 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
25588
25589 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
25590 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
25591 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
25592 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
25593 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
25594 is not relevant to scripts.
25595
25596 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
25597 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
25598 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
25599 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
25600 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
25601 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
25602 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
25603 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
25604 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
25605 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
25606 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
25607 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
25608 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
25609 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
25610
25611 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
25612 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
25613 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
25614
25615 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
25616 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
25617 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
25618 when called from command files.
25619
25620 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
25621 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
25622 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
25623 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
25624 the next command.
25625
25626 @smallexample
25627 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
25628 @end smallexample
25629
25630 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
25631 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
25632 would be directed to @file{log}.
25633
25634 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
25635 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
25636 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
25637 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
25638 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
25639 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
25640 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
25641 conditionally, etc.
25642
25643 @table @code
25644 @kindex if
25645 @kindex else
25646 @item if
25647 @itemx else
25648 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
25649 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
25650 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
25651 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
25652 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
25653 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
25654 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
25655
25656 @kindex while
25657 @item while
25658 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
25659 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
25660 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
25661 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
25662 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
25663 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
25664
25665 @kindex loop_break
25666 @item loop_break
25667 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
25668 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
25669 line.
25670
25671 @kindex loop_continue
25672 @item loop_continue
25673 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
25674 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
25675 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
25676 the controlling expression.
25677
25678 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
25679 @item end
25680 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
25681 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
25682 @end table
25683
25684
25685 @node Output
25686 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
25687
25688 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
25689 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
25690 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
25691 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
25692 want.
25693
25694 @table @code
25695 @kindex echo
25696 @item echo @var{text}
25697 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
25698 @c because it is not in ANSI.
25699 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
25700 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
25701 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
25702 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
25703 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
25704 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
25705 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
25706 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
25707 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
25708
25709 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
25710 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
25711
25712 @smallexample
25713 echo This is some text\n\
25714 which is continued\n\
25715 onto several lines.\n
25716 @end smallexample
25717
25718 produces the same output as
25719
25720 @smallexample
25721 echo This is some text\n
25722 echo which is continued\n
25723 echo onto several lines.\n
25724 @end smallexample
25725
25726 @kindex output
25727 @item output @var{expression}
25728 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
25729 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
25730 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
25731 on expressions.
25732
25733 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
25734 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
25735 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
25736 Formats}, for more information.
25737
25738 @kindex printf
25739 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
25740 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
25741 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
25742 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
25743 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
25744 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
25745 executing the code below:
25746
25747 @smallexample
25748 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
25749 @end smallexample
25750
25751 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
25752 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
25753 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
25754 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
25755 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
25756 printed.
25757
25758 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
25759
25760 @smallexample
25761 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
25762 @end smallexample
25763
25764 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
25765 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
25766 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
25767
25768 @itemize @bullet
25769 @item
25770 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
25771
25772 @item
25773 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
25774 width.
25775
25776 @item
25777 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
25778 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
25779
25780 @item
25781 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
25782 supported.
25783
25784 @item
25785 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
25786
25787 @item
25788 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
25789 @end itemize
25790
25791 @noindent
25792 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
25793 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
25794 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
25795 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
25796
25797 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
25798 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
25799 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
25800 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
25801 supported.
25802
25803 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
25804 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
25805 together with a floating point specifier.
25806 letters:
25807
25808 @itemize @bullet
25809 @item
25810 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
25811
25812 @item
25813 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
25814
25815 @item
25816 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
25817 @end itemize
25818
25819 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
25820 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
25821 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
25822
25823 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
25824 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
25825
25826 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
25827 @smallexample
25828 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
25829 @end smallexample
25830
25831 @anchor{eval}
25832 @kindex eval
25833 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
25834 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
25835 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
25836
25837 @end table
25838
25839 @node Auto-loading sequences
25840 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
25841 @cindex native script auto-loading
25842
25843 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25844 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
25845 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
25846 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
25847
25848 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25849 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25850
25851 @table @code
25852 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
25853 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
25854 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
25855 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
25856
25857 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
25858 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
25859 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
25860 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
25861 disabled.
25862
25863 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
25864 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
25865 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
25866 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
25867 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
25868 auto-loaded.
25869 @end table
25870
25871 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
25872 matching names are printed.
25873
25874 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
25875 @include python.texi
25876
25877 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
25878 @include guile.texi
25879
25880 @node Auto-loading extensions
25881 @section Auto-loading extensions
25882 @cindex auto-loading extensions
25883
25884 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
25885 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25886 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
25887 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
25888 section of modern file formats like ELF.
25889
25890 @menu
25891 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
25892 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25893 * Which flavor to choose?::
25894 @end menu
25895
25896 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
25897 debugging commands and features.
25898
25899 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25900 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25901 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
25902 for more information.
25903 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
25904 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
25905
25906 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25907 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25908
25909 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
25910 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
25911 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25912 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25913 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25914
25915 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
25916 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
25917 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
25918 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
25919
25920 @table @code
25921 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25922 GDB's own command language
25923 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25924 Python
25925 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25926 Guile
25927 @end table
25928
25929 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
25930 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
25931 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
25932 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
25933 script in the specified extension language.
25934
25935 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
25936 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
25937
25938 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
25939 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25940
25941 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
25942 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
25943 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
25944 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
25945 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
25946 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
25947
25948 @table @code
25949 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
25950 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
25951 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
25952 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
25953 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
25954 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
25955
25956 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
25957 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
25958
25959 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
25960 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
25961 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
25962 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
25963
25964 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
25965 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
25966 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
25967 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
25968 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
25969 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
25970 platform.
25971
25972 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
25973 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
25974 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
25975
25976 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
25977 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
25978 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
25979 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
25980
25981 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
25982 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
25983 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
25984 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
25985 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
25986 @end table
25987
25988 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
25989 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
25990 @var{objfile} is opened.
25991 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
25992 is evaluated more than once.
25993
25994 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
25995 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25996 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25997
25998 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
25999 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
26000 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
26001 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
26002 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
26003 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
26004 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
26005
26006 The following entries are supported:
26007
26008 @table @code
26009 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
26010 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
26011 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
26012 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
26013 @end table
26014
26015 @subsubsection Script File Entries
26016
26017 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
26018 in the current directory and then along the source search path
26019 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
26020 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
26021 directory is not relevant to scripts.
26022
26023 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
26024 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
26025
26026 @example
26027 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
26028 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
26029 asm("\
26030 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
26031 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
26032 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
26033 .popsection \n\
26034 ");
26035 @end example
26036
26037 @noindent
26038 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
26039 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
26040
26041 @example
26042 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
26043 @end example
26044
26045 The script name may include directories if desired.
26046
26047 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
26048 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26049
26050 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
26051 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
26052 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
26053 will remove duplicates.
26054
26055 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
26056
26057 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
26058 itself instead of loading it from a file.
26059 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
26060 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
26061 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
26062 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
26063 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
26064 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
26065 on its name.
26066
26067 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
26068 testsuite.
26069
26070 @example
26071 #include "symcat.h"
26072 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
26073 asm(
26074 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
26075 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
26076 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
26077 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
26078 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
26079 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
26080 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
26081 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
26082 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
26083 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
26084 ".byte 0\n"
26085 ".popsection\n"
26086 );
26087 @end example
26088
26089 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
26090 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
26091 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
26092 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
26093
26094 @node Which flavor to choose?
26095 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
26096
26097 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
26098 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
26099
26100 @noindent
26101 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
26102
26103 @itemize @bullet
26104 @item
26105 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
26106
26107 @item
26108 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
26109
26110 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
26111 in the source search path.
26112 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
26113 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
26114
26115 @item
26116 Doesn't require source code additions.
26117 @end itemize
26118
26119 @noindent
26120 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
26121
26122 @itemize @bullet
26123 @item
26124 Works with static linking.
26125
26126 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
26127 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
26128 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
26129 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
26130 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
26131
26132 @item
26133 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
26134
26135 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
26136 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
26137
26138 @item
26139 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
26140
26141 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
26142 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
26143 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
26144 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
26145 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
26146 top of the source tree to the source search path.
26147 @end itemize
26148
26149 @node Multiple Extension Languages
26150 @section Multiple Extension Languages
26151
26152 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
26153 and generally do not interfere with each other.
26154 There are some things to be aware of, however.
26155
26156 @subsection Python comes first
26157
26158 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
26159 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
26160 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
26161 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
26162 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
26163 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
26164 pretty-printed form of a value).
26165 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
26166 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
26167 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
26168
26169 @node Aliases
26170 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
26171 @cindex aliases for commands
26172
26173 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
26174 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
26175 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
26176 that involves less typing.
26177
26178 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
26179 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
26180 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
26181
26182 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
26183 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
26184 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
26185
26186 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
26187
26188 @table @code
26189
26190 @kindex alias
26191 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
26192
26193 @end table
26194
26195 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
26196 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
26197 underscores.
26198
26199 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
26200 that is being aliased.
26201
26202 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
26203 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
26204 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
26205
26206 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
26207 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
26208
26209 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
26210 of a command so that there is less to type.
26211 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
26212 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
26213 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
26214 The following will accomplish this.
26215
26216 @smallexample
26217 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
26218 @end smallexample
26219
26220 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
26221 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
26222 for it with the @samp{document} command.
26223 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
26224
26225 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
26226 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
26227 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
26228 of a command.
26229
26230 @smallexample
26231 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
26232 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
26233 (gdb) set p elms 20
26234 (gdb) show p elms
26235 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
26236 @end smallexample
26237
26238 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
26239 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
26240 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
26241
26242 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
26243 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
26244
26245 @smallexample
26246 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
26247 @end smallexample
26248
26249 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
26250 alias for a more complex command.
26251 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
26252
26253 @smallexample
26254 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
26255 (gdb) spe 20
26256 @end smallexample
26257
26258 @node Interpreters
26259 @chapter Command Interpreters
26260 @cindex command interpreters
26261
26262 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
26263 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
26264 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
26265
26266 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
26267 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
26268 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
26269 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
26270
26271 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
26272 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
26273 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
26274 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
26275
26276 @table @code
26277 @item console
26278 @cindex console interpreter
26279 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
26280 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
26281 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
26282
26283 @item mi
26284 @cindex mi interpreter
26285 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
26286 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
26287 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
26288 Interface}.
26289
26290 @item mi2
26291 @cindex mi2 interpreter
26292 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
26293
26294 @item mi1
26295 @cindex mi1 interpreter
26296 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
26297
26298 @end table
26299
26300 @cindex invoke another interpreter
26301
26302 @kindex interpreter-exec
26303 You may execute commands in any interpreter from the current
26304 interpreter using the appropriate command. If you are running the
26305 console interpreter, simply use the @code{interpreter-exec} command:
26306
26307 @smallexample
26308 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
26309 @end smallexample
26310
26311 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
26312 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
26313
26314 Note that @code{interpreter-exec} only changes the interpreter for the
26315 duration of the specified command. It does not change the interpreter
26316 permanently.
26317
26318 @cindex start a new independent interpreter
26319
26320 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, it is
26321 possible to run an independent interpreter on a specified input/output
26322 device (usually a tty).
26323
26324 For example, consider a debugger GUI or IDE that wants to provide a
26325 @value{GDBN} console view. It may do so by embedding a terminal
26326 emulator widget in its GUI, starting @value{GDBN} in the traditional
26327 command-line mode with stdin/stdout/stderr redirected to that
26328 terminal, and then creating an MI interpreter running on a specified
26329 input/output device. The console interpreter created by @value{GDBN}
26330 at startup handles commands the user types in the terminal widget,
26331 while the GUI controls and synchronizes state with @value{GDBN} using
26332 the separate MI interpreter.
26333
26334 To start a new secondary @dfn{user interface} running MI, use the
26335 @code{new-ui} command:
26336
26337 @kindex new-ui
26338 @cindex new user interface
26339 @smallexample
26340 new-ui @var{interpreter} @var{tty}
26341 @end smallexample
26342
26343 The @var{interpreter} parameter specifies the interpreter to run.
26344 This accepts the same values as the @code{interpreter-exec} command.
26345 For example, @samp{console}, @samp{mi}, @samp{mi2}, etc. The
26346 @var{tty} parameter specifies the name of the bidirectional file the
26347 interpreter uses for input/output, usually the name of a
26348 pseudoterminal slave on Unix systems. For example:
26349
26350 @smallexample
26351 (@value{GDBP}) new-ui mi /dev/pts/9
26352 @end smallexample
26353
26354 @noindent
26355 runs an MI interpreter on @file{/dev/pts/9}.
26356
26357 @node TUI
26358 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
26359 @cindex TUI
26360 @cindex Text User Interface
26361
26362 @menu
26363 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
26364 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
26365 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
26366 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
26367 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
26368 @end menu
26369
26370 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
26371 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
26372 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
26373 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
26374 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
26375 is available.
26376
26377 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
26378 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
26379 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
26380 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
26381 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
26382 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
26383
26384 @node TUI Overview
26385 @section TUI Overview
26386
26387 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
26388
26389 @table @emph
26390 @item command
26391 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
26392 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
26393 managed using readline.
26394
26395 @item source
26396 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
26397 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
26398
26399 @item assembly
26400 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
26401
26402 @item register
26403 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
26404 when their values change.
26405 @end table
26406
26407 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
26408 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
26409 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
26410 indicates the breakpoint type:
26411
26412 @table @code
26413 @item B
26414 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26415
26416 @item b
26417 Breakpoint which was never hit.
26418
26419 @item H
26420 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26421
26422 @item h
26423 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
26424 @end table
26425
26426 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
26427
26428 @table @code
26429 @item +
26430 Breakpoint is enabled.
26431
26432 @item -
26433 Breakpoint is disabled.
26434 @end table
26435
26436 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
26437 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
26438 changes.
26439
26440 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
26441 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
26442 layouts:
26443
26444 @itemize @bullet
26445 @item
26446 source only,
26447
26448 @item
26449 assembly only,
26450
26451 @item
26452 source and assembly,
26453
26454 @item
26455 source and registers, or
26456
26457 @item
26458 assembly and registers.
26459 @end itemize
26460
26461 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
26462
26463 @table @emph
26464 @item target
26465 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
26466 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
26467
26468 @item process
26469 Gives the current process or thread number.
26470 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
26471
26472 @item function
26473 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
26474 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
26475 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
26476 the string @code{??} is displayed.
26477
26478 @item line
26479 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
26480 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
26481
26482 @item pc
26483 Indicates the current program counter address.
26484 @end table
26485
26486 @node TUI Keys
26487 @section TUI Key Bindings
26488 @cindex TUI key bindings
26489
26490 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
26491 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26492 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
26493 @end ifset
26494 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26495 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
26496 @end ifclear
26497 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
26498 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
26499
26500 @table @kbd
26501 @kindex C-x C-a
26502 @item C-x C-a
26503 @kindex C-x a
26504 @itemx C-x a
26505 @kindex C-x A
26506 @itemx C-x A
26507 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
26508 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
26509 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
26510 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
26511 The screen is then refreshed.
26512
26513 @kindex C-x 1
26514 @item C-x 1
26515 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
26516 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
26517 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
26518
26519 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
26520
26521 @kindex C-x 2
26522 @item C-x 2
26523 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
26524 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
26525 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
26526 previous layout and the new one.
26527
26528 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
26529
26530 @kindex C-x o
26531 @item C-x o
26532 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
26533 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
26534 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
26535
26536 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
26537
26538 @kindex C-x s
26539 @item C-x s
26540 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
26541 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
26542 @end table
26543
26544 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
26545
26546 @table @asis
26547 @kindex PgUp
26548 @item @key{PgUp}
26549 Scroll the active window one page up.
26550
26551 @kindex PgDn
26552 @item @key{PgDn}
26553 Scroll the active window one page down.
26554
26555 @kindex Up
26556 @item @key{Up}
26557 Scroll the active window one line up.
26558
26559 @kindex Down
26560 @item @key{Down}
26561 Scroll the active window one line down.
26562
26563 @kindex Left
26564 @item @key{Left}
26565 Scroll the active window one column left.
26566
26567 @kindex Right
26568 @item @key{Right}
26569 Scroll the active window one column right.
26570
26571 @kindex C-L
26572 @item @kbd{C-L}
26573 Refresh the screen.
26574 @end table
26575
26576 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
26577 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
26578 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
26579 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
26580 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
26581
26582 @node TUI Single Key Mode
26583 @section TUI Single Key Mode
26584 @cindex TUI single key mode
26585
26586 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
26587 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
26588 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
26589
26590 @table @kbd
26591 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26592 @item c
26593 continue
26594
26595 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26596 @item d
26597 down
26598
26599 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26600 @item f
26601 finish
26602
26603 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26604 @item n
26605 next
26606
26607 @kindex o @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26608 @item o
26609 nexti. The shortcut letter @samp{o} stands for ``step Over''.
26610
26611 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26612 @item q
26613 exit the SingleKey mode.
26614
26615 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26616 @item r
26617 run
26618
26619 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26620 @item s
26621 step
26622
26623 @kindex i @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26624 @item i
26625 stepi. The shortcut letter @samp{i} stands for ``step Into''.
26626
26627 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26628 @item u
26629 up
26630
26631 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26632 @item v
26633 info locals
26634
26635 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26636 @item w
26637 where
26638 @end table
26639
26640 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
26641 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
26642 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
26643 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
26644 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
26645 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
26646
26647
26648 @node TUI Commands
26649 @section TUI-specific Commands
26650 @cindex TUI commands
26651
26652 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
26653 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
26654 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
26655 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
26656
26657 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
26658 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
26659 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
26660 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
26661 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
26662
26663 @table @code
26664 @item tui enable
26665 @kindex tui enable
26666 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
26667 TUI mode has prevsiouly been used in the current debugging session,
26668 otherwise a default layout is used.
26669
26670 @item tui disable
26671 @kindex tui disable
26672 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
26673
26674 @item info win
26675 @kindex info win
26676 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
26677
26678 @item layout @var{name}
26679 @kindex layout
26680 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. In each layout the command
26681 window is always displayed, the @var{name} parameter controls which
26682 additional windows are displayed, and can be any of the following:
26683
26684 @table @code
26685 @item next
26686 Display the next layout.
26687
26688 @item prev
26689 Display the previous layout.
26690
26691 @item src
26692 Display the source and command windows.
26693
26694 @item asm
26695 Display the assembly and command windows.
26696
26697 @item split
26698 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
26699
26700 @item regs
26701 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
26702 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
26703 register, assembler, and command windows.
26704 @end table
26705
26706 @item focus @var{name}
26707 @kindex focus
26708 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
26709 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
26710
26711 @table @code
26712 @item next
26713 Make the next window active for scrolling.
26714
26715 @item prev
26716 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
26717
26718 @item src
26719 Make the source window active for scrolling.
26720
26721 @item asm
26722 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
26723
26724 @item regs
26725 Make the register window active for scrolling.
26726
26727 @item cmd
26728 Make the command window active for scrolling.
26729 @end table
26730
26731 @item refresh
26732 @kindex refresh
26733 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
26734
26735 @item tui reg @var{group}
26736 @kindex tui reg
26737 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
26738 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
26739 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
26740 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
26741 following groups are available on most targets:
26742 @table @code
26743 @item next
26744 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
26745 through all of the available register groups.
26746
26747 @item prev
26748 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
26749 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
26750 @var{next}.
26751
26752 @item general
26753 Display the general registers.
26754 @item float
26755 Display the floating point registers.
26756 @item system
26757 Display the system registers.
26758 @item vector
26759 Display the vector registers.
26760 @item all
26761 Display all registers.
26762 @end table
26763
26764 @item update
26765 @kindex update
26766 Update the source window and the current execution point.
26767
26768 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
26769 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
26770 @kindex winheight
26771 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
26772 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
26773 decrease it. The @var{name} parameter can be one of @code{src} (the
26774 source window), @code{cmd} (the command window), @code{asm} (the
26775 disassembly window), or @code{regs} (the register display window).
26776
26777 @item tabset @var{nchars}
26778 @kindex tabset
26779 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
26780 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
26781 assembly windows.
26782 @end table
26783
26784 @node TUI Configuration
26785 @section TUI Configuration Variables
26786 @cindex TUI configuration variables
26787
26788 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
26789
26790 @table @code
26791 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
26792 @kindex set tui border-kind
26793 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
26794 The possible values are the following:
26795 @table @code
26796 @item space
26797 Use a space character to draw the border.
26798
26799 @item ascii
26800 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
26801
26802 @item acs
26803 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
26804 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
26805 @end table
26806
26807 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
26808 @kindex set tui border-mode
26809 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
26810 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
26811 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
26812 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
26813 @table @code
26814 @item normal
26815 Use normal attributes to display the border.
26816
26817 @item standout
26818 Use standout mode.
26819
26820 @item reverse
26821 Use reverse video mode.
26822
26823 @item half
26824 Use half bright mode.
26825
26826 @item half-standout
26827 Use half bright and standout mode.
26828
26829 @item bold
26830 Use extra bright or bold mode.
26831
26832 @item bold-standout
26833 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
26834 @end table
26835 @end table
26836
26837 @node Emacs
26838 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
26839
26840 @cindex Emacs
26841 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
26842 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
26843 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
26844 @value{GDBN}.
26845
26846 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
26847 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
26848 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
26849 created Emacs buffer.
26850 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
26851
26852 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
26853 things:
26854
26855 @itemize @bullet
26856 @item
26857 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
26858 the GUD buffer.
26859
26860 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
26861 and output done by the program you are debugging.
26862
26863 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
26864 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
26865 in this way.
26866
26867 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
26868 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
26869 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
26870 stop.
26871
26872 @item
26873 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
26874
26875 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
26876 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
26877 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
26878 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
26879 and the source.
26880
26881 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
26882 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
26883 @end itemize
26884
26885 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
26886 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
26887 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
26888 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
26889
26890 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
26891 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
26892 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
26893 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
26894 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
26895 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
26896 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
26897 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
26898 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
26899
26900 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
26901 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
26902 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
26903 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
26904
26905 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
26906 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
26907 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
26908 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
26909 one you want.
26910
26911 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
26912 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
26913
26914 @table @kbd
26915 @item C-h m
26916 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
26917
26918 @item C-c C-s
26919 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
26920 update the display window to show the current file and location.
26921
26922 @item C-c C-n
26923 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
26924 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
26925 to show the current file and location.
26926
26927 @item C-c C-i
26928 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
26929 display window accordingly.
26930
26931 @item C-c C-f
26932 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
26933 @code{finish} command.
26934
26935 @item C-c C-r
26936 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
26937 command.
26938
26939 @item C-c <
26940 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
26941 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
26942 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
26943
26944 @item C-c >
26945 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
26946 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
26947 @end table
26948
26949 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
26950 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
26951
26952 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
26953 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
26954 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
26955 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
26956 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
26957 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
26958 speedbar displays watch expressions.
26959
26960 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
26961 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
26962 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
26963 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
26964 frame.
26965
26966 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
26967 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
26968 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
26969 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
26970 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
26971 to correspond properly with the code.
26972
26973 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
26974 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
26975 Emacs Manual}).
26976
26977 @node GDB/MI
26978 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
26979
26980 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
26981
26982 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
26983 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
26984 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
26985 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
26986 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
26987 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
26988
26989 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
26990 in the form of a reference manual.
26991
26992 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
26993 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
26994 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
26995
26996 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
26997
26998 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
26999 This chapter uses the following notation:
27000
27001 @itemize @bullet
27002 @item
27003 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
27004
27005 @item
27006 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
27007 it may or may not be given.
27008
27009 @item
27010 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27011 may repeat zero or more times.
27012
27013 @item
27014 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
27015 may repeat one or more times.
27016
27017 @item
27018 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
27019 @end itemize
27020
27021 @ignore
27022 @heading Dependencies
27023 @end ignore
27024
27025 @menu
27026 * GDB/MI General Design::
27027 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
27028 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
27029 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
27030 * GDB/MI Output Records::
27031 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
27032 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
27033 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
27034 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
27035 * GDB/MI Program Context::
27036 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
27037 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
27038 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
27039 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
27040 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
27041 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
27042 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
27043 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
27044 * GDB/MI File Commands::
27045 @ignore
27046 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
27047 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
27048 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
27049 @end ignore
27050 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
27051 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
27052 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
27053 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
27054 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
27055 @end menu
27056
27057 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27058 @node GDB/MI General Design
27059 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
27060 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
27061
27062 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
27063 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
27064 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
27065 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
27066 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
27067 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
27068 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
27069 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
27070 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
27071 a command and reported as part of that command response.
27072
27073 The important examples of notifications are:
27074 @itemize @bullet
27075
27076 @item
27077 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
27078 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
27079 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
27080 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
27081 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
27082 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
27083 command itself was successfully executed.
27084
27085 @item
27086 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
27087 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
27088 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
27089 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
27090 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
27091 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
27092
27093 @item
27094 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
27095 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
27096 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
27097 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
27098 orthogonal frontend design.
27099
27100 @end itemize
27101
27102 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
27103 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
27104 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
27105 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
27106 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
27107 the user interface.
27108
27109
27110 @menu
27111 * Context management::
27112 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
27113 * Thread groups::
27114 @end menu
27115
27116 @node Context management
27117 @subsection Context management
27118
27119 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
27120
27121 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
27122 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
27123 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
27124 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
27125 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
27126 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
27127 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
27128 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
27129 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
27130
27131 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
27132 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
27133 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
27134 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
27135 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
27136 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
27137 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
27138 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
27139 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
27140 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
27141 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
27142
27143 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
27144 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
27145 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
27146 current thread or frame be changed. For example, when stopping on a
27147 breakpoint it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is
27148 hit. For another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} or
27149 @samp{frame} commands via the frontend, it is desirable to change the
27150 frontend's selection to the one specified by user. @value{GDBN}
27151 communicates the suggestion to change current thread and frame using the
27152 @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
27153
27154 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
27155 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
27156 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
27157 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
27158 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
27159 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
27160 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
27161 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
27162 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
27163 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
27164 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
27165 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
27166 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
27167 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
27168 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
27169 @samp{--frame} options.
27170
27171 @subsubsection Language
27172
27173 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
27174 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
27175 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
27176 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
27177 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
27178 For instance:
27179
27180 @smallexample
27181 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
27182 ^done,value="4"
27183 (gdb)
27184 @end smallexample
27185
27186 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
27187 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
27188 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
27189
27190 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
27191 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
27192
27193 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
27194 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
27195 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
27196 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
27197 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
27198 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
27199 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
27200 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
27201 @code{-list-target-features} command.
27202
27203 @table @code
27204 @item -gdb-set mi-async on
27205 @item -gdb-set mi-async off
27206 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
27207
27208 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
27209 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
27210 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
27211
27212 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
27213 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
27214 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
27215 MI commands even while the target is running.
27216
27217 @item -gdb-show mi-async
27218 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
27219 @end table
27220
27221 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
27222 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
27223 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
27224 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
27225 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
27226 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
27227
27228 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
27229 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
27230 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
27231 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
27232 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
27233 are running.
27234
27235 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
27236 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
27237 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
27238 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
27239 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
27240 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
27241 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
27242 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
27243 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
27244 @samp{--thread} option).
27245
27246 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
27247 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
27248 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
27249 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
27250
27251 @node Thread groups
27252 @subsection Thread groups
27253 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
27254 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
27255 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
27256 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
27257 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
27258
27259 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
27260 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
27261 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
27262 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
27263 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
27264 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
27265 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
27266 into processes.
27267
27268 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
27269 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
27270 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
27271 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
27272 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
27273 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
27274 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
27275 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
27276 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
27277 the members of specific thread group.
27278
27279 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
27280 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
27281 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
27282 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
27283 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
27284 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
27285 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
27286 after attaching to that thread group.
27287
27288 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
27289 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
27290 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
27291 such thread groups.
27292
27293 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27294 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
27295 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
27296
27297 @menu
27298 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
27299 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
27300 @end menu
27301
27302 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
27303 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
27304
27305 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
27306 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
27307 @table @code
27308 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
27309 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
27310
27311 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
27312 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
27313 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
27314
27315 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
27316 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
27317 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
27318
27319 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27320 "any sequence of digits"
27321
27322 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
27323 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
27324
27325 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
27326 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
27327
27328 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
27329 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
27330
27331 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
27332 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
27333 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
27334
27335 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
27336 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
27337
27338 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27339 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27340 @end table
27341
27342 @noindent
27343 Notes:
27344
27345 @itemize @bullet
27346 @item
27347 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
27348 output is described below.
27349
27350 @item
27351 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
27352 finishes.
27353
27354 @item
27355 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
27356 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
27357 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
27358 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
27359 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
27360 @end itemize
27361
27362 Pragmatics:
27363
27364 @itemize @bullet
27365 @item
27366 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
27367
27368 @item
27369 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
27370 @end itemize
27371
27372 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
27373 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
27374
27375 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
27376 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
27377 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
27378 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
27379 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
27380 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
27381
27382 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
27383 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
27384 @var{token}.
27385
27386 @table @code
27387 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
27388 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
27389
27390 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
27391 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27392
27393 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
27394 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
27395
27396 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
27397 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
27398
27399 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
27400 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
27401
27402 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
27403 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
27404
27405 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
27406 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
27407
27408 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
27409 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
27410
27411 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
27412 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
27413
27414 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
27415 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
27416 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
27417
27418 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
27419 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
27420
27421 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
27422 @code{ @var{string} }
27423
27424 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
27425 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
27426
27427 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
27428 @code{@var{c-string}}
27429
27430 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
27431 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
27432
27433 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
27434 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
27435 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
27436
27437 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
27438 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
27439
27440 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
27441 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
27442
27443 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
27444 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
27445
27446 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
27447 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
27448
27449 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27450 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27451
27452 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27453 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
27454 @end table
27455
27456 @noindent
27457 Notes:
27458
27459 @itemize @bullet
27460 @item
27461 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
27462
27463 @item
27464 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
27465 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
27466 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
27467 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
27468 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
27469 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
27470 prior command.
27471
27472 @item
27473 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27474 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
27475 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
27476 prefixed by @samp{+}.
27477
27478 @item
27479 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27480 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
27481 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
27482 @samp{*}.
27483
27484 @item
27485 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27486 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
27487 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
27488 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
27489
27490 @item
27491 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27492 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
27493 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
27494 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
27495
27496 @item
27497 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27498 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
27499 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
27500
27501 @item
27502 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27503 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
27504 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
27505 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
27506
27507 @item
27508 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27509 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
27510 @var{values}.
27511
27512
27513 @end itemize
27514
27515 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
27516 details about the various output records.
27517
27518 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27519 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
27520 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
27521
27522 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
27523 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
27524
27525 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
27526 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
27527 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
27528 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
27529 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
27530 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
27531
27532 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
27533 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
27534 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
27535
27536 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27537 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
27538 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
27539 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
27540
27541 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
27542 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
27543
27544 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
27545 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
27546 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
27547 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
27548 might change.
27549
27550 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
27551 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
27552 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
27553 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
27554
27555 @itemize @bullet
27556 @item
27557 New MI commands may be added.
27558
27559 @item
27560 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
27561
27562 @item
27563 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
27564 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
27565
27566 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
27567 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
27568
27569 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
27570 @c resolve inconsistencies.
27571 @end itemize
27572
27573 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
27574 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
27575 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
27576 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
27577 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
27578
27579 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
27580 @c version?
27581
27582 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
27583 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
27584 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
27585 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
27586 @cindex mailing lists
27587
27588 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27589 @node GDB/MI Output Records
27590 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
27591
27592 @menu
27593 * GDB/MI Result Records::
27594 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
27595 * GDB/MI Async Records::
27596 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
27597 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
27598 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
27599 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
27600 @end menu
27601
27602 @node GDB/MI Result Records
27603 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
27604
27605 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27606 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
27607 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
27608 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
27609
27610 @table @code
27611 @findex ^done
27612 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
27613 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
27614 values.
27615
27616 @item "^running"
27617 @findex ^running
27618 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
27619 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
27620 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
27621 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
27622 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
27623 which threads are resumed.
27624
27625 @item "^connected"
27626 @findex ^connected
27627 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
27628
27629 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
27630 @findex ^error
27631 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
27632 the corresponding error message.
27633
27634 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
27635 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
27636 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
27637
27638 @table @samp
27639 @item "undefined-command"
27640 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
27641 @end table
27642
27643 @item "^exit"
27644 @findex ^exit
27645 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
27646
27647 @end table
27648
27649 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
27650 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
27651
27652 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
27653 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27654 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
27655 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
27656 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
27657
27658 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
27659 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
27660 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
27661 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
27662 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
27663
27664 @table @code
27665 @item "~" @var{string-output}
27666 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
27667 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
27668
27669 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
27670 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
27671 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
27672 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
27673
27674 @item "&" @var{string-output}
27675 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
27676 internals.
27677 @end table
27678
27679 @node GDB/MI Async Records
27680 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
27681
27682 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27683 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
27684 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
27685 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
27686 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
27687 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
27688
27689 The following is the list of possible async records:
27690
27691 @table @code
27692
27693 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
27694 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
27695 thread ID of the the thread that is now running, and it can be
27696 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
27697 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
27698 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
27699 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
27700 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
27701 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
27702 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
27703 it run freely.
27704
27705 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
27706 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
27707 following values:
27708
27709 @table @code
27710 @item breakpoint-hit
27711 A breakpoint was reached.
27712 @item watchpoint-trigger
27713 A watchpoint was triggered.
27714 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
27715 A read watchpoint was triggered.
27716 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
27717 An access watchpoint was triggered.
27718 @item function-finished
27719 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27720 @item location-reached
27721 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27722 @item watchpoint-scope
27723 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
27724 @item end-stepping-range
27725 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
27726 similar CLI command was accomplished.
27727 @item exited-signalled
27728 The inferior exited because of a signal.
27729 @item exited
27730 The inferior exited.
27731 @item exited-normally
27732 The inferior exited normally.
27733 @item signal-received
27734 A signal was received by the inferior.
27735 @item solib-event
27736 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
27737 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
27738 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
27739 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
27740 @item fork
27741 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
27742 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27743 @item vfork
27744 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
27745 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27746 @item syscall-entry
27747 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
27748 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27749 @item syscall-return
27750 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
27751 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27752 @item exec
27753 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
27754 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27755 @end table
27756
27757 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
27758 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
27759 Depending on whether all-stop
27760 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
27761 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
27762 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
27763 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
27764 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
27765 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
27766 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
27767 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
27768 if such information is not available.
27769
27770 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
27771 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
27772 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
27773 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
27774 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
27775 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
27776 cannot be used in any way.
27777
27778 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
27779 A thread group became associated with a running program,
27780 either because the program was just started or the thread group
27781 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
27782 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
27783 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
27784
27785 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
27786 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
27787 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
27788 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
27789 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
27790 only when the inferior exited with some code.
27791
27792 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27793 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27794 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
27795 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
27796 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
27797
27798 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"[,frame="@var{frame}"]
27799 Informs that the selected thread or frame were changed. This notification
27800 is not emitted as result of the @code{-thread-select} or
27801 @code{-stack-select-frame} commands, but is emitted whenever an MI command
27802 that is not documented to change the selected thread and frame actually
27803 changes them. In particular, invoking, directly or indirectly
27804 (via user-defined command), the CLI @code{thread} or @code{frame} commands,
27805 will generate this notification. Changing the thread or frame from another
27806 user interface (see @ref{Interpreters}) will also generate this notification.
27807
27808 The @var{frame} field is only present if the newly selected thread is
27809 stopped. See @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information} for the format of its value.
27810
27811 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
27812 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
27813 that thread.
27814
27815 @item =library-loaded,...
27816 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
27817 notification has 5 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
27818 @var{host-name}, @var{symbols-loaded} and @var{ranges}. The @var{id} field is an
27819 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
27820 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
27821 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
27822 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
27823 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
27824 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
27825 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
27826 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
27827 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
27828 thread groups. The @var{ranges} field specifies the ranges of addresses belonging
27829 to this library.
27830
27831 @item =library-unloaded,...
27832 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
27833 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
27834 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
27835 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
27836 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
27837 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
27838 thread groups.
27839
27840 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
27841 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
27842 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
27843 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
27844 frame is @var{tpnum}.
27845
27846 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
27847 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
27848 initial value @var{initial}.
27849
27850 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
27851 @itemx =tsv-deleted
27852 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
27853 trace state variables are deleted.
27854
27855 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
27856 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
27857 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
27858 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
27859 value of trace state variable is known.
27860
27861 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
27862 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
27863 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
27864 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
27865 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
27866 user.
27867
27868 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
27869 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
27870 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
27871
27872 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
27873 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
27874
27875 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}",method="@var{method}"[,format="@var{format}"]
27876 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
27877 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
27878 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
27879 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
27880
27881 The @var{method} field indicates the method used to record execution. If the
27882 method in use supports multiple recording formats, @var{format} will be present
27883 and contain the currently used format. @xref{Process Record and Replay},
27884 for existing method and format values.
27885
27886 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
27887 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
27888 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
27889 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
27890 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
27891 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
27892
27893 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
27894 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
27895 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
27896 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
27897 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
27898 executable code.
27899 @end table
27900
27901 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
27902 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
27903
27904 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
27905 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
27906 following fields:
27907
27908 @table @code
27909 @item number
27910 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
27911 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
27912 @samp{1.2}.
27913
27914 @item type
27915 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
27916 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
27917
27918 @item catch-type
27919 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
27920 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
27921
27922 @item disp
27923 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
27924 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
27925 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
27926
27927 @item enabled
27928 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
27929 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
27930 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
27931
27932 @item addr
27933 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
27934 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
27935 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
27936 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
27937 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
27938
27939 @item func
27940 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
27941 If not known, this field is not present.
27942
27943 @item filename
27944 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
27945 If not known, this field is not present.
27946
27947 @item fullname
27948 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
27949 known. If not known, this field is not present.
27950
27951 @item line
27952 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
27953 If not known, this field is not present.
27954
27955 @item at
27956 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
27957 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
27958 by a symbol name.
27959
27960 @item pending
27961 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
27962 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
27963
27964 @item evaluated-by
27965 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
27966 @samp{target}.
27967
27968 @item thread
27969 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
27970 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
27971
27972 @item task
27973 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
27974 field will hold the task identifier.
27975
27976 @item cond
27977 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
27978
27979 @item ignore
27980 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
27981
27982 @item enable
27983 The enable count of the breakpoint.
27984
27985 @item traceframe-usage
27986 FIXME.
27987
27988 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
27989 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
27990
27991 @item mask
27992 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
27993
27994 @item pass
27995 A tracepoint's pass count.
27996
27997 @item original-location
27998 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
27999 This field is optional.
28000
28001 @item times
28002 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
28003
28004 @item installed
28005 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
28006 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
28007 is not.
28008
28009 @item what
28010 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
28011
28012 @end table
28013
28014 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
28015 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
28016
28017 @smallexample
28018 -> -break-insert main
28019 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28020 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28021 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28022 times="0"@}
28023 <- (gdb)
28024 @end smallexample
28025
28026 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
28027 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
28028
28029 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
28030 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
28031 fields:
28032
28033 @table @code
28034 @item level
28035 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
28036 zero. This field is always present.
28037
28038 @item func
28039 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
28040 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
28041
28042 @item addr
28043 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
28044
28045 @item file
28046 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
28047 address. This field may be absent.
28048
28049 @item line
28050 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
28051 may be absent.
28052
28053 @item from
28054 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
28055 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
28056
28057 @end table
28058
28059 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
28060 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
28061
28062 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
28063 uses a tuple with the following fields. The fields are always present unless
28064 stated otherwise.
28065
28066 @table @code
28067 @item id
28068 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}.
28069
28070 @item target-id
28071 The target-specific string identifying the thread.
28072
28073 @item details
28074 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
28075 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
28076 frontend. This field is optional.
28077
28078 @item name
28079 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
28080 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
28081 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
28082 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
28083 field is omitted.
28084
28085 @item state
28086 The execution state of the thread, either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running},
28087 depending on whether the thread is presently running.
28088
28089 @item frame
28090 The stack frame currently executing in the thread. This field is only present
28091 if the thread is stopped. Its format is documented in
28092 @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information}.
28093
28094 @item core
28095 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
28096 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
28097 @end table
28098
28099 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
28100 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
28101
28102 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
28103 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
28104 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
28105 the @code{exception-name} field. Also, for exceptions that were raised
28106 with an exception message, @value{GDBN} provides that message via
28107 the @code{exception-message} field.
28108
28109 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28110 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
28111 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
28112 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
28113
28114 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
28115 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
28116 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
28117 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
28118
28119 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
28120 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
28121
28122 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
28123
28124 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
28125 information of the breakpoint.
28126
28127 @smallexample
28128 -> -break-insert main
28129 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28130 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
28131 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
28132 times="0"@}
28133 <- (gdb)
28134 @end smallexample
28135
28136 @subheading Program Execution
28137
28138 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
28139 reason that execution stopped.
28140
28141 @smallexample
28142 -> -exec-run
28143 <- ^running
28144 <- (gdb)
28145 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
28146 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
28147 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
28148 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",
28149 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28150 <- (gdb)
28151 -> -exec-continue
28152 <- ^running
28153 <- (gdb)
28154 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28155 <- (gdb)
28156 @end smallexample
28157
28158 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
28159
28160 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
28161
28162 @smallexample
28163 -> (gdb)
28164 <- -gdb-exit
28165 <- ^exit
28166 @end smallexample
28167
28168 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
28169 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
28170 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
28171 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
28172 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
28173 fails to exit in reasonable time.
28174
28175 @subheading A Bad Command
28176
28177 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
28178
28179 @smallexample
28180 -> -rubbish
28181 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
28182 <- (gdb)
28183 @end smallexample
28184
28185
28186 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28187 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
28188 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
28189
28190 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
28191 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
28192
28193 @subheading Motivation
28194
28195 The motivation for this collection of commands.
28196
28197 @subheading Introduction
28198
28199 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
28200
28201 @subheading Commands
28202
28203 For each command in the block, the following is described:
28204
28205 @subsubheading Synopsis
28206
28207 @smallexample
28208 -command @var{args}@dots{}
28209 @end smallexample
28210
28211 @subsubheading Result
28212
28213 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28214
28215 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
28216
28217 @subsubheading Example
28218
28219 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
28220 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
28221
28222
28223 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28224 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
28225 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
28226
28227 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
28228 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
28229 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28230 breakpoints.
28231
28232 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
28233 @findex -break-after
28234
28235 @subsubheading Synopsis
28236
28237 @smallexample
28238 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
28239 @end smallexample
28240
28241 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
28242 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
28243 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
28244 @samp{-break-list} command below.
28245
28246 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28247
28248 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
28249
28250 @subsubheading Example
28251
28252 @smallexample
28253 (gdb)
28254 -break-insert main
28255 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28256 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28257 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28258 times="0"@}
28259 (gdb)
28260 -break-after 1 3
28261 ~
28262 ^done
28263 (gdb)
28264 -break-list
28265 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28266 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28267 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28268 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28269 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28270 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28271 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28272 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28273 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28274 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28275 (gdb)
28276 @end smallexample
28277
28278 @ignore
28279 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
28280 @findex -break-catch
28281 @end ignore
28282
28283 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
28284 @findex -break-commands
28285
28286 @subsubheading Synopsis
28287
28288 @smallexample
28289 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
28290 @end smallexample
28291
28292 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
28293 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
28294 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
28295 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
28296 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
28297 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
28298
28299 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28300
28301 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
28302
28303 @subsubheading Example
28304
28305 @smallexample
28306 (gdb)
28307 -break-insert main
28308 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28309 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
28310 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28311 times="0"@}
28312 (gdb)
28313 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
28314 ^done
28315 (gdb)
28316 @end smallexample
28317
28318 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
28319 @findex -break-condition
28320
28321 @subsubheading Synopsis
28322
28323 @smallexample
28324 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
28325 @end smallexample
28326
28327 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
28328 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
28329 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
28330 command below).
28331
28332 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28333
28334 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
28335
28336 @subsubheading Example
28337
28338 @smallexample
28339 (gdb)
28340 -break-condition 1 1
28341 ^done
28342 (gdb)
28343 -break-list
28344 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28345 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28346 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28347 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28348 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28349 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28350 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28351 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28352 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28353 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
28354 (gdb)
28355 @end smallexample
28356
28357 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
28358 @findex -break-delete
28359
28360 @subsubheading Synopsis
28361
28362 @smallexample
28363 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28364 @end smallexample
28365
28366 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
28367 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
28368
28369 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28370
28371 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
28372
28373 @subsubheading Example
28374
28375 @smallexample
28376 (gdb)
28377 -break-delete 1
28378 ^done
28379 (gdb)
28380 -break-list
28381 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28382 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28383 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28384 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28385 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28386 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28387 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28388 body=[]@}
28389 (gdb)
28390 @end smallexample
28391
28392 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
28393 @findex -break-disable
28394
28395 @subsubheading Synopsis
28396
28397 @smallexample
28398 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28399 @end smallexample
28400
28401 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
28402 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
28403
28404 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28405
28406 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
28407
28408 @subsubheading Example
28409
28410 @smallexample
28411 (gdb)
28412 -break-disable 2
28413 ^done
28414 (gdb)
28415 -break-list
28416 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28417 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28418 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28419 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28420 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28421 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28422 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28423 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28424 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28425 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28426 (gdb)
28427 @end smallexample
28428
28429 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
28430 @findex -break-enable
28431
28432 @subsubheading Synopsis
28433
28434 @smallexample
28435 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28436 @end smallexample
28437
28438 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
28439
28440 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28441
28442 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
28443
28444 @subsubheading Example
28445
28446 @smallexample
28447 (gdb)
28448 -break-enable 2
28449 ^done
28450 (gdb)
28451 -break-list
28452 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28453 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28454 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28455 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28456 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28457 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28458 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28459 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28460 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28461 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28462 (gdb)
28463 @end smallexample
28464
28465 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
28466 @findex -break-info
28467
28468 @subsubheading Synopsis
28469
28470 @smallexample
28471 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
28472 @end smallexample
28473
28474 @c REDUNDANT???
28475 Get information about a single breakpoint.
28476
28477 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
28478 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
28479 table.
28480
28481 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28482
28483 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
28484
28485 @subsubheading Example
28486 N.A.
28487
28488 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
28489 @findex -break-insert
28490 @anchor{-break-insert}
28491
28492 @subsubheading Synopsis
28493
28494 @smallexample
28495 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
28496 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28497 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
28498 @end smallexample
28499
28500 @noindent
28501 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
28502
28503 @table @var
28504 @item linespec location
28505 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
28506
28507 @item explicit location
28508 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
28509 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
28510 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
28511
28512 @table @samp
28513 @item --source @var{filename}
28514 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
28515 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
28516
28517 @item --function @var{function}
28518 The name of a function or method.
28519
28520 @item --label @var{label}
28521 The name of a label.
28522
28523 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
28524 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
28525 @end table
28526
28527 @item address location
28528 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
28529 @end table
28530
28531 @noindent
28532 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28533
28534 @table @samp
28535 @item -t
28536 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28537 @item -h
28538 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
28539 @item -f
28540 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
28541 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28542 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28543 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28544 cannot be parsed.
28545 @item -d
28546 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28547 @item -a
28548 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
28549 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
28550 @item -c @var{condition}
28551 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28552 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28553 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
28554 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28555 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
28556 @var{thread-id}.
28557 @end table
28558
28559 @subsubheading Result
28560
28561 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
28562 resulting breakpoint.
28563
28564 Note: this format is open to change.
28565 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28566
28567 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28568
28569 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
28570 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
28571
28572 @subsubheading Example
28573
28574 @smallexample
28575 (gdb)
28576 -break-insert main
28577 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
28578 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28579 times="0"@}
28580 (gdb)
28581 -break-insert -t foo
28582 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
28583 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28584 times="0"@}
28585 (gdb)
28586 -break-list
28587 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28588 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28589 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28590 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28591 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28592 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28593 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28594 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28595 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
28596 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
28597 times="0"@},
28598 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28599 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
28600 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28601 times="0"@}]@}
28602 (gdb)
28603 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
28604 @c ~int foo(int, int);
28605 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
28606 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
28607 @c times="0"@}
28608 @c (gdb)
28609 @end smallexample
28610
28611 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
28612 @findex -dprintf-insert
28613
28614 @subsubheading Synopsis
28615
28616 @smallexample
28617 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
28618 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28619 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
28620 [ @var{argument} ]
28621 @end smallexample
28622
28623 @noindent
28624 If supplied, @var{location} may be specified the same way as for
28625 the @code{-break-insert} command. @xref{-break-insert}.
28626
28627 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28628
28629 @table @samp
28630 @item -t
28631 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28632 @item -f
28633 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
28634 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28635 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28636 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28637 cannot be parsed.
28638 @item -d
28639 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28640 @item -c @var{condition}
28641 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28642 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28643 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
28644 to @var{ignore-count}.
28645 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28646 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
28647 @var{thread-id}.
28648 @end table
28649
28650 @subsubheading Result
28651
28652 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
28653 resulting breakpoint.
28654
28655 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28656
28657 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28658
28659 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
28660
28661 @subsubheading Example
28662
28663 @smallexample
28664 (gdb)
28665 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
28666 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28667 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
28668 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
28669 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
28670 original-location="foo"@}
28671 (gdb)
28672 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
28673 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28674 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
28675 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
28676 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
28677 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
28678 (gdb)
28679 @end smallexample
28680
28681 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
28682 @findex -break-list
28683
28684 @subsubheading Synopsis
28685
28686 @smallexample
28687 -break-list
28688 @end smallexample
28689
28690 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
28691
28692 @table @samp
28693 @item Number
28694 number of the breakpoint
28695 @item Type
28696 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
28697 @item Disposition
28698 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
28699 or @samp{nokeep}
28700 @item Enabled
28701 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
28702 @item Address
28703 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
28704 @item What
28705 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
28706 name, line number
28707 @item Thread-groups
28708 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
28709 @item Times
28710 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
28711 @end table
28712
28713 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
28714 @code{body} field is an empty list.
28715
28716 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28717
28718 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
28719
28720 @subsubheading Example
28721
28722 @smallexample
28723 (gdb)
28724 -break-list
28725 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28726 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28727 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28728 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28729 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28730 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28731 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28732 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28733 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
28734 times="0"@},
28735 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28736 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28737 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28738 (gdb)
28739 @end smallexample
28740
28741 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
28742
28743 @smallexample
28744 (gdb)
28745 -break-list
28746 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28747 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28748 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28749 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28750 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28751 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28752 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28753 body=[]@}
28754 (gdb)
28755 @end smallexample
28756
28757 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
28758 @findex -break-passcount
28759
28760 @subsubheading Synopsis
28761
28762 @smallexample
28763 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
28764 @end smallexample
28765
28766 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
28767 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
28768 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
28769 command @samp{passcount}.
28770
28771 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
28772 @findex -break-watch
28773
28774 @subsubheading Synopsis
28775
28776 @smallexample
28777 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
28778 @end smallexample
28779
28780 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
28781 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
28782 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
28783 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
28784 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
28785 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
28786 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
28787 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
28788
28789 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
28790 breakpoints inserted.
28791
28792 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28793
28794 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
28795 @samp{rwatch}.
28796
28797 @subsubheading Example
28798
28799 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
28800
28801 @smallexample
28802 (gdb)
28803 -break-watch x
28804 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
28805 (gdb)
28806 -exec-continue
28807 ^running
28808 (gdb)
28809 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
28810 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
28811 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28812 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28813 (gdb)
28814 @end smallexample
28815
28816 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
28817 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
28818 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
28819
28820 @smallexample
28821 (gdb)
28822 -break-watch C
28823 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
28824 (gdb)
28825 -exec-continue
28826 ^running
28827 (gdb)
28828 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
28829 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28830 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28831 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28832 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13",
28833 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28834 (gdb)
28835 -exec-continue
28836 ^running
28837 (gdb)
28838 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
28839 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28840 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28841 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28842 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
28843 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28844 (gdb)
28845 @end smallexample
28846
28847 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
28848 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
28849 deleted.
28850
28851 @smallexample
28852 (gdb)
28853 -break-watch C
28854 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
28855 (gdb)
28856 -break-list
28857 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28858 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28859 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28860 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28861 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28862 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28863 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28864 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28865 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28866 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28867 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28868 times="1"@},
28869 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28870 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28871 (gdb)
28872 -exec-continue
28873 ^running
28874 (gdb)
28875 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
28876 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28877 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28878 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28879 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13",
28880 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28881 (gdb)
28882 -break-list
28883 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28884 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28885 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28886 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28887 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28888 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28889 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28890 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28891 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28892 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28893 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28894 times="1"@},
28895 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28896 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
28897 (gdb)
28898 -exec-continue
28899 ^running
28900 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
28901 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28902 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28903 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28904 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
28905 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
28906 (gdb)
28907 -break-list
28908 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28909 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28910 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28911 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28912 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28913 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28914 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28915 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28916 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28917 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28918 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
28919 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
28920 (gdb)
28921 @end smallexample
28922
28923
28924 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28925 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28926 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
28927
28928 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28929 catchpoints.
28930
28931 @menu
28932 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28933 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28934 @end menu
28935
28936 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28937 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28938
28939 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
28940 @findex -catch-load
28941
28942 @subsubheading Synopsis
28943
28944 @smallexample
28945 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28946 @end smallexample
28947
28948 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
28949 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28950 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
28951 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28952 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
28953
28954
28955 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28956
28957 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
28958
28959 @subsubheading Example
28960
28961 @smallexample
28962 -catch-load -t foo.so
28963 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28964 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
28965 (gdb)
28966 @end smallexample
28967
28968
28969 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
28970 @findex -catch-unload
28971
28972 @subsubheading Synopsis
28973
28974 @smallexample
28975 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28976 @end smallexample
28977
28978 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
28979 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28980 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
28981 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28982 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
28983
28984 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28985
28986 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
28987
28988 @subsubheading Example
28989
28990 @smallexample
28991 -catch-unload -d bar.so
28992 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28993 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
28994 (gdb)
28995 @end smallexample
28996
28997 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28998 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28999
29000 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
29001 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
29002
29003 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
29004 @findex -catch-assert
29005
29006 @subsubheading Synopsis
29007
29008 @smallexample
29009 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
29010 @end smallexample
29011
29012 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
29013
29014 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
29015
29016 @table @samp
29017 @item -c @var{condition}
29018 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29019 @item -d
29020 Create a disabled catchpoint.
29021 @item -t
29022 Create a temporary catchpoint.
29023 @end table
29024
29025 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29026
29027 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
29028
29029 @subsubheading Example
29030
29031 @smallexample
29032 -catch-assert
29033 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29034 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
29035 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
29036 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
29037 (gdb)
29038 @end smallexample
29039
29040 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
29041 @findex -catch-exception
29042
29043 @subsubheading Synopsis
29044
29045 @smallexample
29046 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
29047 [ -t ] [ -u ]
29048 @end smallexample
29049
29050 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
29051 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
29052 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
29053 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
29054 catchpoints.
29055
29056 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
29057
29058 @table @samp
29059 @item -c @var{condition}
29060 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29061 @item -d
29062 Create a disabled catchpoint.
29063 @item -e @var{exception-name}
29064 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
29065 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
29066 @item -t
29067 Create a temporary catchpoint.
29068 @item -u
29069 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
29070 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
29071 @end table
29072
29073 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29074
29075 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
29076 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
29077
29078 @subsubheading Example
29079
29080 @smallexample
29081 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
29082 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29083 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
29084 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
29085 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
29086 (gdb)
29087 @end smallexample
29088
29089 @subheading The @code{-catch-handlers} Command
29090 @findex -catch-handlers
29091
29092 @subsubheading Synopsis
29093
29094 @smallexample
29095 -catch-handlers [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
29096 [ -t ]
29097 @end smallexample
29098
29099 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are handled.
29100 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
29101 gets handled. But it is also possible, by using some of the
29102 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
29103 catchpoints.
29104
29105 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
29106
29107 @table @samp
29108 @item -c @var{condition}
29109 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29110 @item -d
29111 Create a disabled catchpoint.
29112 @item -e @var{exception-name}
29113 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is handled.
29114 @item -t
29115 Create a temporary catchpoint.
29116 @end table
29117
29118 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29119
29120 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch handlers}.
29121
29122 @subsubheading Example
29123
29124 @smallexample
29125 -catch-handlers -e Constraint_Error
29126 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29127 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000402f68",
29128 what="`Constraint_Error' Ada exception handlers",thread-groups=["i1"],
29129 times="0",original-location="__gnat_begin_handler"@}
29130 (gdb)
29131 @end smallexample
29132
29133 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29134 @node GDB/MI Program Context
29135 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
29136
29137 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
29138 @findex -exec-arguments
29139
29140
29141 @subsubheading Synopsis
29142
29143 @smallexample
29144 -exec-arguments @var{args}
29145 @end smallexample
29146
29147 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
29148 @samp{-exec-run}.
29149
29150 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29151
29152 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
29153
29154 @subsubheading Example
29155
29156 @smallexample
29157 (gdb)
29158 -exec-arguments -v word
29159 ^done
29160 (gdb)
29161 @end smallexample
29162
29163
29164 @ignore
29165 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
29166 @findex -exec-show-arguments
29167
29168 @subsubheading Synopsis
29169
29170 @smallexample
29171 -exec-show-arguments
29172 @end smallexample
29173
29174 Print the arguments of the program.
29175
29176 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29177
29178 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
29179
29180 @subsubheading Example
29181 N.A.
29182 @end ignore
29183
29184
29185 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
29186 @findex -environment-cd
29187
29188 @subsubheading Synopsis
29189
29190 @smallexample
29191 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
29192 @end smallexample
29193
29194 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
29195
29196 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29197
29198 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
29199
29200 @subsubheading Example
29201
29202 @smallexample
29203 (gdb)
29204 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29205 ^done
29206 (gdb)
29207 @end smallexample
29208
29209
29210 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
29211 @findex -environment-directory
29212
29213 @subsubheading Synopsis
29214
29215 @smallexample
29216 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29217 @end smallexample
29218
29219 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
29220 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
29221 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
29222 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29223 occurs as normal.
29224 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29225 multiple directories in a single command
29226 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29227 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29228 If blanks are needed as
29229 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29230 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29231 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29232 character must not be used
29233 in any directory name.
29234 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
29235
29236 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29237
29238 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
29239
29240 @subsubheading Example
29241
29242 @smallexample
29243 (gdb)
29244 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
29245 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29246 (gdb)
29247 -environment-directory ""
29248 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
29249 (gdb)
29250 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
29251 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
29252 (gdb)
29253 -environment-directory -r
29254 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
29255 (gdb)
29256 @end smallexample
29257
29258
29259 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
29260 @findex -environment-path
29261
29262 @subsubheading Synopsis
29263
29264 @smallexample
29265 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
29266 @end smallexample
29267
29268 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
29269 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
29270 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
29271 supplied in addition to the
29272 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
29273 occurs as normal.
29274 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
29275 multiple directories in a single command
29276 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
29277 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
29278 If blanks are needed as
29279 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
29280 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
29281 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
29282 character must not be used
29283 in any directory name.
29284 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
29285
29286
29287 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29288
29289 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
29290
29291 @subsubheading Example
29292
29293 @smallexample
29294 (gdb)
29295 -environment-path
29296 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
29297 (gdb)
29298 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
29299 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
29300 (gdb)
29301 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
29302 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
29303 (gdb)
29304 @end smallexample
29305
29306
29307 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
29308 @findex -environment-pwd
29309
29310 @subsubheading Synopsis
29311
29312 @smallexample
29313 -environment-pwd
29314 @end smallexample
29315
29316 Show the current working directory.
29317
29318 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29319
29320 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
29321
29322 @subsubheading Example
29323
29324 @smallexample
29325 (gdb)
29326 -environment-pwd
29327 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
29328 (gdb)
29329 @end smallexample
29330
29331 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29332 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
29333 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
29334
29335
29336 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
29337 @findex -thread-info
29338
29339 @subsubheading Synopsis
29340
29341 @smallexample
29342 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
29343 @end smallexample
29344
29345 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
29346 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
29347 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
29348 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
29349 current thread.
29350
29351 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29352
29353 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
29354 about all threads.
29355
29356 @subsubheading Result
29357
29358 The result contains the following attributes:
29359
29360 @table @samp
29361 @item threads
29362 A list of threads. The format of the elements of the list is described in
29363 @ref{GDB/MI Thread Information}.
29364
29365 @item current-thread-id
29366 The global id of the currently selected thread. This field is omitted if there
29367 is no selected thread (for example, when the selected inferior is not running,
29368 and therefore has no threads) or if a @var{thread-id} argument was passed to
29369 the command.
29370
29371 @end table
29372
29373 @subsubheading Example
29374
29375 @smallexample
29376 -thread-info
29377 ^done,threads=[
29378 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
29379 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
29380 args=[]@},state="running"@},
29381 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
29382 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
29383 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
29384 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158",arch="i386:x86_64"@},
29385 state="running"@}],
29386 current-thread-id="1"
29387 (gdb)
29388 @end smallexample
29389
29390 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
29391 @findex -thread-list-ids
29392
29393 @subsubheading Synopsis
29394
29395 @smallexample
29396 -thread-list-ids
29397 @end smallexample
29398
29399 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
29400 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
29401 threads.
29402
29403 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
29404 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
29405
29406 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29407
29408 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
29409
29410 @subsubheading Example
29411
29412 @smallexample
29413 (gdb)
29414 -thread-list-ids
29415 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29416 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
29417 (gdb)
29418 @end smallexample
29419
29420
29421 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
29422 @findex -thread-select
29423
29424 @subsubheading Synopsis
29425
29426 @smallexample
29427 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
29428 @end smallexample
29429
29430 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
29431 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
29432 topmost frame for that thread.
29433
29434 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
29435 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
29436
29437 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29438
29439 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
29440
29441 @subsubheading Example
29442
29443 @smallexample
29444 (gdb)
29445 -exec-next
29446 ^running
29447 (gdb)
29448 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
29449 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
29450 (gdb)
29451 -thread-list-ids
29452 ^done,
29453 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
29454 number-of-threads="3"
29455 (gdb)
29456 -thread-select 3
29457 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
29458 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
29459 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
29460 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29461 (gdb)
29462 @end smallexample
29463
29464 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29465 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
29466 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
29467
29468 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
29469 @findex -ada-task-info
29470
29471 @subsubheading Synopsis
29472
29473 @smallexample
29474 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
29475 @end smallexample
29476
29477 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
29478 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
29479
29480 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29481
29482 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
29483 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
29484
29485 @subsubheading Result
29486
29487 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
29488 defined for each Ada task:
29489
29490 @table @samp
29491 @item current
29492 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
29493
29494 @item id
29495 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
29496
29497 @item task-id
29498 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
29499
29500 @item thread-id
29501 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
29502 task.
29503
29504 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
29505 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
29506 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
29507
29508 @item parent-id
29509 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
29510 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
29511
29512 @item priority
29513 The base priority of the task.
29514
29515 @item state
29516 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
29517 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
29518
29519 @item name
29520 The name of the task.
29521
29522 @end table
29523
29524 @subsubheading Example
29525
29526 @smallexample
29527 -ada-task-info
29528 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
29529 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
29530 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
29531 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
29532 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
29533 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
29534 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
29535 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
29536 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
29537 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
29538 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
29539 (gdb)
29540 @end smallexample
29541
29542 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29543 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
29544 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
29545
29546 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
29547 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
29548 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
29549 other cases.
29550
29551 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
29552 @findex -exec-continue
29553
29554 @subsubheading Synopsis
29555
29556 @smallexample
29557 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
29558 @end smallexample
29559
29560 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
29561 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
29562 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
29563 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
29564 @itemize @bullet
29565 @item
29566 breakpoints or watchpoints
29567 @item
29568 signals or exceptions
29569 @item
29570 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
29571 @item
29572 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
29573 @end itemize
29574 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
29575 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
29576 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
29577 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
29578 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
29579 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
29580
29581 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29582
29583 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
29584
29585 @subsubheading Example
29586
29587 @smallexample
29588 -exec-continue
29589 ^running
29590 (gdb)
29591 @@Hello world
29592 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
29593 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
29594 line="13",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29595 (gdb)
29596 @end smallexample
29597
29598
29599 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
29600 @findex -exec-finish
29601
29602 @subsubheading Synopsis
29603
29604 @smallexample
29605 -exec-finish [--reverse]
29606 @end smallexample
29607
29608 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
29609 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
29610 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
29611 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
29612 function was called.
29613
29614 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29615
29616 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
29617
29618 @subsubheading Example
29619
29620 Function returning @code{void}.
29621
29622 @smallexample
29623 -exec-finish
29624 ^running
29625 (gdb)
29626 @@hello from foo
29627 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29628 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29629 (gdb)
29630 @end smallexample
29631
29632 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
29633 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
29634 value itself.
29635
29636 @smallexample
29637 -exec-finish
29638 ^running
29639 (gdb)
29640 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
29641 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
29642 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
29643 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
29644 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
29645 (gdb)
29646 @end smallexample
29647
29648
29649 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
29650 @findex -exec-interrupt
29651
29652 @subsubheading Synopsis
29653
29654 @smallexample
29655 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
29656 @end smallexample
29657
29658 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
29659 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
29660 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
29661 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
29662 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
29663
29664 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
29665 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
29666 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
29667 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
29668
29669 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
29670 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
29671 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
29672 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
29673
29674 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29675
29676 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
29677
29678 @subsubheading Example
29679
29680 @smallexample
29681 (gdb)
29682 111-exec-continue
29683 111^running
29684
29685 (gdb)
29686 222-exec-interrupt
29687 222^done
29688 (gdb)
29689 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
29690 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29691 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29692 (gdb)
29693
29694 (gdb)
29695 -exec-interrupt
29696 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
29697 (gdb)
29698 @end smallexample
29699
29700 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
29701 @findex -exec-jump
29702
29703 @subsubheading Synopsis
29704
29705 @smallexample
29706 -exec-jump @var{location}
29707 @end smallexample
29708
29709 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
29710 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
29711 different forms of @var{location}.
29712
29713 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29714
29715 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
29716
29717 @subsubheading Example
29718
29719 @smallexample
29720 -exec-jump foo.c:10
29721 *running,thread-id="all"
29722 ^running
29723 @end smallexample
29724
29725
29726 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
29727 @findex -exec-next
29728
29729 @subsubheading Synopsis
29730
29731 @smallexample
29732 -exec-next [--reverse]
29733 @end smallexample
29734
29735 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29736 of the next source line is reached.
29737
29738 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29739 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
29740 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
29741 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
29742 source line where the function was called.
29743
29744
29745 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29746
29747 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
29748
29749 @subsubheading Example
29750
29751 @smallexample
29752 -exec-next
29753 ^running
29754 (gdb)
29755 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
29756 (gdb)
29757 @end smallexample
29758
29759
29760 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
29761 @findex -exec-next-instruction
29762
29763 @subsubheading Synopsis
29764
29765 @smallexample
29766 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
29767 @end smallexample
29768
29769 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
29770 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
29771 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
29772 printed as well.
29773
29774 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29775 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
29776 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
29777 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
29778 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
29779
29780 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29781
29782 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
29783
29784 @subsubheading Example
29785
29786 @smallexample
29787 (gdb)
29788 -exec-next-instruction
29789 ^running
29790
29791 (gdb)
29792 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29793 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
29794 (gdb)
29795 @end smallexample
29796
29797
29798 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
29799 @findex -exec-return
29800
29801 @subsubheading Synopsis
29802
29803 @smallexample
29804 -exec-return
29805 @end smallexample
29806
29807 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
29808 Displays the new current frame.
29809
29810 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29811
29812 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
29813
29814 @subsubheading Example
29815
29816 @smallexample
29817 (gdb)
29818 200-break-insert callee4
29819 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
29820 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29821 (gdb)
29822 000-exec-run
29823 000^running
29824 (gdb)
29825 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29826 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29827 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29828 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
29829 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29830 (gdb)
29831 205-break-delete
29832 205^done
29833 (gdb)
29834 111-exec-return
29835 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
29836 args=[@{name="strarg",
29837 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29838 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29839 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
29840 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29841 (gdb)
29842 @end smallexample
29843
29844
29845 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
29846 @findex -exec-run
29847
29848 @subsubheading Synopsis
29849
29850 @smallexample
29851 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
29852 @end smallexample
29853
29854 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
29855 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
29856 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
29857 the program has exited exceptionally.
29858
29859 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
29860 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
29861 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
29862 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
29863 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
29864
29865 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
29866 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
29867 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
29868 (@pxref{Starting}).
29869
29870 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29871
29872 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
29873
29874 @subsubheading Examples
29875
29876 @smallexample
29877 (gdb)
29878 -break-insert main
29879 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29880 (gdb)
29881 -exec-run
29882 ^running
29883 (gdb)
29884 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29885 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
29886 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29887 (gdb)
29888 @end smallexample
29889
29890 @noindent
29891 Program exited normally:
29892
29893 @smallexample
29894 (gdb)
29895 -exec-run
29896 ^running
29897 (gdb)
29898 x = 55
29899 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29900 (gdb)
29901 @end smallexample
29902
29903 @noindent
29904 Program exited exceptionally:
29905
29906 @smallexample
29907 (gdb)
29908 -exec-run
29909 ^running
29910 (gdb)
29911 x = 55
29912 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
29913 (gdb)
29914 @end smallexample
29915
29916 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
29917 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
29918
29919 @smallexample
29920 (gdb)
29921 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
29922 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
29923 @end smallexample
29924
29925
29926 @c @subheading -exec-signal
29927
29928
29929 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
29930 @findex -exec-step
29931
29932 @subsubheading Synopsis
29933
29934 @smallexample
29935 -exec-step [--reverse]
29936 @end smallexample
29937
29938 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29939 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
29940 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
29941 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
29942 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
29943 previously executed source line.
29944
29945 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29946
29947 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
29948
29949 @subsubheading Example
29950
29951 Stepping into a function:
29952
29953 @smallexample
29954 -exec-step
29955 ^running
29956 (gdb)
29957 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29958 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
29959 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
29960 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
29961 (gdb)
29962 @end smallexample
29963
29964 Regular stepping:
29965
29966 @smallexample
29967 -exec-step
29968 ^running
29969 (gdb)
29970 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
29971 (gdb)
29972 @end smallexample
29973
29974
29975 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29976 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29977
29978 @subsubheading Synopsis
29979
29980 @smallexample
29981 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29982 @end smallexample
29983
29984 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29985 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29986 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29987 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29988 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29989 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29990 as well.
29991
29992 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29993
29994 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
29995
29996 @subsubheading Example
29997
29998 @smallexample
29999 (gdb)
30000 -exec-step-instruction
30001 ^running
30002
30003 (gdb)
30004 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30005 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30006 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30007 (gdb)
30008 -exec-step-instruction
30009 ^running
30010
30011 (gdb)
30012 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
30013 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30014 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30015 (gdb)
30016 @end smallexample
30017
30018
30019 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
30020 @findex -exec-until
30021
30022 @subsubheading Synopsis
30023
30024 @smallexample
30025 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
30026 @end smallexample
30027
30028 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
30029 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
30030 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
30031 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
30032
30033 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30034
30035 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
30036
30037 @subsubheading Example
30038
30039 @smallexample
30040 (gdb)
30041 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
30042 ^running
30043 (gdb)
30044 x = 55
30045 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
30046 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6",
30047 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30048 (gdb)
30049 @end smallexample
30050
30051 @ignore
30052 @subheading -file-clear
30053 Is this going away????
30054 @end ignore
30055
30056 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30057 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
30058 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
30059
30060 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
30061 @findex -enable-frame-filters
30062
30063 @smallexample
30064 -enable-frame-filters
30065 @end smallexample
30066
30067 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
30068 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
30069 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
30070 request that this functionality be enabled.
30071
30072 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
30073
30074 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
30075 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
30076
30077 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
30078 @findex -stack-info-frame
30079
30080 @subsubheading Synopsis
30081
30082 @smallexample
30083 -stack-info-frame
30084 @end smallexample
30085
30086 Get info on the selected frame.
30087
30088 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30089
30090 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
30091 (without arguments).
30092
30093 @subsubheading Example
30094
30095 @smallexample
30096 (gdb)
30097 -stack-info-frame
30098 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30099 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30100 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17",
30101 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
30102 (gdb)
30103 @end smallexample
30104
30105 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
30106 @findex -stack-info-depth
30107
30108 @subsubheading Synopsis
30109
30110 @smallexample
30111 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
30112 @end smallexample
30113
30114 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
30115 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
30116
30117 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30118
30119 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
30120
30121 @subsubheading Example
30122
30123 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
30124
30125 @smallexample
30126 (gdb)
30127 -stack-info-depth
30128 ^done,depth="12"
30129 (gdb)
30130 -stack-info-depth 4
30131 ^done,depth="4"
30132 (gdb)
30133 -stack-info-depth 12
30134 ^done,depth="12"
30135 (gdb)
30136 -stack-info-depth 11
30137 ^done,depth="11"
30138 (gdb)
30139 -stack-info-depth 13
30140 ^done,depth="12"
30141 (gdb)
30142 @end smallexample
30143
30144 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
30145 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
30146 @findex -stack-list-arguments
30147
30148 @subsubheading Synopsis
30149
30150 @smallexample
30151 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
30152 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30153 @end smallexample
30154
30155 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
30156 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
30157 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
30158 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
30159 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
30160 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
30161 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
30162 which case only existing frames will be returned.
30163
30164 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30165 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30166 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30167 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30168 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
30169 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
30170
30171 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
30172 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
30173 are still displayed, however.
30174
30175 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
30176 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30177
30178 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30179
30180 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
30181 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
30182 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
30183
30184 @subsubheading Example
30185
30186 @smallexample
30187 (gdb)
30188 -stack-list-frames
30189 ^done,
30190 stack=[
30191 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30192 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30193 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
30194 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30195 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
30196 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30197 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17",
30198 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30199 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
30200 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30201 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22",
30202 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30203 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
30204 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30205 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27",
30206 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30207 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
30208 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30209 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32",
30210 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30211 (gdb)
30212 -stack-list-arguments 0
30213 ^done,
30214 stack-args=[
30215 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30216 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
30217 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
30218 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
30219 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30220 (gdb)
30221 -stack-list-arguments 1
30222 ^done,
30223 stack-args=[
30224 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
30225 frame=@{level="1",
30226 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30227 frame=@{level="2",args=[
30228 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30229 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
30230 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
30231 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30232 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
30233 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
30234 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
30235 (gdb)
30236 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
30237 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
30238 (gdb)
30239 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
30240 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
30241 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
30242 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
30243 (gdb)
30244 @end smallexample
30245
30246 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
30247
30248
30249 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
30250 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
30251 @findex -stack-list-frames
30252
30253 @subsubheading Synopsis
30254
30255 @smallexample
30256 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
30257 @end smallexample
30258
30259 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
30260 following info:
30261
30262 @table @samp
30263 @item @var{level}
30264 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
30265 @item @var{addr}
30266 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
30267 @item @var{func}
30268 Function name.
30269 @item @var{file}
30270 File name of the source file where the function lives.
30271 @item @var{fullname}
30272 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
30273 @item @var{line}
30274 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
30275 @item @var{from}
30276 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
30277 if the frame's function is not known.
30278 @item @var{arch}
30279 Frame's architecture.
30280 @end table
30281
30282 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
30283 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
30284 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
30285 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
30286 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
30287 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
30288 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
30289 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
30290 Python frame filters will not be executed.
30291
30292 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30293
30294 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
30295
30296 @subsubheading Example
30297
30298 Full stack backtrace:
30299
30300 @smallexample
30301 (gdb)
30302 -stack-list-frames
30303 ^done,stack=
30304 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
30305 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11",
30306 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30307 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30308 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30309 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30310 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30311 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30312 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30313 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30314 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30315 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30316 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30317 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30318 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30319 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30320 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30321 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30322 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30323 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30324 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30325 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30326 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30327 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30328 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30329 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30330 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30331 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30332 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30333 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30334 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30335 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30336 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30337 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
30338 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4",
30339 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30340 (gdb)
30341 @end smallexample
30342
30343 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
30344
30345 @smallexample
30346 (gdb)
30347 -stack-list-frames 3 5
30348 ^done,stack=
30349 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30350 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30351 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30352 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30353 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30354 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
30355 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30356 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30357 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30358 (gdb)
30359 @end smallexample
30360
30361 Show a single frame:
30362
30363 @smallexample
30364 (gdb)
30365 -stack-list-frames 3 3
30366 ^done,stack=
30367 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
30368 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
30369 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
30370 (gdb)
30371 @end smallexample
30372
30373
30374 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
30375 @findex -stack-list-locals
30376 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
30377
30378 @subsubheading Synopsis
30379
30380 @smallexample
30381 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
30382 @end smallexample
30383
30384 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
30385 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30386 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30387 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30388 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30389 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
30390 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
30391 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
30392 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
30393 Python frame filters will not be executed.
30394
30395 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
30396 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
30397 variables are still displayed, however.
30398
30399 This command is deprecated in favor of the
30400 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
30401
30402 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30403
30404 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
30405
30406 @subsubheading Example
30407
30408 @smallexample
30409 (gdb)
30410 -stack-list-locals 0
30411 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
30412 (gdb)
30413 -stack-list-locals --all-values
30414 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
30415 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
30416 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
30417 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
30418 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
30419 (gdb)
30420 @end smallexample
30421
30422 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
30423 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
30424 @findex -stack-list-variables
30425
30426 @subsubheading Synopsis
30427
30428 @smallexample
30429 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
30430 @end smallexample
30431
30432 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
30433 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
30434 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
30435 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
30436 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
30437 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
30438 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
30439
30440 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
30441 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
30442 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
30443
30444 @subsubheading Example
30445
30446 @smallexample
30447 (gdb)
30448 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
30449 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
30450 (gdb)
30451 @end smallexample
30452
30453
30454 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
30455 @findex -stack-select-frame
30456
30457 @subsubheading Synopsis
30458
30459 @smallexample
30460 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
30461 @end smallexample
30462
30463 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
30464 the stack.
30465
30466 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
30467 option to every command.
30468
30469 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30470
30471 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
30472 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
30473
30474 @subsubheading Example
30475
30476 @smallexample
30477 (gdb)
30478 -stack-select-frame 2
30479 ^done
30480 (gdb)
30481 @end smallexample
30482
30483 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30484 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
30485 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
30486
30487 @ignore
30488
30489 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30490
30491 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
30492 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
30493 used by @code{Insight}.
30494
30495 The two main reasons for that are:
30496
30497 @enumerate 1
30498 @item
30499 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
30500
30501 @item
30502 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
30503 now).
30504 @end enumerate
30505
30506 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
30507 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
30508 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
30509 hints about their use.
30510
30511 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
30512 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
30513 least, the following operations:
30514
30515 @itemize @bullet
30516 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
30517 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
30518 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
30519 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
30520 @end itemize
30521
30522 @end ignore
30523
30524 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
30525
30526 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
30527
30528 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
30529 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
30530 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
30531 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
30532 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
30533 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
30534 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
30535 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
30536 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
30537 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
30538 object, or to change display format.
30539
30540 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
30541 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
30542 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
30543 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
30544 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
30545 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
30546 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
30547 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
30548 child will be created.
30549
30550 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
30551 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
30552 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
30553 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
30554 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
30555
30556 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
30557 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
30558 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
30559 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
30560 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
30561 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
30562 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
30563 variables that frontend has created.
30564
30565 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
30566 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
30567 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
30568 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
30569 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
30570 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
30571 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
30572 implicitly updated.
30573
30574 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
30575 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
30576 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
30577 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
30578 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
30579 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
30580 frame. Consider this example:
30581
30582 @smallexample
30583 void do_work(...)
30584 @{
30585 struct work_state state;
30586
30587 if (...)
30588 do_work(...);
30589 @}
30590 @end smallexample
30591
30592 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
30593 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
30594 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
30595 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
30596 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
30597
30598 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
30599 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
30600 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
30601 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
30602 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
30603 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
30604
30605 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
30606 access this functionality:
30607
30608 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
30609 @item @strong{Operation}
30610 @tab @strong{Description}
30611
30612 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
30613 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
30614 @item @code{-var-create}
30615 @tab create a variable object
30616 @item @code{-var-delete}
30617 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
30618 @item @code{-var-set-format}
30619 @tab set the display format of this variable
30620 @item @code{-var-show-format}
30621 @tab show the display format of this variable
30622 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
30623 @tab tells how many children this object has
30624 @item @code{-var-list-children}
30625 @tab return a list of the object's children
30626 @item @code{-var-info-type}
30627 @tab show the type of this variable object
30628 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
30629 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
30630 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
30631 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
30632 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
30633 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
30634 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
30635 @tab get the value of this variable
30636 @item @code{-var-assign}
30637 @tab set the value of this variable
30638 @item @code{-var-update}
30639 @tab update the variable and its children
30640 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
30641 @tab set frozeness attribute
30642 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
30643 @tab set range of children to display on update
30644 @end multitable
30645
30646 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
30647 how it can be used.
30648
30649 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
30650
30651 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
30652 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
30653
30654 @smallexample
30655 -enable-pretty-printing
30656 @end smallexample
30657
30658 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
30659 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
30660 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
30661 request that this functionality be enabled.
30662
30663 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
30664
30665 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
30666 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
30667
30668 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
30669 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
30670
30671 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
30672 @findex -var-create
30673
30674 @subsubheading Synopsis
30675
30676 @smallexample
30677 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
30678 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
30679 @end smallexample
30680
30681 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
30682 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
30683 register.
30684
30685 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
30686 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
30687 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
30688 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
30689 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
30690
30691 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
30692 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
30693 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
30694 object must be created.
30695
30696 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
30697 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
30698
30699 @itemize @bullet
30700 @item
30701 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
30702
30703 @item
30704 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
30705
30706 @item
30707 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
30708 @end itemize
30709
30710 @cindex dynamic varobj
30711 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
30712 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
30713 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
30714 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
30715 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
30716 compatibility for existing clients.
30717
30718 @subsubheading Result
30719
30720 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
30721 are:
30722
30723 @table @samp
30724 @item name
30725 The name of the varobj.
30726
30727 @item numchild
30728 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
30729 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
30730 @samp{has_more} attribute.
30731
30732 @item value
30733 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
30734 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
30735 will not be interesting.
30736
30737 @item type
30738 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
30739 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
30740 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30741 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30742 @emph{declared} one.
30743
30744 @item thread-id
30745 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
30746 thread's global identifier.
30747
30748 @item has_more
30749 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
30750 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
30751
30752 @item dynamic
30753 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30754 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30755 then this attribute will not be present.
30756
30757 @item displayhint
30758 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30759 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30760 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30761 @end table
30762
30763 Typical output will look like this:
30764
30765 @smallexample
30766 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
30767 has_more="@var{has_more}"
30768 @end smallexample
30769
30770
30771 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
30772 @findex -var-delete
30773
30774 @subsubheading Synopsis
30775
30776 @smallexample
30777 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
30778 @end smallexample
30779
30780 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
30781 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
30782
30783 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
30784
30785
30786 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
30787 @findex -var-set-format
30788
30789 @subsubheading Synopsis
30790
30791 @smallexample
30792 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
30793 @end smallexample
30794
30795 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
30796 @var{format-spec}.
30797
30798 @anchor{-var-set-format}
30799 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
30800
30801 @smallexample
30802 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
30803 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
30804 @end smallexample
30805
30806 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
30807 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
30808 for pointers, etc.).
30809
30810 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
30811 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
30812 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
30813 zero-hexadecimal format.
30814
30815 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
30816 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
30817
30818 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
30819 @findex -var-show-format
30820
30821 @subsubheading Synopsis
30822
30823 @smallexample
30824 -var-show-format @var{name}
30825 @end smallexample
30826
30827 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
30828
30829 @smallexample
30830 @var{format} @expansion{}
30831 @var{format-spec}
30832 @end smallexample
30833
30834
30835 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
30836 @findex -var-info-num-children
30837
30838 @subsubheading Synopsis
30839
30840 @smallexample
30841 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
30842 @end smallexample
30843
30844 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
30845
30846 @smallexample
30847 numchild=@var{n}
30848 @end smallexample
30849
30850 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
30851 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
30852 be available.
30853
30854
30855 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
30856 @findex -var-list-children
30857
30858 @subsubheading Synopsis
30859
30860 @smallexample
30861 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
30862 @end smallexample
30863 @anchor{-var-list-children}
30864
30865 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
30866 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
30867 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
30868 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
30869 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
30870 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
30871 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
30872 and unions.
30873
30874 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
30875 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
30876 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
30877 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
30878 reported.
30879
30880 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
30881 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
30882 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
30883 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
30884 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
30885 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
30886 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
30887 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
30888 the visible items.
30889
30890 For each child the following results are returned:
30891
30892 @table @var
30893
30894 @item name
30895 Name of the variable object created for this child.
30896
30897 @item exp
30898 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
30899 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
30900
30901 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
30902 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
30903
30904 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
30905 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
30906 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
30907 type and value are not present.
30908
30909 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
30910 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
30911 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
30912
30913 @item numchild
30914 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
30915 0.
30916
30917 @item type
30918 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
30919 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30920 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30921 @emph{declared} one.
30922
30923 @item value
30924 If values were requested, this is the value.
30925
30926 @item thread-id
30927 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
30928 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
30929
30930 @item frozen
30931 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
30932
30933 @item displayhint
30934 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30935 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30936 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30937
30938 @item dynamic
30939 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30940 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30941 then this attribute will not be present.
30942
30943 @end table
30944
30945 The result may have its own attributes:
30946
30947 @table @samp
30948 @item displayhint
30949 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30950 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30951 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30952
30953 @item has_more
30954 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
30955 remaining after the end of the selected range.
30956 @end table
30957
30958 @subsubheading Example
30959
30960 @smallexample
30961 (gdb)
30962 -var-list-children n
30963 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30964 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30965 (gdb)
30966 -var-list-children --all-values n
30967 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30968 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30969 @end smallexample
30970
30971
30972 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30973 @findex -var-info-type
30974
30975 @subsubheading Synopsis
30976
30977 @smallexample
30978 -var-info-type @var{name}
30979 @end smallexample
30980
30981 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30982 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30983 @value{GDBN} CLI:
30984
30985 @smallexample
30986 type=@var{typename}
30987 @end smallexample
30988
30989
30990 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30991 @findex -var-info-expression
30992
30993 @subsubheading Synopsis
30994
30995 @smallexample
30996 -var-info-expression @var{name}
30997 @end smallexample
30998
30999 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
31000 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
31001 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
31002
31003 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
31004 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
31005
31006 @smallexample
31007 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
31008 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
31009 @end smallexample
31010
31011 @noindent
31012 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
31013 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
31014
31015 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
31016 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
31017 is of limited use.
31018
31019 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
31020 @findex -var-info-path-expression
31021
31022 @subsubheading Synopsis
31023
31024 @smallexample
31025 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
31026 @end smallexample
31027
31028 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
31029 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
31030 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
31031 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
31032 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
31033 watchpoint from a variable object.
31034
31035 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
31036 and will give an error when invoked on one.
31037
31038 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
31039 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
31040 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
31041 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
31042 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
31043 @smallexample
31044 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
31045 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
31046 @end smallexample
31047
31048 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
31049 @findex -var-show-attributes
31050
31051 @subsubheading Synopsis
31052
31053 @smallexample
31054 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
31055 @end smallexample
31056
31057 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
31058
31059 @smallexample
31060 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
31061 @end smallexample
31062
31063 @noindent
31064 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
31065
31066 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
31067 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
31068
31069 @subsubheading Synopsis
31070
31071 @smallexample
31072 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
31073 @end smallexample
31074
31075 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
31076 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
31077 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
31078 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
31079 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
31080 the current display format will be used. The current display format
31081 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
31082
31083 @smallexample
31084 value=@var{value}
31085 @end smallexample
31086
31087 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
31088 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
31089
31090 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
31091 @findex -var-assign
31092
31093 @subsubheading Synopsis
31094
31095 @smallexample
31096 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
31097 @end smallexample
31098
31099 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
31100 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
31101 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
31102 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
31103
31104 @subsubheading Example
31105
31106 @smallexample
31107 (gdb)
31108 -var-assign var1 3
31109 ^done,value="3"
31110 (gdb)
31111 -var-update *
31112 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
31113 (gdb)
31114 @end smallexample
31115
31116 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
31117 @findex -var-update
31118
31119 @subsubheading Synopsis
31120
31121 @smallexample
31122 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
31123 @end smallexample
31124
31125 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
31126 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
31127 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
31128 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
31129 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
31130 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
31131 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
31132 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
31133 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
31134 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
31135 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
31136 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
31137 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
31138
31139 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
31140 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
31141 diagnostic.
31142
31143 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
31144 only the selected range of children will be reported.
31145
31146 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
31147 @samp{changelist}.
31148
31149 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
31150
31151 @table @samp
31152 @item name
31153 The name of the varobj.
31154
31155 @item value
31156 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
31157 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
31158
31159 @item in_scope
31160 @anchor{-var-update}
31161 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
31162
31163 @table @code
31164 @item "true"
31165 The variable object's current value is valid.
31166
31167 @item "false"
31168 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
31169 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
31170 scope.
31171
31172 @item "invalid"
31173 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
31174 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
31175 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
31176 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
31177 objects.
31178 @end table
31179
31180 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
31181 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
31182
31183 @item type_changed
31184 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
31185 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
31186 be @samp{false}.
31187
31188 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
31189 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
31190 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
31191 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
31192 unset.
31193
31194 @item new_type
31195 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
31196 hold the new type.
31197
31198 @item new_num_children
31199 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
31200 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
31201
31202 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
31203 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
31204 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
31205 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
31206 children which may be available.
31207
31208 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
31209 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
31210 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
31211 only happen at the end of the update range).
31212
31213 @item displayhint
31214 The display hint, if any.
31215
31216 @item has_more
31217 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
31218 available outside the varobj's update range.
31219
31220 @item dynamic
31221 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
31222 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
31223 then this attribute will not be present.
31224
31225 @item new_children
31226 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
31227 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
31228 be listed in this attribute.
31229 @end table
31230
31231 @subsubheading Example
31232
31233 @smallexample
31234 (gdb)
31235 -var-assign var1 3
31236 ^done,value="3"
31237 (gdb)
31238 -var-update --all-values var1
31239 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
31240 type_changed="false"@}]
31241 (gdb)
31242 @end smallexample
31243
31244 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
31245 @findex -var-set-frozen
31246 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
31247
31248 @subsubheading Synopsis
31249
31250 @smallexample
31251 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
31252 @end smallexample
31253
31254 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
31255 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
31256 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
31257 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
31258 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
31259 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
31260 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
31261 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
31262 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
31263 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
31264 @code{-var-update} does.
31265
31266 @subsubheading Example
31267
31268 @smallexample
31269 (gdb)
31270 -var-set-frozen V 1
31271 ^done
31272 (gdb)
31273 @end smallexample
31274
31275 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
31276 @findex -var-set-update-range
31277 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
31278
31279 @subsubheading Synopsis
31280
31281 @smallexample
31282 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
31283 @end smallexample
31284
31285 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
31286 @code{-var-update}.
31287
31288 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
31289 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
31290 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
31291 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
31292
31293 @subsubheading Example
31294
31295 @smallexample
31296 (gdb)
31297 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
31298 ^done
31299 @end smallexample
31300
31301 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
31302 @findex -var-set-visualizer
31303 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
31304
31305 @subsubheading Synopsis
31306
31307 @smallexample
31308 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
31309 @end smallexample
31310
31311 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
31312
31313 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
31314 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
31315
31316 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
31317 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
31318 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
31319 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
31320 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
31321 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
31322 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
31323
31324 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
31325 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
31326 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
31327 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
31328
31329 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
31330 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
31331 can be used to check this.
31332
31333 @subsubheading Example
31334
31335 Resetting the visualizer:
31336
31337 @smallexample
31338 (gdb)
31339 -var-set-visualizer V None
31340 ^done
31341 @end smallexample
31342
31343 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
31344
31345 @smallexample
31346 (gdb)
31347 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
31348 ^done
31349 @end smallexample
31350
31351 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
31352 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
31353
31354 @smallexample
31355 (gdb)
31356 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
31357 ^done
31358 @end smallexample
31359
31360 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31361 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
31362 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
31363
31364 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
31365 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
31366 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
31367 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
31368
31369 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
31370 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
31371
31372 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
31373 @c @subheading -data-assign
31374 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
31375 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
31376 @c set variable
31377 @c @subsubheading Example
31378 @c N.A.
31379
31380 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
31381 @findex -data-disassemble
31382
31383 @subsubheading Synopsis
31384
31385 @smallexample
31386 -data-disassemble
31387 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
31388 | [ -a @var{addr} ]
31389 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
31390 -- @var{mode}
31391 @end smallexample
31392
31393 @noindent
31394 Where:
31395
31396 @table @samp
31397 @item @var{start-addr}
31398 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
31399 @item @var{end-addr}
31400 is the end address
31401 @item @var{addr}
31402 is an address anywhere within (or the name of) the function to
31403 disassemble. If an address is specified, the whole function
31404 surrounding that address will be disassembled. If a name is
31405 specified, the whole function with that name will be disassembled.
31406 @item @var{filename}
31407 is the name of the file to disassemble
31408 @item @var{linenum}
31409 is the line number to disassemble around
31410 @item @var{lines}
31411 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
31412 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
31413 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
31414 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
31415 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
31416 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
31417 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
31418 are displayed.
31419 @item @var{mode}
31420 is one of:
31421 @itemize @bullet
31422 @item 0 disassembly only
31423 @item 1 mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)
31424 @item 2 disassembly with raw opcodes
31425 @item 3 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)
31426 @item 4 mixed source and disassembly
31427 @item 5 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes
31428 @end itemize
31429
31430 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
31431 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
31432 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
31433 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
31434 @end table
31435
31436 @subsubheading Result
31437
31438 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
31439 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
31440 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
31441
31442 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
31443 following fields:
31444
31445 @table @code
31446 @item address
31447 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
31448
31449 @item func-name
31450 The name of the function this instruction is within.
31451
31452 @item offset
31453 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
31454
31455 @item inst
31456 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
31457
31458 @item opcodes
31459 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5. This contains the raw opcode
31460 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
31461
31462 @end table
31463
31464 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
31465 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
31466
31467 @table @code
31468 @item line
31469 The line number within @samp{file}.
31470
31471 @item file
31472 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
31473 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
31474 used.
31475
31476 @item fullname
31477 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
31478 using the source file search path
31479 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
31480 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
31481
31482 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
31483 present in the debug information.
31484
31485 @item line_asm_insn
31486 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
31487 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
31488 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
31489 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
31490 @samp{opcodes}.
31491
31492 @end table
31493
31494 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
31495 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
31496 adjust its format.
31497
31498 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31499
31500 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
31501
31502 @subsubheading Example
31503
31504 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
31505
31506 @smallexample
31507 (gdb)
31508 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
31509 ^done,
31510 asm_insns=[
31511 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31512 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31513 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31514 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31515 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
31516 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
31517 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
31518 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31519 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
31520 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
31521 (gdb)
31522 @end smallexample
31523
31524 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
31525 @code{main}.
31526
31527 @smallexample
31528 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
31529 ^done,asm_insns=[
31530 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31531 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31532 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31533 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31534 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31535 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
31536 [@dots{}]
31537 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
31538 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
31539 (gdb)
31540 @end smallexample
31541
31542 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
31543
31544 @smallexample
31545 (gdb)
31546 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
31547 ^done,asm_insns=[
31548 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
31549 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
31550 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
31551 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31552 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31553 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
31554 (gdb)
31555 @end smallexample
31556
31557 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
31558
31559 @smallexample
31560 (gdb)
31561 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
31562 ^done,asm_insns=[
31563 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
31564 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31565 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31566 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
31567 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
31568 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
31569 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31570 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31571 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
31572 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
31573 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
31574 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
31575 (gdb)
31576 @end smallexample
31577
31578
31579 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
31580 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
31581
31582 @subsubheading Synopsis
31583
31584 @smallexample
31585 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
31586 @end smallexample
31587
31588 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
31589 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
31590 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
31591
31592 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31593
31594 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
31595 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
31596 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
31597
31598 @subsubheading Example
31599
31600 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
31601 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
31602 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
31603 output.
31604
31605 @smallexample
31606 211-data-evaluate-expression A
31607 211^done,value="1"
31608 (gdb)
31609 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
31610 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
31611 (gdb)
31612 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
31613 411^done,value="4"
31614 (gdb)
31615 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
31616 511^done,value="4"
31617 (gdb)
31618 @end smallexample
31619
31620
31621 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
31622 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
31623
31624 @subsubheading Synopsis
31625
31626 @smallexample
31627 -data-list-changed-registers
31628 @end smallexample
31629
31630 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
31631
31632 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31633
31634 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
31635 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
31636
31637 @subsubheading Example
31638
31639 On a PPC MBX board:
31640
31641 @smallexample
31642 (gdb)
31643 -exec-continue
31644 ^running
31645
31646 (gdb)
31647 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
31648 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
31649 line="5",arch="powerpc"@}
31650 (gdb)
31651 -data-list-changed-registers
31652 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
31653 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
31654 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
31655 (gdb)
31656 @end smallexample
31657
31658
31659 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
31660 @findex -data-list-register-names
31661
31662 @subsubheading Synopsis
31663
31664 @smallexample
31665 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
31666 @end smallexample
31667
31668 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
31669 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
31670 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
31671 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
31672 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
31673 include empty register names.
31674
31675 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31676
31677 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
31678 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
31679 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
31680
31681 @subsubheading Example
31682
31683 For the PPC MBX board:
31684 @smallexample
31685 (gdb)
31686 -data-list-register-names
31687 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
31688 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
31689 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
31690 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
31691 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
31692 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
31693 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
31694 (gdb)
31695 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
31696 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
31697 (gdb)
31698 @end smallexample
31699
31700 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
31701 @findex -data-list-register-values
31702
31703 @subsubheading Synopsis
31704
31705 @smallexample
31706 -data-list-register-values
31707 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
31708 @end smallexample
31709
31710 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
31711 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
31712 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
31713 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
31714 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
31715 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
31716
31717 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
31718
31719 @table @code
31720 @item x
31721 Hexadecimal
31722 @item o
31723 Octal
31724 @item t
31725 Binary
31726 @item d
31727 Decimal
31728 @item r
31729 Raw
31730 @item N
31731 Natural
31732 @end table
31733
31734 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31735
31736 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
31737 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
31738
31739 @subsubheading Example
31740
31741 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
31742 don't appear in the actual output):
31743
31744 @smallexample
31745 (gdb)
31746 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
31747 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31748 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
31749 (gdb)
31750 -data-list-register-values x
31751 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
31752 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31753 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
31754 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
31755 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
31756 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
31757 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
31758 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
31759 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
31760 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
31761 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
31762 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
31763 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
31764 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
31765 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
31766 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
31767 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
31768 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
31769 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
31770 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
31771 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
31772 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
31773 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
31774 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
31775 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
31776 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
31777 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
31778 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
31779 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
31780 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
31781 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
31782 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
31783 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
31784 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
31785 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
31786 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
31787 (gdb)
31788 @end smallexample
31789
31790
31791 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
31792 @findex -data-read-memory
31793
31794 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
31795
31796 @subsubheading Synopsis
31797
31798 @smallexample
31799 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31800 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
31801 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
31802 @end smallexample
31803
31804 @noindent
31805 where:
31806
31807 @table @samp
31808 @item @var{address}
31809 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31810 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31811 quoted using the C convention.
31812
31813 @item @var{word-format}
31814 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
31815 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
31816 ,Output Formats}).
31817
31818 @item @var{word-size}
31819 The size of each memory word in bytes.
31820
31821 @item @var{nr-rows}
31822 The number of rows in the output table.
31823
31824 @item @var{nr-cols}
31825 The number of columns in the output table.
31826
31827 @item @var{aschar}
31828 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
31829 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
31830 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
31831 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
31832
31833 @item @var{byte-offset}
31834 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
31835 @end table
31836
31837 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
31838 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
31839 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
31840 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
31841 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
31842 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
31843 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
31844 @samp{addr}.
31845
31846 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
31847 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
31848 @samp{prev-page}.
31849
31850 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31851
31852 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
31853 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
31854
31855 @subsubheading Example
31856
31857 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
31858 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
31859 word. Display each word in hex.
31860
31861 @smallexample
31862 (gdb)
31863 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
31864 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
31865 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
31866 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
31867 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
31868 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
31869 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
31870 (gdb)
31871 @end smallexample
31872
31873 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
31874 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
31875
31876 @smallexample
31877 (gdb)
31878 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
31879 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
31880 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
31881 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
31882 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
31883 (gdb)
31884 @end smallexample
31885
31886 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
31887 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
31888 used as the non-printable character.
31889
31890 @smallexample
31891 (gdb)
31892 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
31893 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
31894 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
31895 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
31896 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31897 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31898 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31899 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31900 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
31901 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
31902 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
31903 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
31904 (gdb)
31905 @end smallexample
31906
31907 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
31908 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
31909
31910 @subsubheading Synopsis
31911
31912 @smallexample
31913 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
31914 @var{address} @var{count}
31915 @end smallexample
31916
31917 @noindent
31918 where:
31919
31920 @table @samp
31921 @item @var{address}
31922 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
31923 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31924 quoted using the C convention.
31925
31926 @item @var{count}
31927 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
31928 literal.
31929
31930 @item @var{offset}
31931 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
31932 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
31933 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
31934 arithmetics itself.
31935
31936 @end table
31937
31938 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
31939 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
31940 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
31941 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
31942 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
31943 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
31944
31945 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
31946 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
31947 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
31948 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
31949 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
31950 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
31951 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
31952 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
31953
31954 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
31955 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
31956 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
31957 and has the following fields:
31958
31959 @table @code
31960 @item begin
31961 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31962
31963 @item end
31964 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31965
31966 @item offset
31967 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
31968 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
31969
31970 @item contents
31971 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
31972
31973 @end table
31974
31975
31976
31977 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31978
31979 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31980
31981 @subsubheading Example
31982
31983 @smallexample
31984 (gdb)
31985 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31986 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31987 end="0xbffff15e",
31988 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31989 (gdb)
31990 @end smallexample
31991
31992
31993 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
31994 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
31995
31996 @subsubheading Synopsis
31997
31998 @smallexample
31999 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
32000 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
32001 @end smallexample
32002
32003 @noindent
32004 where:
32005
32006 @table @samp
32007 @item @var{address}
32008 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
32009 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
32010 be quoted using the C convention.
32011
32012 @item @var{contents}
32013 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
32014 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
32015
32016 @item @var{count}
32017 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
32018 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
32019 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
32020 @var{count} memory units.
32021
32022 @end table
32023
32024 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32025
32026 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32027
32028 @subsubheading Example
32029
32030 @smallexample
32031 (gdb)
32032 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
32033 ^done
32034 (gdb)
32035 @end smallexample
32036
32037 @smallexample
32038 (gdb)
32039 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
32040 ^done
32041 (gdb)
32042 @end smallexample
32043
32044 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32045 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
32046 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
32047
32048 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
32049 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
32050
32051 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
32052 @findex -trace-find
32053
32054 @subsubheading Synopsis
32055
32056 @smallexample
32057 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
32058 @end smallexample
32059
32060 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
32061 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
32062 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
32063
32064 @table @samp
32065
32066 @item none
32067 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
32068
32069 @item frame-number
32070 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
32071 that index.
32072
32073 @item tracepoint-number
32074 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
32075 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
32076
32077 @item pc
32078 An address is required as parameter. Finds
32079 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
32080 address.
32081
32082 @item pc-inside-range
32083 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
32084 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
32085 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
32086
32087 @item pc-outside-range
32088 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
32089 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
32090 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
32091
32092 @item line
32093 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
32094 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
32095 the specified location.
32096
32097 @end table
32098
32099 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
32100 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
32101
32102 @table @samp
32103 @item found
32104 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
32105 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
32106
32107 @item traceframe
32108 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
32109 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
32110
32111 @item tracepoint
32112 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
32113 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
32114
32115 @item frame
32116 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
32117 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
32118 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
32119
32120 @end table
32121
32122 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32123
32124 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
32125
32126 @subheading -trace-define-variable
32127 @findex -trace-define-variable
32128
32129 @subsubheading Synopsis
32130
32131 @smallexample
32132 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
32133 @end smallexample
32134
32135 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
32136 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
32137 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
32138 with the @samp{$} character.
32139
32140 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32141
32142 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
32143
32144 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
32145 @findex -trace-frame-collected
32146
32147 @subsubheading Synopsis
32148
32149 @smallexample
32150 -trace-frame-collected
32151 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
32152 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
32153 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
32154 [--memory-contents]
32155 @end smallexample
32156
32157 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
32158 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
32159 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
32160 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
32161 See the output description table below for more details.
32162
32163 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
32164 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
32165 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
32166 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
32167 memory range and which is a computed expression.
32168
32169 For instance, if the actions were
32170 @smallexample
32171 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
32172 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
32173 @end smallexample
32174
32175 @noindent
32176 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
32177 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
32178 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
32179 objects would be computed expressions.
32180
32181 An example output would be:
32182
32183 @smallexample
32184 (gdb)
32185 -trace-frame-collected
32186 ^done,
32187 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
32188 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
32189 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
32190 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
32191 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
32192 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
32193 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
32194 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
32195 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
32196 ...
32197 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
32198 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
32199 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
32200 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
32201 (gdb)
32202 @end smallexample
32203
32204 Where:
32205
32206 @table @code
32207 @item explicit-variables
32208 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
32209 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
32210 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
32211 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
32212 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
32213 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
32214 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
32215 arrays, structures and unions.
32216
32217 @item computed-expressions
32218 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
32219 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
32220 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
32221 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
32222
32223 @item registers
32224 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
32225 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
32226 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
32227 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
32228 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
32229
32230 @item tvars
32231 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
32232 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
32233 current value are returned.
32234
32235 @item memory
32236 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
32237 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
32238 collected memory range and has the following fields:
32239
32240 @table @code
32241 @item address
32242 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
32243
32244 @item length
32245 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
32246
32247 @item contents
32248 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
32249 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
32250
32251 @end table
32252
32253 @end table
32254
32255 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32256
32257 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32258
32259 @subsubheading Example
32260
32261 @subheading -trace-list-variables
32262 @findex -trace-list-variables
32263
32264 @subsubheading Synopsis
32265
32266 @smallexample
32267 -trace-list-variables
32268 @end smallexample
32269
32270 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
32271 table has the following fields:
32272
32273 @table @samp
32274 @item name
32275 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
32276
32277 @item initial
32278 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
32279 field is always present.
32280
32281 @item current
32282 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
32283 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
32284 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
32285 presently running.
32286
32287 @end table
32288
32289 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32290
32291 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
32292
32293 @subsubheading Example
32294
32295 @smallexample
32296 (gdb)
32297 -trace-list-variables
32298 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
32299 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
32300 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
32301 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
32302 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
32303 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
32304 (gdb)
32305 @end smallexample
32306
32307 @subheading -trace-save
32308 @findex -trace-save
32309
32310 @subsubheading Synopsis
32311
32312 @smallexample
32313 -trace-save [ -r ] [ -ctf ] @var{filename}
32314 @end smallexample
32315
32316 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
32317 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
32318 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
32319 to perform the save.
32320
32321 By default, this command will save the trace in the tfile format. You can
32322 supply the optional @samp{-ctf} argument to save it the CTF format. See
32323 @ref{Trace Files} for more information about CTF.
32324
32325 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32326
32327 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
32328
32329
32330 @subheading -trace-start
32331 @findex -trace-start
32332
32333 @subsubheading Synopsis
32334
32335 @smallexample
32336 -trace-start
32337 @end smallexample
32338
32339 Starts a tracing experiment. The result of this command does not
32340 have any fields.
32341
32342 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32343
32344 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
32345
32346 @subheading -trace-status
32347 @findex -trace-status
32348
32349 @subsubheading Synopsis
32350
32351 @smallexample
32352 -trace-status
32353 @end smallexample
32354
32355 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
32356 the following fields:
32357
32358 @table @samp
32359
32360 @item supported
32361 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
32362 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
32363 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
32364 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
32365 started. This field is always present.
32366
32367 @item running
32368 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
32369 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
32370 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32371
32372 @item stop-reason
32373 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
32374 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
32375 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
32376 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
32377 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
32378 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
32379 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
32380 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
32381 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
32382
32383 @item stopping-tracepoint
32384 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
32385 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
32386 @samp{passcount}.
32387
32388 @item frames
32389 @itemx frames-created
32390 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
32391 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
32392 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
32393 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
32394
32395 @item buffer-size
32396 @itemx buffer-free
32397 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
32398 remaining space. These fields are optional.
32399
32400 @item circular
32401 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
32402 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
32403 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
32404 and may fill up.
32405
32406 @item disconnected
32407 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
32408 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
32409 that the trace run will stop.
32410
32411 @item trace-file
32412 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
32413 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
32414
32415 @end table
32416
32417 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32418
32419 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
32420
32421 @subheading -trace-stop
32422 @findex -trace-stop
32423
32424 @subsubheading Synopsis
32425
32426 @smallexample
32427 -trace-stop
32428 @end smallexample
32429
32430 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
32431 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
32432 @samp{running} fields are not output.
32433
32434 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32435
32436 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
32437
32438
32439 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32440 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
32441 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
32442
32443
32444 @ignore
32445 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
32446 @findex -symbol-info-address
32447
32448 @subsubheading Synopsis
32449
32450 @smallexample
32451 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
32452 @end smallexample
32453
32454 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
32455
32456 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32457
32458 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
32459
32460 @subsubheading Example
32461 N.A.
32462
32463
32464 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
32465 @findex -symbol-info-file
32466
32467 @subsubheading Synopsis
32468
32469 @smallexample
32470 -symbol-info-file
32471 @end smallexample
32472
32473 Show the file for the symbol.
32474
32475 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32476
32477 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
32478 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
32479
32480 @subsubheading Example
32481 N.A.
32482
32483
32484 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
32485 @findex -symbol-info-function
32486
32487 @subsubheading Synopsis
32488
32489 @smallexample
32490 -symbol-info-function
32491 @end smallexample
32492
32493 Show which function the symbol lives in.
32494
32495 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32496
32497 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
32498
32499 @subsubheading Example
32500 N.A.
32501
32502
32503 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
32504 @findex -symbol-info-line
32505
32506 @subsubheading Synopsis
32507
32508 @smallexample
32509 -symbol-info-line
32510 @end smallexample
32511
32512 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
32513
32514 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32515
32516 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
32517 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
32518
32519 @subsubheading Example
32520 N.A.
32521
32522
32523 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
32524 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
32525
32526 @subsubheading Synopsis
32527
32528 @smallexample
32529 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
32530 @end smallexample
32531
32532 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
32533
32534 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32535
32536 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
32537
32538 @subsubheading Example
32539 N.A.
32540
32541
32542 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
32543 @findex -symbol-list-functions
32544
32545 @subsubheading Synopsis
32546
32547 @smallexample
32548 -symbol-list-functions
32549 @end smallexample
32550
32551 List the functions in the executable.
32552
32553 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32554
32555 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
32556 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32557
32558 @subsubheading Example
32559 N.A.
32560 @end ignore
32561
32562
32563 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
32564 @findex -symbol-list-lines
32565
32566 @subsubheading Synopsis
32567
32568 @smallexample
32569 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
32570 @end smallexample
32571
32572 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
32573 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
32574 ascending PC order.
32575
32576 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32577
32578 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32579
32580 @subsubheading Example
32581 @smallexample
32582 (gdb)
32583 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
32584 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
32585 (gdb)
32586 @end smallexample
32587
32588
32589 @ignore
32590 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
32591 @findex -symbol-list-types
32592
32593 @subsubheading Synopsis
32594
32595 @smallexample
32596 -symbol-list-types
32597 @end smallexample
32598
32599 List all the type names.
32600
32601 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32602
32603 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
32604 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32605
32606 @subsubheading Example
32607 N.A.
32608
32609
32610 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
32611 @findex -symbol-list-variables
32612
32613 @subsubheading Synopsis
32614
32615 @smallexample
32616 -symbol-list-variables
32617 @end smallexample
32618
32619 List all the global and static variable names.
32620
32621 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32622
32623 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
32624
32625 @subsubheading Example
32626 N.A.
32627
32628
32629 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
32630 @findex -symbol-locate
32631
32632 @subsubheading Synopsis
32633
32634 @smallexample
32635 -symbol-locate
32636 @end smallexample
32637
32638 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32639
32640 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
32641
32642 @subsubheading Example
32643 N.A.
32644
32645
32646 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
32647 @findex -symbol-type
32648
32649 @subsubheading Synopsis
32650
32651 @smallexample
32652 -symbol-type @var{variable}
32653 @end smallexample
32654
32655 Show type of @var{variable}.
32656
32657 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32658
32659 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
32660 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
32661
32662 @subsubheading Example
32663 N.A.
32664 @end ignore
32665
32666
32667 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32668 @node GDB/MI File Commands
32669 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
32670
32671 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
32672 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
32673
32674 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
32675 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
32676
32677 @subsubheading Synopsis
32678
32679 @smallexample
32680 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
32681 @end smallexample
32682
32683 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
32684 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
32685 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
32686 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
32687 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
32688 notification.
32689
32690 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32691
32692 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
32693
32694 @subsubheading Example
32695
32696 @smallexample
32697 (gdb)
32698 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32699 ^done
32700 (gdb)
32701 @end smallexample
32702
32703
32704 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
32705 @findex -file-exec-file
32706
32707 @subsubheading Synopsis
32708
32709 @smallexample
32710 -file-exec-file @var{file}
32711 @end smallexample
32712
32713 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
32714 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
32715 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
32716 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
32717 notification.
32718
32719 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32720
32721 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
32722
32723 @subsubheading Example
32724
32725 @smallexample
32726 (gdb)
32727 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32728 ^done
32729 (gdb)
32730 @end smallexample
32731
32732
32733 @ignore
32734 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
32735 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
32736
32737 @subsubheading Synopsis
32738
32739 @smallexample
32740 -file-list-exec-sections
32741 @end smallexample
32742
32743 List the sections of the current executable file.
32744
32745 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32746
32747 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
32748 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
32749 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
32750
32751 @subsubheading Example
32752 N.A.
32753 @end ignore
32754
32755
32756 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
32757 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
32758
32759 @subsubheading Synopsis
32760
32761 @smallexample
32762 -file-list-exec-source-file
32763 @end smallexample
32764
32765 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
32766 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
32767 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
32768 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
32769
32770 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32771
32772 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
32773
32774 @subsubheading Example
32775
32776 @smallexample
32777 (gdb)
32778 123-file-list-exec-source-file
32779 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
32780 (gdb)
32781 @end smallexample
32782
32783
32784 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
32785 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
32786
32787 @subsubheading Synopsis
32788
32789 @smallexample
32790 -file-list-exec-source-files
32791 @end smallexample
32792
32793 List the source files for the current executable.
32794
32795 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
32796 name) of a source file.
32797
32798 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32799
32800 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
32801 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
32802
32803 @subsubheading Example
32804 @smallexample
32805 (gdb)
32806 -file-list-exec-source-files
32807 ^done,files=[
32808 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
32809 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
32810 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
32811 (gdb)
32812 @end smallexample
32813
32814 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
32815 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
32816
32817 @subsubheading Synopsis
32818
32819 @smallexample
32820 -file-list-shared-libraries [ @var{regexp} ]
32821 @end smallexample
32822
32823 List the shared libraries in the program.
32824 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those libraries whose
32825 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
32826
32827 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32828
32829 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}. The fields
32830 have a similar meaning to the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
32831 The @code{ranges} field specifies the multiple segments belonging to this
32832 library. Each range has the following fields:
32833
32834 @table @samp
32835 @item from
32836 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the segment.
32837 @item to
32838 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the segment.
32839 @end table
32840
32841 @subsubheading Example
32842 @smallexample
32843 (gdb)
32844 -file-list-exec-source-files
32845 ^done,shared-libraries=[
32846 @{id="/lib/libfoo.so",target-name="/lib/libfoo.so",host-name="/lib/libfoo.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x72815989",to="0x728162c0"@}]@},
32847 @{id="/lib/libbar.so",target-name="/lib/libbar.so",host-name="/lib/libbar.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x76ee48c0",to="0x76ee9160"@}]@}]
32848 (gdb)
32849 @end smallexample
32850
32851
32852 @ignore
32853 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
32854 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
32855
32856 @subsubheading Synopsis
32857
32858 @smallexample
32859 -file-list-symbol-files
32860 @end smallexample
32861
32862 List symbol files.
32863
32864 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32865
32866 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
32867
32868 @subsubheading Example
32869 N.A.
32870 @end ignore
32871
32872
32873 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
32874 @findex -file-symbol-file
32875
32876 @subsubheading Synopsis
32877
32878 @smallexample
32879 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
32880 @end smallexample
32881
32882 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
32883 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
32884 produced, except for a completion notification.
32885
32886 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32887
32888 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
32889
32890 @subsubheading Example
32891
32892 @smallexample
32893 (gdb)
32894 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32895 ^done
32896 (gdb)
32897 @end smallexample
32898
32899 @ignore
32900 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32901 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
32902 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
32903
32904 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
32905
32906 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
32907
32908 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
32909
32910 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
32911
32912 @c @subheading -overlay-map
32913
32914 @c @subheading -overlay-off
32915
32916 @c @subheading -overlay-on
32917
32918 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
32919
32920 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32921 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
32922 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
32923
32924 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
32925
32926 @c @subheading -signal-handle
32927
32928 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
32929
32930 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
32931 @end ignore
32932
32933
32934 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32935 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
32936 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
32937
32938
32939 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
32940 @findex -target-attach
32941
32942 @subsubheading Synopsis
32943
32944 @smallexample
32945 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
32946 @end smallexample
32947
32948 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
32949 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
32950 group, the id previously returned by
32951 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
32952
32953 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32954
32955 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
32956
32957 @subsubheading Example
32958 @smallexample
32959 (gdb)
32960 -target-attach 34
32961 =thread-created,id="1"
32962 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
32963 ^done
32964 (gdb)
32965 @end smallexample
32966
32967 @ignore
32968 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
32969 @findex -target-compare-sections
32970
32971 @subsubheading Synopsis
32972
32973 @smallexample
32974 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
32975 @end smallexample
32976
32977 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
32978 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
32979
32980 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32981
32982 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
32983
32984 @subsubheading Example
32985 N.A.
32986 @end ignore
32987
32988
32989 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
32990 @findex -target-detach
32991
32992 @subsubheading Synopsis
32993
32994 @smallexample
32995 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
32996 @end smallexample
32997
32998 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
32999 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
33000 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
33001
33002 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33003
33004 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
33005
33006 @subsubheading Example
33007
33008 @smallexample
33009 (gdb)
33010 -target-detach
33011 ^done
33012 (gdb)
33013 @end smallexample
33014
33015
33016 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
33017 @findex -target-disconnect
33018
33019 @subsubheading Synopsis
33020
33021 @smallexample
33022 -target-disconnect
33023 @end smallexample
33024
33025 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
33026 generally not resumed.
33027
33028 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33029
33030 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
33031
33032 @subsubheading Example
33033
33034 @smallexample
33035 (gdb)
33036 -target-disconnect
33037 ^done
33038 (gdb)
33039 @end smallexample
33040
33041
33042 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
33043 @findex -target-download
33044
33045 @subsubheading Synopsis
33046
33047 @smallexample
33048 -target-download
33049 @end smallexample
33050
33051 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
33052 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
33053
33054 @table @samp
33055 @item section
33056 The name of the section.
33057 @item section-sent
33058 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
33059 @item section-size
33060 The size of the section.
33061 @item total-sent
33062 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
33063 @item total-size
33064 The size of the overall executable to download.
33065 @end table
33066
33067 @noindent
33068 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
33069 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
33070
33071 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
33072 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
33073
33074 @table @samp
33075 @item section
33076 The name of the section.
33077 @item section-size
33078 The size of the section.
33079 @item total-size
33080 The size of the overall executable to download.
33081 @end table
33082
33083 @noindent
33084 At the end, a summary is printed.
33085
33086 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33087
33088 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
33089
33090 @subsubheading Example
33091
33092 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
33093 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
33094
33095 @smallexample
33096 (gdb)
33097 -target-download
33098 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
33099 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
33100 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
33101 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
33102 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
33103 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
33104 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
33105 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
33106 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
33107 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
33108 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
33109 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
33110 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
33111 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
33112 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
33113 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
33114 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
33115 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
33116 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
33117 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
33118 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
33119 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
33120 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
33121 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
33122 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
33123 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
33124 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
33125 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
33126 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
33127 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
33128 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
33129 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
33130 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
33131 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
33132 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
33133 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
33134 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
33135 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
33136 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
33137 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
33138 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
33139 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
33140 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
33141 write-rate="429"
33142 (gdb)
33143 @end smallexample
33144
33145
33146 @ignore
33147 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
33148 @findex -target-exec-status
33149
33150 @subsubheading Synopsis
33151
33152 @smallexample
33153 -target-exec-status
33154 @end smallexample
33155
33156 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
33157 not, for instance).
33158
33159 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33160
33161 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
33162
33163 @subsubheading Example
33164 N.A.
33165
33166
33167 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
33168 @findex -target-list-available-targets
33169
33170 @subsubheading Synopsis
33171
33172 @smallexample
33173 -target-list-available-targets
33174 @end smallexample
33175
33176 List the possible targets to connect to.
33177
33178 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33179
33180 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
33181
33182 @subsubheading Example
33183 N.A.
33184
33185
33186 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
33187 @findex -target-list-current-targets
33188
33189 @subsubheading Synopsis
33190
33191 @smallexample
33192 -target-list-current-targets
33193 @end smallexample
33194
33195 Describe the current target.
33196
33197 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33198
33199 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
33200 other things).
33201
33202 @subsubheading Example
33203 N.A.
33204
33205
33206 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
33207 @findex -target-list-parameters
33208
33209 @subsubheading Synopsis
33210
33211 @smallexample
33212 -target-list-parameters
33213 @end smallexample
33214
33215 @c ????
33216 @end ignore
33217
33218 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33219
33220 No equivalent.
33221
33222 @subsubheading Example
33223 N.A.
33224
33225 @subheading The @code{-target-flash-erase} Command
33226 @findex -target-flash-erase
33227
33228 @subsubheading Synopsis
33229
33230 @smallexample
33231 -target-flash-erase
33232 @end smallexample
33233
33234 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
33235
33236 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{flash-erase}.
33237
33238 The output is a list of flash regions that have been erased, with starting
33239 addresses and memory region sizes.
33240
33241 @smallexample
33242 (gdb)
33243 -target-flash-erase
33244 ^done,erased-regions=@{address="0x0",size="0x40000"@}
33245 (gdb)
33246 @end smallexample
33247
33248 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
33249 @findex -target-select
33250
33251 @subsubheading Synopsis
33252
33253 @smallexample
33254 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
33255 @end smallexample
33256
33257 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
33258
33259 @table @samp
33260 @item @var{type}
33261 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
33262 @item @var{parameters}
33263 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
33264 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
33265 @end table
33266
33267 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
33268 which the target program is, in the following form:
33269
33270 @smallexample
33271 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
33272 args=[@var{arg list}]
33273 @end smallexample
33274
33275 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33276
33277 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
33278
33279 @subsubheading Example
33280
33281 @smallexample
33282 (gdb)
33283 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
33284 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
33285 (gdb)
33286 @end smallexample
33287
33288 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33289 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
33290 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
33291
33292
33293 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
33294 @findex -target-file-put
33295
33296 @subsubheading Synopsis
33297
33298 @smallexample
33299 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
33300 @end smallexample
33301
33302 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
33303 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
33304
33305 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33306
33307 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
33308
33309 @subsubheading Example
33310
33311 @smallexample
33312 (gdb)
33313 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
33314 ^done
33315 (gdb)
33316 @end smallexample
33317
33318
33319 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
33320 @findex -target-file-get
33321
33322 @subsubheading Synopsis
33323
33324 @smallexample
33325 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
33326 @end smallexample
33327
33328 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
33329 on the host system.
33330
33331 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33332
33333 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
33334
33335 @subsubheading Example
33336
33337 @smallexample
33338 (gdb)
33339 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
33340 ^done
33341 (gdb)
33342 @end smallexample
33343
33344
33345 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
33346 @findex -target-file-delete
33347
33348 @subsubheading Synopsis
33349
33350 @smallexample
33351 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
33352 @end smallexample
33353
33354 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
33355
33356 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33357
33358 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
33359
33360 @subsubheading Example
33361
33362 @smallexample
33363 (gdb)
33364 -target-file-delete remotefile
33365 ^done
33366 (gdb)
33367 @end smallexample
33368
33369
33370 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33371 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
33372 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
33373
33374 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
33375 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
33376
33377 @subsubheading Synopsis
33378
33379 @smallexample
33380 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
33381 @end smallexample
33382
33383 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
33384 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
33385 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
33386
33387 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33388
33389 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
33390
33391 @subsubheading Result
33392
33393 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
33394 defined for each exception:
33395
33396 @table @samp
33397 @item name
33398 The name of the exception.
33399
33400 @item address
33401 The address of the exception.
33402
33403 @end table
33404
33405 @subsubheading Example
33406
33407 @smallexample
33408 -info-ada-exceptions aint
33409 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
33410 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
33411 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
33412 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
33413 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
33414 @end smallexample
33415
33416 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
33417
33418 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
33419 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
33420 Catchpoint Commands}.
33421
33422
33423 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33424 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
33425 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
33426
33427 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
33428 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
33429 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
33430 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
33431
33432 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
33433 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
33434 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
33435
33436 @subsubheading Synopsis
33437
33438 @smallexample
33439 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
33440 @end smallexample
33441
33442 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
33443
33444 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
33445 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
33446 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
33447 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
33448 dash.
33449
33450 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33451
33452 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33453
33454 @subsubheading Result
33455
33456 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
33457
33458 @table @samp
33459 @item exists
33460 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
33461 @code{"false"} otherwise.
33462
33463 @end table
33464
33465 @subsubheading Example
33466
33467 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
33468
33469 @smallexample
33470 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
33471 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
33472 @end smallexample
33473
33474 @noindent
33475 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
33476 to the debugger:
33477
33478 @smallexample
33479 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
33480 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
33481 @end smallexample
33482
33483 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
33484 @findex -list-features
33485 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
33486
33487 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
33488 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
33489 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
33490 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
33491 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
33492 startup.
33493
33494 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
33495 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
33496 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
33497 is given below.
33498
33499 Example output:
33500
33501 @smallexample
33502 (gdb) -list-features
33503 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
33504 @end smallexample
33505
33506 The current list of features is:
33507
33508 @ftable @samp
33509 @item frozen-varobjs
33510 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
33511 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
33512 of @code{-varobj-create}.
33513 @item pending-breakpoints
33514 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
33515 command.
33516 @item python
33517 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
33518 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
33519 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
33520 @item thread-info
33521 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
33522 @item data-read-memory-bytes
33523 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
33524 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
33525 @item breakpoint-notifications
33526 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
33527 CLI will be announced via async records.
33528 @item ada-task-info
33529 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
33530 @item language-option
33531 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
33532 option (@pxref{Context management}).
33533 @item info-gdb-mi-command
33534 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
33535 @item undefined-command-error-code
33536 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
33537 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
33538 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
33539 @item exec-run-start-option
33540 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
33541 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
33542 @item data-disassemble-a-option
33543 Indicates that the @code{-data-disassemble} command supports the @option{-a}
33544 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Data Manipulation}).
33545 @end ftable
33546
33547 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
33548 @findex -list-target-features
33549
33550 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
33551 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
33552 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
33553 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
33554 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
33555 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
33556 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
33557 Example output:
33558
33559 @smallexample
33560 (gdb) -list-target-features
33561 ^done,result=["async"]
33562 @end smallexample
33563
33564 The current list of features is:
33565
33566 @table @samp
33567 @item async
33568 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
33569 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
33570 while the target is running.
33571
33572 @item reverse
33573 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
33574 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
33575
33576 @end table
33577
33578 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33579 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
33580 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
33581
33582 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
33583
33584 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
33585 @findex -gdb-exit
33586
33587 @subsubheading Synopsis
33588
33589 @smallexample
33590 -gdb-exit
33591 @end smallexample
33592
33593 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
33594
33595 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33596
33597 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
33598
33599 @subsubheading Example
33600
33601 @smallexample
33602 (gdb)
33603 -gdb-exit
33604 ^exit
33605 @end smallexample
33606
33607
33608 @ignore
33609 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
33610 @findex -exec-abort
33611
33612 @subsubheading Synopsis
33613
33614 @smallexample
33615 -exec-abort
33616 @end smallexample
33617
33618 Kill the inferior running program.
33619
33620 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33621
33622 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
33623
33624 @subsubheading Example
33625 N.A.
33626 @end ignore
33627
33628
33629 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
33630 @findex -gdb-set
33631
33632 @subsubheading Synopsis
33633
33634 @smallexample
33635 -gdb-set
33636 @end smallexample
33637
33638 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
33639 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
33640
33641 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33642
33643 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
33644
33645 @subsubheading Example
33646
33647 @smallexample
33648 (gdb)
33649 -gdb-set $foo=3
33650 ^done
33651 (gdb)
33652 @end smallexample
33653
33654
33655 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
33656 @findex -gdb-show
33657
33658 @subsubheading Synopsis
33659
33660 @smallexample
33661 -gdb-show
33662 @end smallexample
33663
33664 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
33665
33666 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33667
33668 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
33669
33670 @subsubheading Example
33671
33672 @smallexample
33673 (gdb)
33674 -gdb-show annotate
33675 ^done,value="0"
33676 (gdb)
33677 @end smallexample
33678
33679 @c @subheading -gdb-source
33680
33681
33682 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
33683 @findex -gdb-version
33684
33685 @subsubheading Synopsis
33686
33687 @smallexample
33688 -gdb-version
33689 @end smallexample
33690
33691 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
33692
33693 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33694
33695 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
33696 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
33697
33698 @subsubheading Example
33699
33700 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
33701 @c box in TeX.
33702 @smallexample
33703 (gdb)
33704 -gdb-version
33705 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
33706 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33707 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
33708 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
33709 ~ certain conditions.
33710 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33711 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
33712 ~ details.
33713 ~This GDB was configured as
33714 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
33715 ^done
33716 (gdb)
33717 @end smallexample
33718
33719 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
33720 @findex -list-thread-groups
33721
33722 @subheading Synopsis
33723
33724 @smallexample
33725 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
33726 @end smallexample
33727
33728 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
33729 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
33730 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
33731 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
33732 top-level thread groups.
33733
33734 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
33735 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
33736 available on the target.
33737
33738 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
33739 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
33740 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
33741 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
33742 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
33743 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
33744 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
33745 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
33746
33747 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
33748 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
33749 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
33750 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
33751 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
33752 @samp{threads} field.
33753
33754 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
33755 the following caveats:
33756
33757 @itemize @bullet
33758 @item
33759 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
33760 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
33761 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
33762
33763 @item
33764 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
33765 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
33766 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
33767 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
33768 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
33769 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
33770
33771 @end itemize
33772
33773 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
33774 have the following fields:
33775
33776 @table @code
33777 @item id
33778 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
33779 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
33780 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
33781
33782 @item type
33783 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
33784 valid type.
33785
33786 @item pid
33787 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
33788 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
33789
33790 @item exit-code
33791 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
33792 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
33793 only if the process is not running.
33794
33795 @item num_children
33796 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
33797 absent for an available thread group.
33798
33799 @item threads
33800 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
33801 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
33802 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
33803
33804 @item cores
33805 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
33806 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
33807 such information is not available.
33808
33809 @item executable
33810 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
33811 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
33812 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
33813
33814 @end table
33815
33816 @subheading Example
33817
33818 @smallexample
33819 @value{GDBP}
33820 -list-thread-groups
33821 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
33822 -list-thread-groups 17
33823 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
33824 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
33825 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
33826 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
33827 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158",arch="i386:x86_64"@},state="running"@}]]
33828 -list-thread-groups --available
33829 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
33830 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
33831 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33832 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33833 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
33834 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
33835 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
33836 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
33837 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
33838 @end smallexample
33839
33840 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
33841 @findex -info-os
33842
33843 @subsubheading Synopsis
33844
33845 @smallexample
33846 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
33847 @end smallexample
33848
33849 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
33850 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
33851 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
33852 of data of that type.
33853
33854 The types of information available depend on the target operating
33855 system.
33856
33857 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33858
33859 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
33860
33861 @subsubheading Example
33862
33863 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
33864 like this:
33865
33866 @smallexample
33867 @value{GDBP}
33868 -info-os
33869 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
33870 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
33871 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
33872 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
33873 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
33874 col2="CPUs"@},
33875 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
33876 col2="File descriptors"@},
33877 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
33878 col2="Kernel modules"@},
33879 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
33880 col2="Message queues"@},
33881 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
33882 col2="Processes"@},
33883 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
33884 col2="Process groups"@},
33885 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
33886 col2="Semaphores"@},
33887 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
33888 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
33889 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
33890 col2="Sockets"@},
33891 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
33892 col2="Threads"@}]
33893 @value{GDBP}
33894 -info-os processes
33895 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
33896 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
33897 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
33898 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
33899 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
33900 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
33901 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
33902 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
33903 ...
33904 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
33905 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
33906 (gdb)
33907 @end smallexample
33908
33909 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
33910 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
33911 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
33912 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
33913 @code{info os} omits it.)
33914
33915 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
33916 @findex -add-inferior
33917
33918 @subheading Synopsis
33919
33920 @smallexample
33921 -add-inferior
33922 @end smallexample
33923
33924 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
33925 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
33926 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
33927 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
33928 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
33929 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
33930
33931 @subheading Example
33932
33933 @smallexample
33934 @value{GDBP}
33935 -add-inferior
33936 ^done,inferior="i3"
33937 @end smallexample
33938
33939 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
33940 @findex -interpreter-exec
33941
33942 @subheading Synopsis
33943
33944 @smallexample
33945 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
33946 @end smallexample
33947 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
33948
33949 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
33950
33951 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33952
33953 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
33954
33955 @subheading Example
33956
33957 @smallexample
33958 (gdb)
33959 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
33960 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
33961 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
33962 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
33963 ^done
33964 (gdb)
33965 @end smallexample
33966
33967 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
33968 @findex -inferior-tty-set
33969
33970 @subheading Synopsis
33971
33972 @smallexample
33973 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33974 @end smallexample
33975
33976 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
33977
33978 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33979
33980 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
33981
33982 @subheading Example
33983
33984 @smallexample
33985 (gdb)
33986 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33987 ^done
33988 (gdb)
33989 @end smallexample
33990
33991 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
33992 @findex -inferior-tty-show
33993
33994 @subheading Synopsis
33995
33996 @smallexample
33997 -inferior-tty-show
33998 @end smallexample
33999
34000 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
34001
34002 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34003
34004 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
34005
34006 @subheading Example
34007
34008 @smallexample
34009 (gdb)
34010 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34011 ^done
34012 (gdb)
34013 -inferior-tty-show
34014 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
34015 (gdb)
34016 @end smallexample
34017
34018 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
34019 @findex -enable-timings
34020
34021 @subheading Synopsis
34022
34023 @smallexample
34024 -enable-timings [yes | no]
34025 @end smallexample
34026
34027 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
34028 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
34029 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
34030 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
34031
34032 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34033
34034 No equivalent.
34035
34036 @subheading Example
34037
34038 @smallexample
34039 (gdb)
34040 -enable-timings
34041 ^done
34042 (gdb)
34043 -break-insert main
34044 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
34045 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
34046 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
34047 times="0"@},
34048 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
34049 (gdb)
34050 -enable-timings no
34051 ^done
34052 (gdb)
34053 -exec-run
34054 ^running
34055 (gdb)
34056 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
34057 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
34058 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
34059 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
34060 (gdb)
34061 @end smallexample
34062
34063 @node Annotations
34064 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
34065
34066 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
34067 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
34068 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
34069 relatively high level.
34070
34071 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
34072 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
34073
34074 @ignore
34075 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
34076 @end ignore
34077
34078 @menu
34079 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
34080 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
34081 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
34082 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
34083 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
34084 * Annotations for Running::
34085 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
34086 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
34087 @end menu
34088
34089 @node Annotations Overview
34090 @section What is an Annotation?
34091 @cindex annotations
34092
34093 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
34094 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
34095 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
34096 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
34097 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
34098 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
34099 cannot contain newline characters.
34100
34101 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
34102 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
34103 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
34104 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
34105 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
34106 means those three characters as output.
34107
34108 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
34109 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
34110 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
34111 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
34112 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
34113 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
34114 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
34115 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
34116 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
34117
34118 @table @code
34119 @kindex set annotate
34120 @item set annotate @var{level}
34121 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
34122 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
34123
34124 @item show annotate
34125 @kindex show annotate
34126 Show the current annotation level.
34127 @end table
34128
34129 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
34130
34131 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
34132
34133 @smallexample
34134 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
34135 GNU gdb 6.0
34136 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
34137 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
34138 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
34139 under certain conditions.
34140 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
34141 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
34142 for details.
34143 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
34144
34145 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
34146 (@value{GDBP})
34147 ^Z^Zprompt
34148 @kbd{quit}
34149
34150 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
34151 $
34152 @end smallexample
34153
34154 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
34155 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
34156 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
34157 output from @value{GDBN}.
34158
34159 @node Server Prefix
34160 @section The Server Prefix
34161 @cindex server prefix
34162
34163 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
34164 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
34165 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
34166 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
34167 a transparent manner.
34168
34169 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
34170 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
34171 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
34172 @code{print} command.
34173
34174 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
34175 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
34176
34177 @node Prompting
34178 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
34179
34180 @cindex annotations for prompts
34181 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
34182 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
34183 over, etc.
34184
34185 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
34186 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
34187 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
34188 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
34189 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
34190 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
34191 features the following annotations:
34192
34193 @smallexample
34194 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
34195 ^Z^Zprompt
34196 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
34197 @end smallexample
34198
34199 The input types are
34200
34201 @table @code
34202 @findex pre-prompt annotation
34203 @findex prompt annotation
34204 @findex post-prompt annotation
34205 @item prompt
34206 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
34207
34208 @findex pre-commands annotation
34209 @findex commands annotation
34210 @findex post-commands annotation
34211 @item commands
34212 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
34213 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
34214
34215 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
34216 @findex overload-choice annotation
34217 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
34218 @item overload-choice
34219 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
34220
34221 @findex pre-query annotation
34222 @findex query annotation
34223 @findex post-query annotation
34224 @item query
34225 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
34226
34227 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
34228 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
34229 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
34230 @item prompt-for-continue
34231 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
34232 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
34233 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
34234 presence of annotations.
34235 @end table
34236
34237 @node Errors
34238 @section Errors
34239 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
34240
34241 @findex quit annotation
34242 @smallexample
34243 ^Z^Zquit
34244 @end smallexample
34245
34246 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
34247
34248 @findex error annotation
34249 @smallexample
34250 ^Z^Zerror
34251 @end smallexample
34252
34253 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
34254
34255 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
34256 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
34257 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
34258 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
34259 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
34260 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
34261 to the top level.
34262
34263 @findex error-begin annotation
34264 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
34265
34266 @smallexample
34267 ^Z^Zerror-begin
34268 @end smallexample
34269
34270 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
34271 message.
34272
34273 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
34274 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
34275 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
34276
34277 @node Invalidation
34278 @section Invalidation Notices
34279
34280 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
34281 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
34282 changed.
34283
34284 @table @code
34285 @findex frames-invalid annotation
34286 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
34287
34288 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
34289 have changed.
34290
34291 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
34292 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
34293
34294 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
34295 deleted a breakpoint.
34296 @end table
34297
34298 @node Annotations for Running
34299 @section Running the Program
34300 @cindex annotations for running programs
34301
34302 @findex starting annotation
34303 @findex stopping annotation
34304 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
34305 @code{step} or @code{continue},
34306
34307 @smallexample
34308 ^Z^Zstarting
34309 @end smallexample
34310
34311 is output. When the program stops,
34312
34313 @smallexample
34314 ^Z^Zstopped
34315 @end smallexample
34316
34317 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
34318 annotations describe how the program stopped.
34319
34320 @table @code
34321 @findex exited annotation
34322 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
34323 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
34324 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
34325
34326 @findex signalled annotation
34327 @findex signal-name annotation
34328 @findex signal-name-end annotation
34329 @findex signal-string annotation
34330 @findex signal-string-end annotation
34331 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
34332 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
34333 annotation continues:
34334
34335 @smallexample
34336 @var{intro-text}
34337 ^Z^Zsignal-name
34338 @var{name}
34339 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
34340 @var{middle-text}
34341 ^Z^Zsignal-string
34342 @var{string}
34343 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
34344 @var{end-text}
34345 @end smallexample
34346
34347 @noindent
34348 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
34349 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
34350 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
34351 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
34352 user's benefit and have no particular format.
34353
34354 @findex signal annotation
34355 @item ^Z^Zsignal
34356 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
34357 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
34358 terminated with it.
34359
34360 @findex breakpoint annotation
34361 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
34362 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
34363
34364 @findex watchpoint annotation
34365 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
34366 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
34367 @end table
34368
34369 @node Source Annotations
34370 @section Displaying Source
34371 @cindex annotations for source display
34372
34373 @findex source annotation
34374 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
34375
34376 @smallexample
34377 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
34378 @end smallexample
34379
34380 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
34381 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
34382 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
34383 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
34384 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
34385 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
34386 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
34387 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
34388 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
34389 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
34390 depend on the language).
34391
34392 @node JIT Interface
34393 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
34394 @cindex just-in-time compilation
34395 @cindex JIT compilation interface
34396
34397 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
34398 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
34399 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
34400 performance while maintaining platform independence.
34401
34402 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
34403 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
34404 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
34405 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
34406 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
34407 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
34408
34409 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
34410 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
34411 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
34412 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
34413 LLVM JIT.
34414
34415 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
34416 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
34417 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
34418 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
34419 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
34420 out about additional code.
34421
34422 @menu
34423 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
34424 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
34425 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
34426 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
34427 @end menu
34428
34429 @node Declarations
34430 @section JIT Declarations
34431
34432 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
34433 implement the interface:
34434
34435 @smallexample
34436 typedef enum
34437 @{
34438 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
34439 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
34440 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
34441 @} jit_actions_t;
34442
34443 struct jit_code_entry
34444 @{
34445 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
34446 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
34447 const char *symfile_addr;
34448 uint64_t symfile_size;
34449 @};
34450
34451 struct jit_descriptor
34452 @{
34453 uint32_t version;
34454 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
34455 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
34456 uint32_t action_flag;
34457 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
34458 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
34459 @};
34460
34461 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
34462 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
34463
34464 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
34465 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
34466 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
34467 @end smallexample
34468
34469 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
34470 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
34471 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
34472
34473 @node Registering Code
34474 @section Registering Code
34475
34476 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
34477
34478 @itemize @bullet
34479 @item
34480 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
34481 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
34482
34483 @item
34484 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
34485 file.
34486
34487 @item
34488 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
34489
34490 @item
34491 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
34492
34493 @item
34494 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
34495 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34496 @end itemize
34497
34498 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
34499 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
34500 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
34501 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
34502
34503 @node Unregistering Code
34504 @section Unregistering Code
34505
34506 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
34507
34508 @itemize @bullet
34509 @item
34510 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
34511
34512 @item
34513 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
34514
34515 @item
34516 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
34517 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
34518 @end itemize
34519
34520 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
34521 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
34522
34523 @node Custom Debug Info
34524 @section Custom Debug Info
34525 @cindex custom JIT debug info
34526 @cindex JIT debug info reader
34527
34528 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
34529 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
34530 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
34531 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
34532 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
34533 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
34534 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
34535 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
34536 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
34537
34538 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
34539 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
34540 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
34541 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
34542 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
34543 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
34544 compiler.
34545
34546 @menu
34547 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
34548 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
34549 @end menu
34550
34551 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34552 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
34553 @kindex jit-reader-load
34554 @kindex jit-reader-unload
34555
34556 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
34557 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
34558
34559 @table @code
34560 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
34561 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
34562 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
34563 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
34564 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
34565 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
34566 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
34567
34568 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
34569 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
34570 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
34571 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
34572 @code{jit-reader-load}.
34573
34574 @item jit-reader-unload
34575 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
34576
34577 @end table
34578
34579 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34580 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
34581 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
34582
34583 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
34584 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
34585
34586 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
34587 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
34588 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
34589 the system include directory.
34590
34591 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
34592 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
34593 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
34594
34595 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
34596 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
34597
34598 @findex gdb_init_reader
34599 @smallexample
34600 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
34601 @end smallexample
34602
34603 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
34604
34605 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
34606 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
34607 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
34608 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
34609 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
34610 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
34611
34612 @smallexample
34613 struct gdb_reader_funcs
34614 @{
34615 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
34616 int reader_version;
34617
34618 /* For use by the reader. */
34619 void *priv_data;
34620
34621 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
34622 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
34623 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
34624 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
34625 @};
34626 @end smallexample
34627
34628 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
34629 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
34630
34631 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
34632 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
34633 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
34634 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
34635 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
34636 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
34637 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
34638 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
34639 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
34640 target's address space.
34641
34642 @node In-Process Agent
34643 @chapter In-Process Agent
34644 @cindex debugging agent
34645 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
34646 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
34647 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
34648 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
34649 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
34650 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
34651 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
34652 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
34653 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
34654 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
34655 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
34656 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
34657 behavior without interrupting it.
34658
34659 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
34660 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
34661 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
34662 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
34663 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
34664 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
34665 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
34666 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
34667 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
34668
34669 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
34670 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
34671 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
34672 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
34673
34674 @anchor{Control Agent}
34675 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
34676 debugging with the following commands:
34677
34678 @table @code
34679 @kindex set agent on
34680 @item set agent on
34681 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
34682 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
34683 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
34684 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
34685 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
34686 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
34687
34688 @kindex set agent off
34689 @item set agent off
34690 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
34691 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
34692
34693 @kindex show agent
34694 @item show agent
34695 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
34696 the in-process agent.
34697 @end table
34698
34699 @menu
34700 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
34701 @end menu
34702
34703 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
34704 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
34705 @cindex in-process agent protocol
34706
34707 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
34708 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
34709 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
34710 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
34711 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
34712 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
34713 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
34714 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
34715 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
34716
34717 @menu
34718 * IPA Protocol Objects::
34719 * IPA Protocol Commands::
34720 @end menu
34721
34722 @node IPA Protocol Objects
34723 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
34724 @cindex ipa protocol objects
34725
34726 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
34727 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
34728
34729 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
34730 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
34731 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
34732 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
34733
34734 @enumerate
34735 @item
34736 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
34737 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
34738 @item
34739 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
34740 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
34741 the other one.
34742 @end enumerate
34743
34744 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
34745
34746 @enumerate
34747 @item
34748 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
34749 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
34750 @anchor{agent expression object}
34751 @item
34752 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
34753 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
34754 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
34755 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
34756 @item
34757 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
34758 @anchor{tracepoint object}
34759
34760 @end enumerate
34761
34762 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
34763 object:
34764
34765 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
34766 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
34767 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
34768 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
34769 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
34770 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
34771 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34772 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
34773 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
34774 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
34775 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
34776 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
34777 memory address for collecting.
34778 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
34779 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34780 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
34781 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34782 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
34783 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
34784 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
34785 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
34786 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
34787 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
34788 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
34789 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
34790 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
34791 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
34792 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
34793 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
34794 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
34795 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
34796 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
34797 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
34798 @ref{agent expression object}
34799 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
34800 @ref{agent expression object}
34801 @item actions @tab variable
34802 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
34803 @end multitable
34804
34805 @node IPA Protocol Commands
34806 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
34807 @cindex ipa protocol commands
34808
34809 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
34810 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
34811
34812 @table @samp
34813
34814 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
34815 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
34816 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
34817 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
34818 in IPA finally.
34819
34820 Replies:
34821 @table @samp
34822 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
34823 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
34824 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
34825 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
34826 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
34827 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
34828 @item E @var{NN}
34829 for an error
34830
34831 @end table
34832
34833 @item close
34834 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
34835 is about to kill inferiors.
34836
34837 @item qTfSTM
34838 @xref{qTfSTM}.
34839 @item qTsSTM
34840 @xref{qTsSTM}.
34841 @item qTSTMat
34842 @xref{qTSTMat}.
34843 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
34844 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
34845
34846 Replies:
34847 @table @samp
34848 @item E @var{NN}
34849 for an error
34850 @end table
34851 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
34852 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
34853 @end table
34854
34855 @node GDB Bugs
34856 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
34857 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
34858 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
34859
34860 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
34861
34862 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
34863 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
34864 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
34865 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
34866
34867 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
34868 information that enables us to fix the bug.
34869
34870 @menu
34871 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
34872 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
34873 @end menu
34874
34875 @node Bug Criteria
34876 @section Have You Found a Bug?
34877 @cindex bug criteria
34878
34879 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
34880
34881 @itemize @bullet
34882 @cindex fatal signal
34883 @cindex debugger crash
34884 @cindex crash of debugger
34885 @item
34886 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
34887 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
34888
34889 @cindex error on valid input
34890 @item
34891 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
34892 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
34893 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
34894
34895 @cindex invalid input
34896 @item
34897 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
34898 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
34899 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
34900 for traditional practice''.
34901
34902 @item
34903 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
34904 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
34905 @end itemize
34906
34907 @node Bug Reporting
34908 @section How to Report Bugs
34909 @cindex bug reports
34910 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
34911
34912 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
34913 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
34914 contact that organization first.
34915
34916 You can find contact information for many support companies and
34917 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
34918 distribution.
34919 @c should add a web page ref...
34920
34921 @ifset BUGURL
34922 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
34923 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34924 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
34925 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
34926 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
34927 be used.
34928
34929 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
34930 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
34931 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
34932 @samp{bug-gdb}.
34933
34934 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
34935 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
34936 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
34937 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
34938 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
34939 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
34940 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
34941 bug reports to the mailing list.
34942 @end ifset
34943 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
34944 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34945 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
34946 @end ifclear
34947 @end ifset
34948
34949 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
34950 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
34951 fact or leave it out, state it!
34952
34953 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
34954 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
34955 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
34956 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
34957 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
34958 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
34959 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
34960 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
34961 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
34962
34963 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
34964 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
34965 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
34966 self-contained.
34967
34968 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
34969 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
34970 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
34971 bugs properly.
34972
34973 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
34974
34975 @itemize @bullet
34976 @item
34977 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
34978 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
34979 version}.
34980
34981 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
34982 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
34983
34984 @item
34985 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
34986 version number.
34987
34988 @item
34989 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
34990 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
34991 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
34992 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
34993
34994 @item
34995 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
34996 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
34997
34998 @item
34999 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
35000 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
35001 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
35002 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
35003 those compilers.
35004
35005 @item
35006 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
35007 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
35008 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
35009 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
35010
35011 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
35012 and then we might not encounter the bug.
35013
35014 @item
35015 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
35016 reproduce the bug.
35017
35018 @item
35019 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
35020 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
35021
35022 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
35023 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
35024 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
35025 a chance to make a mistake.
35026
35027 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
35028 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
35029 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
35030 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
35031 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
35032 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
35033 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
35034 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
35035
35036 @pindex script
35037 @cindex recording a session script
35038 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
35039 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
35040 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
35041 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
35042
35043 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
35044 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
35045
35046 @item
35047 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
35048 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
35049 it by context, not by line number.
35050
35051 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
35052 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
35053
35054 @end itemize
35055
35056 Here are some things that are not necessary:
35057
35058 @itemize @bullet
35059 @item
35060 A description of the envelope of the bug.
35061
35062 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
35063 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
35064 changes will not affect it.
35065
35066 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
35067 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
35068 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
35069 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
35070
35071 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
35072 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
35073 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
35074 less time, and so on.
35075
35076 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
35077 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
35078
35079 @item
35080 A patch for the bug.
35081
35082 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
35083 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
35084 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
35085 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
35086
35087 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
35088 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
35089 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
35090 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
35091
35092 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
35093 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
35094 help us to understand.
35095
35096 @item
35097 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
35098
35099 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
35100 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
35101 @end itemize
35102
35103 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
35104 @c and consists of the two following files:
35105 @c rluser.texi
35106 @c hsuser.texi
35107 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
35108 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
35109 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
35110 @include rluser.texi
35111 @include hsuser.texi
35112 @end ifclear
35113
35114 @node In Memoriam
35115 @appendix In Memoriam
35116
35117 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
35118 contributors:
35119
35120 @table @code
35121 @item Fred Fish
35122 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
35123 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
35124 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
35125
35126 @item Michael Snyder
35127 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
35128 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
35129 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
35130 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
35131 @end table
35132
35133 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
35134 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
35135
35136 @node Formatting Documentation
35137 @appendix Formatting Documentation
35138
35139 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
35140 @cindex reference card
35141 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
35142 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
35143 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
35144 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
35145 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
35146 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
35147
35148 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
35149 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
35150
35151 @smallexample
35152 make refcard.dvi
35153 @end smallexample
35154
35155 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
35156 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
35157 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
35158 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
35159 your @sc{dvi} output program.
35160
35161 @cindex documentation
35162
35163 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
35164 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
35165 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
35166 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
35167 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
35168 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
35169
35170 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
35171 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
35172 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
35173 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
35174 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
35175 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
35176 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
35177 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
35178
35179 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
35180 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
35181 @code{makeinfo}.
35182
35183 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
35184 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
35185 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
35186
35187 @smallexample
35188 cd gdb
35189 make gdb.info
35190 @end smallexample
35191
35192 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
35193 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
35194 Texinfo definitions file.
35195
35196 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
35197 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
35198 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
35199 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
35200 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
35201 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
35202 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
35203
35204 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
35205 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
35206 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
35207 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
35208 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
35209 directory.
35210
35211 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
35212 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
35213 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
35214 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
35215
35216 @smallexample
35217 make gdb.dvi
35218 @end smallexample
35219
35220 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
35221
35222 @node Installing GDB
35223 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
35224 @cindex installation
35225
35226 @menu
35227 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
35228 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
35229 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
35230 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
35231 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
35232 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
35233 @end menu
35234
35235 @node Requirements
35236 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
35237 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
35238
35239 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
35240 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
35241
35242 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
35243 @table @asis
35244 @item C@t{++}11 compiler
35245 @value{GDBN} is written in C@t{++}11. It should be buildable with any
35246 recent C@t{++}11 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
35247
35248 @item GNU make
35249 @value{GDBN}'s build system relies on features only found in the GNU
35250 make program. Other variants of @code{make} will not work.
35251 @end table
35252
35253 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
35254 @table @asis
35255 @item Expat
35256 @anchor{Expat}
35257 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
35258 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
35259 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
35260 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
35261 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
35262 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
35263
35264 Expat is used for:
35265
35266 @itemize @bullet
35267 @item
35268 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
35269 @item
35270 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
35271 @item
35272 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
35273 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
35274 @item
35275 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
35276 @item
35277 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
35278 @item
35279 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
35280 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
35281 @end itemize
35282
35283 @item Guile
35284 @value{GDBN} can be scripted using GNU Guile. @xref{Guile}. By
35285 default, @value{GDBN} will be compiled if the Guile libraries are
35286 installed and are found by @file{configure}. You can use the
35287 @code{--with-guile} option to request Guile, and pass either the Guile
35288 version number or the file name of the relevant @code{pkg-config}
35289 program to choose a particular version of Guile.
35290
35291 @item iconv
35292 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
35293 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
35294 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
35295 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
35296
35297 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
35298 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to
35299 find it. This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies
35300 the directory that contains the @code{iconv} program. This program is
35301 run in order to make a list of the available character sets.
35302
35303 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If
35304 Libiconv is installed in a standard place, @value{GDBN} will
35305 automatically use it if it is needed. If you have previously
35306 installed Libiconv in a non-standard place, you can use the
35307 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to @file{configure}.
35308
35309 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
35310 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
35311 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
35312 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
35313 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
35314 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
35315 Libiconv, unpack it inside the top-level directory of the @value{GDBN}
35316 source tree, and then rename the directory holding the Libiconv source
35317 code to @samp{libiconv}.
35318
35319 @item lzma
35320 @value{GDBN} can support debugging sections that are compressed with
35321 the LZMA library. @xref{MiniDebugInfo}. If this library is not
35322 included with your operating system, you can find it in the xz package
35323 at @url{http://tukaani.org/xz/}. If the LZMA library is available in
35324 the usual place, then the @file{configure} script will use it
35325 automatically. If it is installed in an unusual path, you can use the
35326 @option{--with-lzma-prefix} option to specify its location.
35327
35328 @item MPFR
35329 @anchor{MPFR}
35330 @value{GDBN} can use the GNU MPFR multiple-precision floating-point
35331 library. This library may be included with your operating system
35332 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
35333 @url{http://www.mpfr.org}. The @file{configure} script will search
35334 for this library in several standard locations; if it is installed
35335 in an unusual path, you can use the @option{--with-libmpfr-prefix}
35336 option to specify its location.
35337
35338 GNU MPFR is used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during
35339 expression evaluation when the target uses different floating-point
35340 formats than the host. If GNU MPFR it is not available, @value{GDBN}
35341 will fall back to using host floating-point arithmetic.
35342
35343 @item Python
35344 @value{GDBN} can be scripted using Python language. @xref{Python}.
35345 By default, @value{GDBN} will be compiled if the Python libraries are
35346 installed and are found by @file{configure}. You can use the
35347 @code{--with-python} option to request Python, and pass either the
35348 file name of the relevant @code{python} executable, or the name of the
35349 directory in which Python is installed, to choose a particular
35350 installation of Python.
35351
35352 @item zlib
35353 @cindex compressed debug sections
35354 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
35355 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
35356 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
35357 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
35358 information in such binaries.
35359
35360 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
35361 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
35362 @url{http://zlib.net}.
35363 @end table
35364
35365 @node Running Configure
35366 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
35367 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
35368 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
35369 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
35370 build the @code{gdb} program.
35371 @iftex
35372 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
35373 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
35374 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
35375 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
35376 @end iftex
35377
35378 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
35379 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
35380 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
35381
35382 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
35383 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
35384
35385 @table @code
35386 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
35387 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
35388
35389 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
35390 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
35391
35392 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
35393 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
35394
35395 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
35396 @sc{gnu} include files
35397
35398 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
35399 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
35400
35401 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
35402 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
35403
35404 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
35405 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
35406 @end table
35407
35408 There may be other subdirectories as well.
35409
35410 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
35411 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
35412 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
35413
35414 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
35415 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
35416 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
35417 argument.
35418
35419 For example:
35420
35421 @smallexample
35422 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
35423 ./configure
35424 make
35425 @end smallexample
35426
35427 Running @samp{configure} and then running @code{make} builds the
35428 included supporting libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured
35429 source files, and the binaries, are left in the corresponding source
35430 directories.
35431
35432 @need 750
35433 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
35434 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
35435 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
35436
35437 @smallexample
35438 sh configure
35439 @end smallexample
35440
35441 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
35442 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
35443 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
35444 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
35445 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
35446 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
35447 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
35448 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
35449 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
35450
35451 You can install @code{@value{GDBN}} anywhere. The best way to do this
35452 is to pass the @code{--prefix} option to @code{configure}, and then
35453 install it with @code{make install}.
35454
35455 @node Separate Objdir
35456 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
35457
35458 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
35459 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
35460 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
35461 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
35462 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
35463 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
35464 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
35465 program specified there.
35466
35467 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
35468 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
35469 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
35470 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
35471 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
35472 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
35473
35474 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
35475 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
35476
35477 @smallexample
35478 @group
35479 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
35480 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
35481 cd ../gdb-sun4
35482 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure
35483 make
35484 @end group
35485 @end smallexample
35486
35487 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
35488 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
35489 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
35490 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
35491 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
35492 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
35493
35494 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
35495 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
35496 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
35497 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
35498 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
35499
35500 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
35501 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
35502 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
35503 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
35504 You specify a cross-debugging target by
35505 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
35506
35507 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
35508 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
35509 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
35510
35511 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
35512 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
35513 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
35514 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
35515 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
35516
35517 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
35518 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
35519 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
35520 with each other.
35521
35522 @node Config Names
35523 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
35524
35525 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
35526 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
35527 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
35528 of information in the following pattern:
35529
35530 @smallexample
35531 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
35532 @end smallexample
35533
35534 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
35535 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
35536 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
35537
35538 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
35539 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
35540 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
35541 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
35542 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
35543 abbreviations---for example:
35544
35545 @smallexample
35546 % sh config.sub i386-linux
35547 i386-pc-linux-gnu
35548 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
35549 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
35550 % sh config.sub hp9k700
35551 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
35552 % sh config.sub sun4
35553 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
35554 % sh config.sub sun3
35555 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
35556 % sh config.sub i986v
35557 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
35558 @end smallexample
35559
35560 @noindent
35561 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
35562 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
35563
35564 @node Configure Options
35565 @section @file{configure} Options
35566
35567 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
35568 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure}
35569 also has several other options not listed here. @inforef{Running
35570 configure scripts,,autoconf.info}, for a full
35571 explanation of @file{configure}.
35572
35573 @smallexample
35574 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
35575 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35576 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
35577 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
35578 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
35579 @end smallexample
35580
35581 @noindent
35582 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
35583 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
35584 @samp{--}.
35585
35586 @table @code
35587 @item --help
35588 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
35589
35590 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
35591 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
35592 @file{@var{dir}}.
35593
35594 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
35595 Configure the source to install programs under directory
35596 @file{@var{dir}}.
35597
35598 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
35599 @need 2000
35600 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
35601 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
35602 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
35603 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
35604 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
35605 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
35606 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
35607 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
35608 @var{dirname}.
35609
35610 @item --target=@var{target}
35611 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
35612 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
35613 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
35614
35615 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available
35616 targets. Also see the @code{--enable-targets} option, below.
35617 @end table
35618
35619 There are many other options that are specific to @value{GDBN}. This
35620 lists just the most common ones; there are some very specialized
35621 options not described here.
35622
35623 @table @code
35624 @item --enable-targets=@r{[}@var{target}@r{]}@dots{}
35625 @itemx --enable-targets=all
35626 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the
35627 specified list of targets. The special value @samp{all} configures
35628 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs running on any target it supports.
35629
35630 @item --with-gdb-datadir=@var{path}
35631 Set the @value{GDBN}-specific data directory. @value{GDBN} will look
35632 here for certain supporting files or scripts. This defaults to the
35633 @file{gdb} subdirectory of @samp{datadi} (which can be set using
35634 @code{--datadir}).
35635
35636 @item --with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}
35637 Sets up the default source path substitution rule so that directory
35638 names recorded in debug information will be automatically adjusted for
35639 any directory under @var{dir}. @var{dir} should be a subdirectory of
35640 @value{GDBN}'s configured prefix, the one mentioned in the
35641 @code{--prefix} or @code{--exec-prefix} options to configure. This
35642 option is useful if GDB is supposed to be moved to a different place
35643 after it is built.
35644
35645 @item --enable-64-bit-bfd
35646 Enable 64-bit support in BFD on 32-bit hosts.
35647
35648 @item --disable-gdbmi
35649 Build @value{GDBN} without the GDB/MI machine interface
35650 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
35651
35652 @item --enable-tui
35653 Build @value{GDBN} with the text-mode full-screen user interface
35654 (TUI). Requires a curses library (ncurses and cursesX are also
35655 supported).
35656
35657 @item --with-curses
35658 Use the curses library instead of the termcap library, for text-mode
35659 terminal operations.
35660
35661 @item --with-libunwind-ia64
35662 Use the libunwind library for unwinding function call stack on ia64
35663 target platforms. See http://www.nongnu.org/libunwind/index.html for
35664 details.
35665
35666 @item --with-system-readline
35667 Use the readline library installed on the host, rather than the
35668 library supplied as part of @value{GDBN}.
35669
35670 @item --with-system-zlib
35671 Use the zlib library installed on the host, rather than the library
35672 supplied as part of @value{GDBN}.
35673
35674 @item --with-expat
35675 Build @value{GDBN} with Expat, a library for XML parsing. (Done by
35676 default if libexpat is installed and found at configure time.) This
35677 library is used to read XML files supplied with @value{GDBN}. If it
35678 is unavailable, some features, such as remote protocol memory maps,
35679 target descriptions, and shared library lists, that are based on XML
35680 files, will not be available in @value{GDBN}. If your host does not
35681 have libexpat installed, you can get the latest version from
35682 `http://expat.sourceforge.net'.
35683
35684 @item --with-libiconv-prefix@r{[}=@var{dir}@r{]}
35685
35686 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU libiconv, a character set encoding
35687 conversion library. This is not done by default, as on GNU systems
35688 the @code{iconv} that is built in to the C library is sufficient. If
35689 your host does not have a working @code{iconv}, you can get the latest
35690 version of GNU iconv from `https://www.gnu.org/software/libiconv/'.
35691
35692 @value{GDBN}'s build system also supports building GNU libiconv as
35693 part of the overall build. @xref{Requirements}.
35694
35695 @item --with-lzma
35696 Build @value{GDBN} with LZMA, a compression library. (Done by default
35697 if liblzma is installed and found at configure time.) LZMA is used by
35698 @value{GDBN}'s "mini debuginfo" feature, which is only useful on
35699 platforms using the ELF object file format. If your host does not
35700 have liblzma installed, you can get the latest version from
35701 `https://tukaani.org/xz/'.
35702
35703 @item --with-mpfr
35704 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU MPFR, a library for multiple-precision
35705 floating-point computation with correct rounding. (Done by default if
35706 GNU MPFR is installed and found at configure time.) This library is
35707 used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during expression
35708 evaluation when the target uses different floating-point formats than
35709 the host. If GNU MPFR is not available, @value{GDBN} will fall back
35710 to using host floating-point arithmetic. If your host does not have
35711 GNU MPFR installed, you can get the latest version from
35712 `http://www.mpfr.org'.
35713
35714 @item --with-python@r{[}=@var{python}@r{]}
35715 Build @value{GDBN} with Python scripting support. (Done by default if
35716 libpython is present and found at configure time.) Python makes
35717 @value{GDBN} scripting much more powerful than the restricted CLI
35718 scripting language. If your host does not have Python installed, you
35719 can find it on `http://www.python.org/download/'. The oldest version
35720 of Python supported by GDB is 2.4. The optional argument @var{python}
35721 is used to find the Python headers and libraries. It can be either
35722 the name of a Python executable, or the name of the directory in which
35723 Python is installed.
35724
35725 @item --with-guile[=GUILE]'
35726 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU Guile scripting support. (Done by default
35727 if libguile is present and found at configure time.) If your host
35728 does not have Guile installed, you can find it at
35729 `https://www.gnu.org/software/guile/'. The optional argument GUILE
35730 can be a version number, which will cause @code{configure} to try to
35731 use that version of Guile; or the file name of a @code{pkg-config}
35732 executable, which will be queried to find the information needed to
35733 compile and link against Guile.
35734
35735 @item --without-included-regex
35736 Don't use the regex library included with @value{GDBN} (as part of the
35737 libiberty library). This is the default on hosts with version 2 of
35738 the GNU C library.
35739
35740 @item --with-sysroot=@var{dir}
35741 Use @var{dir} as the default system root directory for libraries whose
35742 file names begin with @file{/lib}' or @file{/usr/lib'}. (The value of
35743 @var{dir} can be modified at run time by using the @command{set
35744 sysroot} command.) If @var{dir} is under the @value{GDBN} configured
35745 prefix (set with @code{--prefix} or @code{--exec-prefix options}, the
35746 default system root will be automatically adjusted if and when
35747 @value{GDBN} is moved to a different location.
35748
35749 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
35750 Configure @value{GDBN} to automatically load a system-wide init file.
35751 @var{file} should be an absolute file name. If @var{file} is in a
35752 directory under the configured prefix, and @value{GDBN} is moved to
35753 another location after being built, the location of the system-wide
35754 init file will be adjusted accordingly.
35755
35756 @item --enable-build-warnings
35757 When building the @value{GDBN} sources, ask the compiler to warn about
35758 any code which looks even vaguely suspicious. It passes many
35759 different warning flags, depending on the exact version of the
35760 compiler you are using.
35761
35762 @item --enable-werror
35763 Treat compiler warnings as werrors. It adds the @code{-Werror} flag
35764 to the compiler, which will fail the compilation if the compiler
35765 outputs any warning messages.
35766 @end table
35767
35768 @node System-wide configuration
35769 @section System-wide configuration and settings
35770 @cindex system-wide init file
35771
35772 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
35773 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
35774 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
35775
35776 Here is the corresponding configure option:
35777
35778 @table @code
35779 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
35780 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
35781 @var{file}.
35782 @end table
35783
35784 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
35785 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
35786
35787 @itemize @bullet
35788 @item
35789 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
35790 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
35791 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
35792 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
35793 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
35794 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
35795
35796 @item
35797 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
35798 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
35799 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35800 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
35801 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
35802 @end itemize
35803
35804 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
35805 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
35806 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
35807 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
35808 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
35809 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
35810 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
35811 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
35812 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
35813 reread.
35814
35815 @menu
35816 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
35817 @end menu
35818
35819 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
35820 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
35821 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
35822
35823 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
35824 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
35825 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
35826 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
35827 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
35828 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
35829
35830 The following scripts are currently available:
35831 @itemize @bullet
35832
35833 @item @file{elinos.py}
35834 @pindex elinos.py
35835 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
35836 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
35837 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
35838 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
35839 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
35840 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
35841
35842 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
35843 @pindex wrs-linux.py
35844 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
35845 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
35846 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
35847 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
35848
35849 @end itemize
35850
35851 @node Maintenance Commands
35852 @appendix Maintenance Commands
35853 @cindex maintenance commands
35854 @cindex internal commands
35855
35856 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
35857 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
35858 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
35859 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
35860 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
35861
35862 @table @code
35863 @kindex maint agent
35864 @kindex maint agent-eval
35865 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35866 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
35867 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
35868 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
35869 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
35870 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
35871 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
35872 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
35873 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
35874 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
35875 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
35876 addition and return the sum.
35877 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
35878 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
35879
35880 @kindex maint agent-printf
35881 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
35882 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
35883 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
35884 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
35885 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
35886
35887 @kindex maint info breakpoints
35888 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
35889 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
35890 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
35891 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
35892 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
35893 is shown:
35894
35895 @table @code
35896 @item breakpoint
35897 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
35898
35899 @item watchpoint
35900 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
35901
35902 @item longjmp
35903 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
35904 @code{longjmp} calls.
35905
35906 @item longjmp resume
35907 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
35908
35909 @item until
35910 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
35911
35912 @item finish
35913 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
35914
35915 @item shlib events
35916 Shared library events.
35917
35918 @end table
35919
35920 @kindex maint info btrace
35921 @item maint info btrace
35922 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
35923
35924 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
35925 @item maint btrace packet-history
35926 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
35927 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
35928 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
35929 recording format.
35930
35931 @table @code
35932 @item bts
35933 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
35934 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
35935
35936 @table @asis
35937 @item Block number
35938 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
35939 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
35940 @item Highest @samp{PC}
35941 @end table
35942
35943 @item pt
35944 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
35945 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
35946 information is printed:
35947
35948 @table @asis
35949 @item Packet number
35950 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
35951 @item Trace offset
35952 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
35953 @item Packet opcode and payload
35954 @end table
35955 @end table
35956
35957 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
35958 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
35959 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
35960 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
35961 needed.
35962
35963 @kindex maint btrace clear
35964 @item maint btrace clear
35965 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
35966 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
35967
35968 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
35969 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
35970 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
35971 buffer.
35972
35973 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
35974 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
35975 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
35976 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
35977 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
35978 packet history.
35979
35980 @kindex set displaced-stepping
35981 @kindex show displaced-stepping
35982 @cindex displaced stepping support
35983 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
35984 @item set displaced-stepping
35985 @itemx show displaced-stepping
35986 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
35987 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
35988 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
35989 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
35990 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
35991
35992 @table @code
35993 @item set displaced-stepping on
35994 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
35995 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
35996
35997 @item set displaced-stepping off
35998 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
35999 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
36000
36001 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
36002 @item set displaced-stepping auto
36003 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
36004 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
36005 architecture supports displaced stepping.
36006 @end table
36007
36008 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
36009 @item maint check-psymtabs
36010 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
36011 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
36012
36013 @kindex maint check-symtabs
36014 @item maint check-symtabs
36015 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
36016
36017 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
36018 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
36019 Expand symbol tables.
36020 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
36021 names matching @var{regexp}.
36022
36023 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
36024 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
36025 @cindex demangler crashes
36026 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
36027 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
36028 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
36029 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
36030 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
36031 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
36032 option to terminate the current session.
36033
36034 @kindex maint cplus first_component
36035 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
36036 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
36037
36038 @kindex maint cplus namespace
36039 @item maint cplus namespace
36040 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
36041
36042 @kindex maint deprecate
36043 @kindex maint undeprecate
36044 @cindex deprecated commands
36045 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
36046 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
36047 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
36048 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
36049 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
36050 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
36051 the replacement as part of the warning.
36052
36053 @kindex maint dump-me
36054 @item maint dump-me
36055 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
36056 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
36057 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
36058 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
36059
36060 @kindex maint internal-error
36061 @kindex maint internal-warning
36062 @kindex maint demangler-warning
36063 @cindex demangler crashes
36064 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36065 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36066 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36067
36068 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
36069 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
36070 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
36071 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
36072 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
36073 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
36074 @value{GDBN} session.
36075
36076 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
36077 used as the text of the error or warning message.
36078
36079 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
36080
36081 @smallexample
36082 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
36083 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
36084 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
36085 debugging may prove unreliable.
36086 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36087 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36088 (@value{GDBP})
36089 @end smallexample
36090
36091 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
36092 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
36093 @cindex demangler crashes
36094
36095 @kindex maint set internal-error
36096 @kindex maint show internal-error
36097 @kindex maint set internal-warning
36098 @kindex maint show internal-warning
36099 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
36100 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
36101 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36102 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
36103 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36104 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
36105 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36106 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
36107 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
36108 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
36109 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
36110 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
36111 described in the table below.
36112
36113 @table @samp
36114 @item quit
36115 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36116 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
36117
36118 @item corefile
36119 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36120 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
36121 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
36122 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
36123 disabled.
36124 @end table
36125
36126 @kindex maint packet
36127 @item maint packet @var{text}
36128 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
36129 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
36130 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
36131 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
36132 checksum.
36133
36134 @kindex maint print architecture
36135 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36136 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
36137 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
36138
36139 @kindex maint print c-tdesc @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36140 @item maint print c-tdesc
36141 Print the target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
36142 a C source file. By default, the target description is for the current
36143 target, but if the optional argument @var{file} is provided, that file
36144 is used to produce the description. The @var{file} should be an XML
36145 document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description Format}.
36146 The created source file is built into @value{GDBN} when @value{GDBN} is
36147 built again. This command is used by developers after they add or
36148 modify XML target descriptions.
36149
36150 @kindex maint check xml-descriptions
36151 @item maint check xml-descriptions @var{dir}
36152 Check that the target descriptions dynamically created by @value{GDBN}
36153 equal the descriptions created from XML files found in @var{dir}.
36154
36155 @anchor{maint check libthread-db}
36156 @kindex maint check libthread-db
36157 @item maint check libthread-db
36158 Run integrity checks on the current inferior's thread debugging
36159 library. This exercises all @code{libthread_db} functionality used by
36160 @value{GDBN} on GNU/Linux systems, and by extension also exercises the
36161 @code{proc_service} functions provided by @value{GDBN} that
36162 @code{libthread_db} uses. Note that parts of the test may be skipped
36163 on some platforms when debugging core files.
36164
36165 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
36166 @item maint print dummy-frames
36167 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
36168
36169 @smallexample
36170 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
36171 @dots{}
36172 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
36173 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
36174 58 return (a + b);
36175 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
36176 @dots{}
36177 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
36178 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
36179 (@value{GDBP})
36180 @end smallexample
36181
36182 Takes an optional file parameter.
36183
36184 @kindex maint print registers
36185 @kindex maint print raw-registers
36186 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
36187 @kindex maint print register-groups
36188 @kindex maint print remote-registers
36189 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36190 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36191 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36192 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36193 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36194 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
36195
36196 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
36197 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
36198 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
36199 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
36200 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
36201 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
36202 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
36203 and offsets in the `G' packets.
36204
36205 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
36206 write the information.
36207
36208 @kindex maint print reggroups
36209 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36210 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
36211 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
36212 information.
36213
36214 The register groups info looks like this:
36215
36216 @smallexample
36217 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
36218 Group Type
36219 general user
36220 float user
36221 all user
36222 vector user
36223 system user
36224 save internal
36225 restore internal
36226 @end smallexample
36227
36228 @kindex flushregs
36229 @item flushregs
36230 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
36231
36232 @kindex maint print objfiles
36233 @cindex info for known object files
36234 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
36235 Print a dump of all known object files.
36236 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
36237 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
36238 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
36239
36240 @kindex maint print user-registers
36241 @cindex user registers
36242 @item maint print user-registers
36243 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
36244 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
36245 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
36246 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
36247 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
36248 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
36249 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
36250
36251 @kindex maint print section-scripts
36252 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
36253 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
36254 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
36255 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
36256 matching @var{regexp}.
36257 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
36258 and the full path if known.
36259 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
36260
36261 @kindex maint print statistics
36262 @cindex bcache statistics
36263 @item maint print statistics
36264 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
36265 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
36266 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
36267 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
36268 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
36269 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
36270 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
36271 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
36272 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
36273 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
36274 lengths.
36275
36276 @kindex maint print target-stack
36277 @cindex target stack description
36278 @item maint print target-stack
36279 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
36280 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
36281 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
36282 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
36283 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
36284 address.
36285
36286 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
36287 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
36288
36289 @kindex maint print type
36290 @cindex type chain of a data type
36291 @item maint print type @var{expr}
36292 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
36293 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
36294 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
36295 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
36296 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
36297
36298 @kindex maint selftest
36299 @cindex self tests
36300 @item maint selftest @r{[}@var{filter}@r{]}
36301 Run any self tests that were compiled in to @value{GDBN}. This will
36302 print a message showing how many tests were run, and how many failed.
36303 If a @var{filter} is passed, only the tests with @var{filter} in their
36304 name will by ran.
36305
36306 @kindex "maint info selftests"
36307 @cindex self tests
36308 @item maint info selftests
36309 List the selftests compiled in to @value{GDBN}.
36310
36311 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
36312 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
36313 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
36314 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
36315 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
36316 information.
36317
36318 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
36319 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
36320 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
36321 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
36322 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
36323 always see the disassembly form.
36324
36325 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
36326
36327 @smallexample
36328 (gdb) info addr argc
36329 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
36330 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
36331 @end smallexample
36332
36333 For more information on these expressions, see
36334 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
36335
36336 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
36337 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
36338 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
36339 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
36340 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
36341
36342 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
36343 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
36344 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
36345 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
36346 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
36347 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
36348 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
36349 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
36350 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
36351
36352 @kindex maint set dwarf unwinders
36353 @kindex maint show dwarf unwinders
36354 @item maint set dwarf unwinders
36355 @itemx maint show dwarf unwinders
36356 Control use of the DWARF frame unwinders.
36357
36358 @cindex DWARF frame unwinders
36359 Many targets that support DWARF debugging use @value{GDBN}'s DWARF
36360 frame unwinders to build the backtrace. Many of these targets will
36361 also have a second mechanism for building the backtrace for use in
36362 cases where DWARF information is not available, this second mechanism
36363 is often an analysis of a function's prologue.
36364
36365 In order to extend testing coverage of the second level stack
36366 unwinding mechanisms it is helpful to be able to disable the DWARF
36367 stack unwinders, this can be done with this switch.
36368
36369 In normal use of @value{GDBN} disabling the DWARF unwinders is not
36370 advisable, there are cases that are better handled through DWARF than
36371 prologue analysis, and the debug experience is likely to be better
36372 with the DWARF frame unwinders enabled.
36373
36374 If DWARF frame unwinders are not supported for a particular target
36375 architecture, then enabling this flag does not cause them to be used.
36376 @kindex maint set profile
36377 @kindex maint show profile
36378 @cindex profiling GDB
36379 @item maint set profile
36380 @itemx maint show profile
36381 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
36382
36383 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
36384 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
36385 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
36386 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
36387 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
36388 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
36389 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
36390
36391 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
36392 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
36393
36394 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
36395 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
36396 @cindex hardware debug registers
36397 @item maint set show-debug-regs
36398 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
36399 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
36400 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
36401 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
36402 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
36403 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
36404
36405 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
36406 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
36407 @item maint set show-all-tib
36408 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
36409 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
36410 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
36411 command.
36412
36413 @kindex maint set target-async
36414 @kindex maint show target-async
36415 @item maint set target-async
36416 @itemx maint show target-async
36417 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
36418 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
36419 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
36420 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
36421
36422 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
36423 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
36424 @item maint set target-non-stop
36425 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
36426
36427 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
36428 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
36429 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
36430 if supported by the target.
36431
36432 @table @code
36433 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
36434 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
36435 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
36436
36437 @item maint set target-non-stop on
36438 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
36439 does not indicate support.
36440
36441 @item maint set target-non-stop off
36442 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
36443 target supports it.
36444 @end table
36445
36446 @kindex maint set per-command
36447 @kindex maint show per-command
36448 @item maint set per-command
36449 @itemx maint show per-command
36450 @cindex resources used by commands
36451
36452 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
36453 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
36454
36455 @table @code
36456 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
36457 @itemx maint show per-command space
36458 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
36459 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
36460 took, following the command's own output.
36461 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
36462 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
36463
36464 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
36465 @itemx maint show per-command time
36466 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
36467 for each command.
36468 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
36469 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
36470 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
36471 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
36472 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
36473 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
36474 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
36475 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
36476 spent by the program been debugged.
36477 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
36478 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
36479
36480 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
36481 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
36482 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
36483 for each command.
36484 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
36485
36486 @enumerate a
36487 @item
36488 number of symbol tables
36489 @item
36490 number of primary symbol tables
36491 @item
36492 number of blocks in the blockvector
36493 @end enumerate
36494 @end table
36495
36496 @kindex maint set check-libthread-db
36497 @kindex maint show check-libthread-db
36498 @item maint set check-libthread-db [on|off]
36499 @itemx maint show check-libthread-db
36500 Control whether @value{GDBN} should run integrity checks on inferior
36501 specific thread debugging libraries as they are loaded. The default
36502 is not to perform such checks. If any check fails @value{GDBN} will
36503 unload the library and continue searching for a suitable candidate as
36504 described in @ref{set libthread-db-search-path}. For more information
36505 about the tests, see @ref{maint check libthread-db}.
36506
36507 @kindex maint space
36508 @cindex memory used by commands
36509 @item maint space @var{value}
36510 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
36511 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
36512
36513 @kindex maint time
36514 @cindex time of command execution
36515 @item maint time @var{value}
36516 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
36517 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
36518
36519 @kindex maint translate-address
36520 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
36521 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
36522 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
36523 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
36524 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
36525 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
36526 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
36527
36528 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
36529 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
36530 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
36531
36532 @end table
36533
36534 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
36535 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
36536
36537 @table @code
36538 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
36539 @kindex set watchdog
36540 @cindex watchdog timer
36541 @cindex timeout for commands
36542 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
36543 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
36544 reports and error and the command is aborted.
36545
36546 @item show watchdog
36547 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
36548 @end table
36549
36550 @node Remote Protocol
36551 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
36552
36553 @menu
36554 * Overview::
36555 * Packets::
36556 * Stop Reply Packets::
36557 * General Query Packets::
36558 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
36559 * Tracepoint Packets::
36560 * Host I/O Packets::
36561 * Interrupts::
36562 * Notification Packets::
36563 * Remote Non-Stop::
36564 * Packet Acknowledgment::
36565 * Examples::
36566 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
36567 * Library List Format::
36568 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
36569 * Memory Map Format::
36570 * Thread List Format::
36571 * Traceframe Info Format::
36572 * Branch Trace Format::
36573 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
36574 @end menu
36575
36576 @node Overview
36577 @section Overview
36578
36579 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
36580 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
36581 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
36582 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
36583
36584 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
36585 transmitted and received data, respectively.
36586
36587 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
36588 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
36589 @cindex remote serial protocol
36590 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
36591 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
36592 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
36593 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
36594 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
36595
36596 @smallexample
36597 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36598 @end smallexample
36599 @noindent
36600
36601 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
36602 @noindent
36603 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
36604 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
36605 eight bit unsigned checksum).
36606
36607 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
36608 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
36609
36610 @smallexample
36611 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36612 @end smallexample
36613
36614 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
36615 @noindent
36616 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
36617 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
36618 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
36619
36620 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
36621 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
36622 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
36623 retransmission):
36624
36625 @smallexample
36626 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
36627 <- @code{+}
36628 @end smallexample
36629 @noindent
36630
36631 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
36632 once a connection is established.
36633 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
36634
36635 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
36636 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
36637 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
36638 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
36639 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
36640 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
36641 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
36642
36643 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
36644 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
36645 exceptions).
36646
36647 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
36648 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
36649 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
36650 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
36651
36652 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
36653 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
36654 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
36655
36656 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
36657 @anchor{Binary Data}
36658 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
36659 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
36660 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
36661 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
36662 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
36663 binary data.
36664
36665 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
36666 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
36667 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
36668 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
36669 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
36670 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
36671 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
36672 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
36673 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
36674 (described next).
36675
36676 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
36677 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
36678 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
36679 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
36680 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
36681 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
36682 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
36683 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
36684 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
36685 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
36686 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
36687 3}} more times.
36688
36689 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
36690 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
36691 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
36692 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
36693 @samp{0*"00}.
36694
36695 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
36696 error number. That number is not well defined.
36697
36698 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
36699 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
36700 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
36701 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
36702 on that response.
36703
36704 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
36705 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
36706 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
36707 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
36708 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
36709 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
36710
36711 @node Packets
36712 @section Packets
36713
36714 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
36715 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
36716 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
36717 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
36718
36719 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
36720 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
36721 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
36722 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
36723 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
36724 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
36725 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
36726 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
36727 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
36728 @var{baz}.
36729
36730 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
36731 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
36732 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
36733 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
36734 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
36735 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
36736 pick any thread.
36737
36738 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
36739 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
36740 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
36741 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
36742 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
36743 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
36744 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
36745 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
36746 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
36747 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
36748 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
36749 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
36750 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
36751
36752 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
36753 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
36754 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
36755 more information.
36756
36757 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
36758 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
36759
36760 Here are the packet descriptions.
36761
36762 @table @samp
36763
36764 @item !
36765 @cindex @samp{!} packet
36766 @anchor{extended mode}
36767 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
36768 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
36769 debugged.
36770
36771 Reply:
36772 @table @samp
36773 @item OK
36774 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
36775 @end table
36776
36777 @item ?
36778 @cindex @samp{?} packet
36779 @anchor{? packet}
36780 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
36781 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
36782 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
36783
36784 Reply:
36785 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36786
36787 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
36788 @cindex @samp{A} packet
36789 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
36790 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
36791 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
36792
36793 Reply:
36794 @table @samp
36795 @item OK
36796 The arguments were set.
36797 @item E @var{NN}
36798 An error occurred.
36799 @end table
36800
36801 @item b @var{baud}
36802 @cindex @samp{b} packet
36803 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
36804 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
36805
36806 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
36807 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
36808 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
36809
36810 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
36811 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
36812 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
36813 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
36814 of view, nothing actually happened.}
36815
36816 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
36817 @cindex @samp{B} packet
36818 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
36819 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
36820
36821 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
36822 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
36823
36824 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
36825 @anchor{bc}
36826 @item bc
36827 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
36828 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
36829
36830 Reply:
36831 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36832
36833 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
36834 @anchor{bs}
36835 @item bs
36836 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
36837 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
36838
36839 Reply:
36840 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36841
36842 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
36843 @cindex @samp{c} packet
36844 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
36845 is omitted, resume at current address.
36846
36847 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36848 packet}.
36849
36850 Reply:
36851 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36852
36853 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
36854 @cindex @samp{C} packet
36855 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
36856 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
36857
36858 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36859 packet}.
36860
36861 Reply:
36862 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36863
36864 @item d
36865 @cindex @samp{d} packet
36866 Toggle debug flag.
36867
36868 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
36869 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
36870
36871 @item D
36872 @itemx D;@var{pid}
36873 @cindex @samp{D} packet
36874 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
36875 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
36876 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
36877
36878 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
36879 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
36880 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
36881 big-endian hex string.
36882
36883 Reply:
36884 @table @samp
36885 @item OK
36886 for success
36887 @item E @var{NN}
36888 for an error
36889 @end table
36890
36891 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
36892 @cindex @samp{F} packet
36893 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
36894 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
36895 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
36896
36897 @item g
36898 @anchor{read registers packet}
36899 @cindex @samp{g} packet
36900 Read general registers.
36901
36902 Reply:
36903 @table @samp
36904 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
36905 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
36906 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
36907 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
36908 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
36909 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}.
36910
36911 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
36912 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
36913 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
36914 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
36915 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
36916 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
36917 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
36918 have been collected, and both have zero value:
36919
36920 @smallexample
36921 -> @code{g}
36922 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
36923 @end smallexample
36924
36925 @item E @var{NN}
36926 for an error.
36927 @end table
36928
36929 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
36930 @cindex @samp{G} packet
36931 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
36932 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
36933
36934 Reply:
36935 @table @samp
36936 @item OK
36937 for success
36938 @item E @var{NN}
36939 for an error
36940 @end table
36941
36942 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
36943 @cindex @samp{H} packet
36944 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
36945 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
36946 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
36947 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
36948 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
36949 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
36950 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36951
36952 Reply:
36953 @table @samp
36954 @item OK
36955 for success
36956 @item E @var{NN}
36957 for an error
36958 @end table
36959
36960 @c FIXME: JTC:
36961 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
36962 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
36963 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
36964 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
36965 @c described. For example:
36966 @c
36967 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36968 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
36969 @c otherwise returns current registers.
36970 @c
36971 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
36972 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
36973 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
36974
36975 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
36976 @anchor{cycle step packet}
36977 @cindex @samp{i} packet
36978 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
36979 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
36980 step starting at that address.
36981
36982 @item I
36983 @cindex @samp{I} packet
36984 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
36985 step packet}.
36986
36987 @item k
36988 @cindex @samp{k} packet
36989 Kill request.
36990
36991 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
36992
36993 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
36994 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
36995
36996 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
36997
36998 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
36999 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
37000 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
37001
37002 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
37003 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
37004 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
37005
37006 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
37007 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
37008 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
37009 (@pxref{? packet}).
37010
37011 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
37012 @cindex @samp{m} packet
37013 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
37014 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
37015 any particular boundary.
37016
37017 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
37018 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
37019 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
37020 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
37021 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
37022 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
37023 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
37024 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
37025
37026 Reply:
37027 @table @samp
37028 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37029 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
37030 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
37031 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
37032 @item E @var{NN}
37033 @var{NN} is errno
37034 @end table
37035
37036 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37037 @cindex @samp{M} packet
37038 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
37039 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
37040 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
37041
37042 Reply:
37043 @table @samp
37044 @item OK
37045 for success
37046 @item E @var{NN}
37047 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
37048 written).
37049 @end table
37050
37051 @item p @var{n}
37052 @cindex @samp{p} packet
37053 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
37054 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
37055 register value is encoded.
37056
37057 Reply:
37058 @table @samp
37059 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37060 the register's value
37061 @item E @var{NN}
37062 for an error
37063 @item @w{}
37064 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
37065 @end table
37066
37067 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
37068 @anchor{write register packet}
37069 @cindex @samp{P} packet
37070 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
37071 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
37072 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
37073
37074 Reply:
37075 @table @samp
37076 @item OK
37077 for success
37078 @item E @var{NN}
37079 for an error
37080 @end table
37081
37082 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37083 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37084 @cindex @samp{q} packet
37085 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
37086 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
37087 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
37088
37089 @item r
37090 @cindex @samp{r} packet
37091 Reset the entire system.
37092
37093 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
37094
37095 @item R @var{XX}
37096 @cindex @samp{R} packet
37097 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
37098 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37099
37100 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
37101
37102 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
37103 @cindex @samp{s} packet
37104 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
37105 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
37106
37107 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37108 packet}.
37109
37110 Reply:
37111 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37112
37113 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
37114 @anchor{step with signal packet}
37115 @cindex @samp{S} packet
37116 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
37117 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
37118
37119 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37120 packet}.
37121
37122 Reply:
37123 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37124
37125 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
37126 @cindex @samp{t} packet
37127 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
37128 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
37129 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
37130
37131 @item T @var{thread-id}
37132 @cindex @samp{T} packet
37133 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
37134
37135 Reply:
37136 @table @samp
37137 @item OK
37138 thread is still alive
37139 @item E @var{NN}
37140 thread is dead
37141 @end table
37142
37143 @item v
37144 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
37145 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
37146
37147 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
37148 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
37149 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
37150 The process ID is a
37151 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
37152 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
37153 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
37154
37155 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
37156 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
37157 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
37158 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
37159 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
37160 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
37161 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
37162 @c stopping or restarting threads.
37163
37164 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37165
37166 Reply:
37167 @table @samp
37168 @item E @var{nn}
37169 for an error
37170 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37171 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37172 @item OK
37173 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
37174 @end table
37175
37176 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
37177 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
37178 @anchor{vCont packet}
37179 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
37180
37181 For each inferior thread, the leftmost action with a matching
37182 @var{thread-id} is applied. Threads that don't match any action
37183 remain in their current state. Thread IDs are specified using the
37184 syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}. If multiprocess
37185 extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}) are supported, actions
37186 can be specified to match all threads in a process by using the
37187 @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the @var{thread-id}. An action with no
37188 @var{thread-id} matches all threads. Specifying no actions is an
37189 error.
37190
37191 Currently supported actions are:
37192
37193 @table @samp
37194 @item c
37195 Continue.
37196 @item C @var{sig}
37197 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37198 @item s
37199 Step.
37200 @item S @var{sig}
37201 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37202 @item t
37203 Stop.
37204 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
37205 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
37206 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
37207 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
37208 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
37209 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
37210
37211 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
37212 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
37213 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
37214 jumps to @var{start}).
37215
37216 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
37217 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
37218 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
37219
37220 @end table
37221
37222 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
37223 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
37224 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
37225
37226 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
37227 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
37228 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
37229 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
37230 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
37231 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
37232 as an implementation detail.
37233
37234 The server must ignore @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, @samp{S}, and
37235 @samp{r} actions for threads that are already running. Conversely,
37236 the server must ignore @samp{t} actions for threads that are already
37237 stopped.
37238
37239 @emph{Note:} In non-stop mode, a thread is considered running until
37240 @value{GDBN} acknowleges an asynchronous stop notification for it with
37241 the @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}).
37242
37243 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
37244 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}).
37245
37246 Reply:
37247 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37248
37249 @item vCont?
37250 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
37251 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
37252
37253 Reply:
37254 @table @samp
37255 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
37256 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
37257 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
37258 @item @w{}
37259 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
37260 @end table
37261
37262 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
37263 @item vCtrlC
37264 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
37265 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
37266 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
37267 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
37268 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
37269 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
37270 variant.
37271
37272 Reply:
37273 @table @samp
37274 @item E @var{nn}
37275 for an error
37276 @item OK
37277 for success
37278 @end table
37279
37280 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
37281 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
37282 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
37283 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
37284
37285 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
37286 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
37287 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
37288 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
37289 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
37290 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
37291 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
37292 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
37293 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37294 packet is received.
37295
37296 Reply:
37297 @table @samp
37298 @item OK
37299 for success
37300 @item E @var{NN}
37301 for an error
37302 @end table
37303
37304 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37305 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
37306 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
37307 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
37308 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
37309 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
37310 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
37311 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
37312 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
37313 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
37314 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
37315 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
37316
37317
37318 Reply:
37319 @table @samp
37320 @item OK
37321 for success
37322 @item E.memtype
37323 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
37324 @item E @var{NN}
37325 for an error
37326 @end table
37327
37328 @item vFlashDone
37329 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
37330 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
37331 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
37332 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
37333 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
37334 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37335 request is completed.
37336
37337 @item vKill;@var{pid}
37338 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
37339 @anchor{vKill packet}
37340 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
37341 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
37342 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
37343 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
37344
37345 Reply:
37346 @table @samp
37347 @item E @var{nn}
37348 for an error
37349 @item OK
37350 for success
37351 @end table
37352
37353 @item vMustReplyEmpty
37354 @cindex @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} packet
37355 The correct reply to an unknown @samp{v} packet is to return the empty
37356 string, however, some older versions of @command{gdbserver} would
37357 incorrectly return @samp{OK} for unknown @samp{v} packets.
37358
37359 The @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} is used as a feature test to check how
37360 @command{gdbserver} handles unknown packets, it is important that this
37361 packet be handled in the same way as other unknown @samp{v} packets.
37362 If this packet is handled differently to other unknown @samp{v}
37363 packets then it is possile that @value{GDBN} may run into problems in
37364 other areas, specifically around use of @samp{vFile:setfs:}.
37365
37366 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
37367 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
37368 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
37369 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
37370 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
37371 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
37372 state.
37373
37374 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
37375
37376 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37377
37378 Reply:
37379 @table @samp
37380 @item E @var{nn}
37381 for an error
37382 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37383 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37384 @end table
37385
37386 @item vStopped
37387 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
37388 @xref{Notification Packets}.
37389
37390 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37391 @anchor{X packet}
37392 @cindex @samp{X} packet
37393 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
37394 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
37395 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
37396 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
37397
37398 Reply:
37399 @table @samp
37400 @item OK
37401 for success
37402 @item E @var{NN}
37403 for an error
37404 @end table
37405
37406 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37407 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37408 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
37409 @cindex @samp{z} packet
37410 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
37411 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
37412 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
37413
37414 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
37415 separately.
37416
37417 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
37418 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
37419 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
37420 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
37421 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
37422 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
37423
37424 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37425 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
37426 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
37427 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
37428 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a software breakpoint at address
37429 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
37430
37431 A software breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
37432 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
37433 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of the
37434 breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm} and
37435 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
37436 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind}
37437 (@pxref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}); if no
37438 architecture-specific value is being used, it should be @samp{0}.
37439 @var{kind} is hex-encoded. @var{cond_list} is an optional list of
37440 conditional expressions in bytecode form that should be evaluated on
37441 the target's side. These are the conditions that should be taken into
37442 consideration when deciding if the breakpoint trigger should be
37443 reported back to @value{GDBN}.
37444
37445 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
37446 for how to best report a software breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
37447
37448 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
37449 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
37450
37451 @table @samp
37452
37453 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37454 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
37455 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
37456
37457 @end table
37458
37459 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
37460 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
37461 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
37462 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
37463 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
37464 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
37465 separators. Each expression has the following form:
37466
37467 @table @samp
37468
37469 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37470 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
37471 actual commands expression in bytecode form.
37472
37473 @end table
37474
37475 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
37476 code that contains software breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
37477 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
37478 target, is not defined.}
37479
37480 Reply:
37481 @table @samp
37482 @item OK
37483 success
37484 @item @w{}
37485 not supported
37486 @item E @var{NN}
37487 for an error
37488 @end table
37489
37490 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37491 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
37492 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
37493 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
37494 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
37495 address @var{addr}.
37496
37497 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
37498 dependent on being able to modify the target's memory. The
37499 @var{kind}, @var{cond_list}, and @var{cmd_list} arguments have the
37500 same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
37501
37502 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
37503 movement.}
37504
37505 Reply:
37506 @table @samp
37507 @item OK
37508 success
37509 @item @w{}
37510 not supported
37511 @item E @var{NN}
37512 for an error
37513 @end table
37514
37515 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37516 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37517 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
37518 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
37519 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37520 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
37521
37522 Reply:
37523 @table @samp
37524 @item OK
37525 success
37526 @item @w{}
37527 not supported
37528 @item E @var{NN}
37529 for an error
37530 @end table
37531
37532 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37533 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37534 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
37535 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
37536 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37537 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
37538
37539 Reply:
37540 @table @samp
37541 @item OK
37542 success
37543 @item @w{}
37544 not supported
37545 @item E @var{NN}
37546 for an error
37547 @end table
37548
37549 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37550 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37551 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
37552 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
37553 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
37554 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
37555
37556 Reply:
37557 @table @samp
37558 @item OK
37559 success
37560 @item @w{}
37561 not supported
37562 @item E @var{NN}
37563 for an error
37564 @end table
37565
37566 @end table
37567
37568 @node Stop Reply Packets
37569 @section Stop Reply Packets
37570 @cindex stop reply packets
37571
37572 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
37573 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
37574 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
37575 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
37576 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
37577 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
37578 @value{GDBN} source code.
37579
37580 In non-stop mode, the server will simply reply @samp{OK} to commands
37581 such as @samp{vCont}; any stop will be the subject of a future
37582 notification. @xref{Remote Non-Stop}.
37583
37584 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
37585 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
37586 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
37587 components.
37588
37589 @table @samp
37590
37591 @item S @var{AA}
37592 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
37593 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
37594 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
37595
37596 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
37597 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
37598 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
37599 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
37600 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
37601 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
37602 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
37603 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
37604
37605 @itemize @bullet
37606 @item
37607 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
37608 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
37609 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
37610 two-digit hex number.
37611
37612 @item
37613 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
37614 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37615
37616 @item
37617 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
37618 the core on which the stop event was detected.
37619
37620 @item
37621 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
37622 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
37623 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
37624 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
37625
37626 @item
37627 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
37628 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
37629 future.
37630 @end itemize
37631
37632 The currently defined stop reasons are:
37633
37634 @table @samp
37635 @item watch
37636 @itemx rwatch
37637 @itemx awatch
37638 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
37639 hex.
37640
37641 @item syscall_entry
37642 @itemx syscall_return
37643 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
37644 syscall number, in hex.
37645
37646 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
37647 @item library
37648 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
37649 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
37650 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
37651
37652 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
37653 @item replaylog
37654 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
37655 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
37656 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
37657 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
37658 for more information.
37659
37660 @item swbreak
37661 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
37662 The packet indicates a software breakpoint instruction was executed,
37663 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
37664 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
37665 part must be left empty.
37666
37667 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
37668 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
37669 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
37670 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
37671 address.
37672
37673 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37674 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37675 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37676 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37677 indicating support.
37678
37679 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
37680
37681 @item hwbreak
37682 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
37683 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
37684
37685 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
37686 apply.
37687
37688 @cindex fork events, remote reply
37689 @item fork
37690 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r}
37691 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
37692 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
37693 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
37694 fork events.
37695
37696 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37697 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37698 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37699 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37700 indicating support.
37701
37702 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
37703 @item vfork
37704 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r}
37705 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
37706 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
37707 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
37708 vfork events.
37709
37710 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37711 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37712 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37713 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37714 indicating support.
37715
37716 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
37717 @item vforkdone
37718 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
37719 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
37720 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
37721 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
37722 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
37723
37724 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37725 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37726 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37727 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37728 indicating support.
37729
37730 @cindex exec events, remote reply
37731 @item exec
37732 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
37733 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
37734 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
37735
37736 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
37737 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
37738 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
37739 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
37740 indicating support.
37741
37742 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
37743 @anchor{thread create event}
37744 @item create
37745 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
37746 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
37747 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
37748 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
37749 also the @samp{w} (@pxref{thread exit event}) remote reply below. The
37750 @var{r} part is ignored.
37751
37752 @end table
37753
37754 @item W @var{AA}
37755 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
37756 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
37757 applicable to certain targets.
37758
37759 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
37760 exited process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
37761 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
37762 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
37763 hex strings.
37764
37765 @item X @var{AA}
37766 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
37767 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
37768
37769 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
37770 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
37771 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
37772 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
37773 hex strings.
37774
37775 @anchor{thread exit event}
37776 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
37777 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
37778
37779 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
37780 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
37781 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
37782 @var{AA} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
37783
37784 @item N
37785 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
37786 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
37787 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
37788 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
37789 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
37790 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
37791 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
37792 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
37793 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
37794 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
37795 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
37796 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
37797 support.
37798
37799 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
37800 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
37801 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
37802 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
37803 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
37804
37805 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
37806 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
37807 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
37808 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
37809 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
37810 system calls.
37811
37812 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
37813 this very system call.
37814
37815 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
37816 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
37817 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
37818 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
37819 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
37820 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
37821
37822 @end table
37823
37824 @node General Query Packets
37825 @section General Query Packets
37826 @cindex remote query requests
37827
37828 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
37829 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
37830 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
37831 sending information to and from the stub.
37832
37833 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
37834 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
37835 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
37836 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
37837 conventions:
37838
37839 @itemize @bullet
37840 @item
37841 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
37842 @item
37843 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
37844 letter.
37845 @item
37846 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
37847 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
37848 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
37849 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
37850 @end itemize
37851
37852 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
37853 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
37854 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
37855 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
37856 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
37857 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
37858 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
37859 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
37860 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
37861 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
37862 packet.}.
37863
37864 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
37865 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
37866 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
37867 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
37868 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
37869
37870 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
37871
37872 @table @samp
37873
37874 @item QAgent:1
37875 @itemx QAgent:0
37876 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
37877 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
37878
37879 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
37880 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
37881 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
37882 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
37883 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
37884 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
37885 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
37886 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
37887 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
37888 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
37889 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
37890
37891 @item qC
37892 @cindex current thread, remote request
37893 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
37894 Return the current thread ID.
37895
37896 Reply:
37897 @table @samp
37898 @item QC @var{thread-id}
37899 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
37900 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37901 @item @r{(anything else)}
37902 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
37903 @end table
37904
37905 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
37906 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
37907 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
37908 @anchor{qCRC packet}
37909 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
37910 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
37911 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
37912 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
37913
37914 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
37915 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
37916 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
37917 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
37918 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
37919 detect trailing zeros.
37920
37921 Reply:
37922 @table @samp
37923 @item E @var{NN}
37924 An error (such as memory fault)
37925 @item C @var{crc32}
37926 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
37927 @end table
37928
37929 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
37930 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
37931 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
37932 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
37933 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
37934 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
37935 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
37936 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
37937 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
37938 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
37939 randomization.
37940
37941 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37942
37943 Reply:
37944 @table @samp
37945 @item OK
37946 The request succeeded.
37947
37948 @item E @var{nn}
37949 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37950
37951 @item @w{}
37952 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
37953 by the stub.
37954 @end table
37955
37956 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37957 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37958 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
37959 address space randomization.
37960
37961 @item QStartupWithShell:@var{value}
37962 @cindex startup with shell, remote request
37963 @cindex @samp{QStartupWithShell} packet
37964 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to start the inferior using a
37965 shell program. This is the default behavior on both @value{GDBN} and
37966 @command{gdbserver} (@pxref{set startup-with-shell}). This packet is
37967 used to inform @command{gdbserver} whether it should start the
37968 inferior using a shell or not.
37969
37970 If @var{value} is @samp{0}, @command{gdbserver} will not use a shell
37971 to start the inferior. If @var{value} is @samp{1},
37972 @command{gdbserver} will use a shell to start the inferior. All other
37973 values are considered an error.
37974
37975 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
37976 mode}).
37977
37978 Reply:
37979 @table @samp
37980 @item OK
37981 The request succeeded.
37982
37983 @item E @var{nn}
37984 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37985 @end table
37986
37987 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37988 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37989 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
37990 actually support starting the inferior using a shell.
37991
37992 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set startup-with-shell}
37993 command; @pxref{set startup-with-shell}.
37994
37995 @item QEnvironmentHexEncoded:@var{hex-value}
37996 @anchor{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
37997 @cindex set environment variable, remote request
37998 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded} packet
37999 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to set environment variables that
38000 will be passed to the inferior during the startup process. This
38001 packet is used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment
38002 variable that has been defined by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{set
38003 environment}).
38004
38005 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
38006 representation of the @var{name=value} format representing an
38007 environment variable. The name of the environment variable is
38008 represented by @var{name}, and the value to be assigned to the
38009 environment variable is represented by @var{value}. If the variable
38010 has no value (i.e., the value is @code{null}), then @var{value} will
38011 not be present.
38012
38013 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38014 mode}).
38015
38016 Reply:
38017 @table @samp
38018 @item OK
38019 The request succeeded.
38020 @end table
38021
38022 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38023 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38024 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
38025 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
38026 inferior.
38027
38028 This packet is related to the @code{set environment} command;
38029 @pxref{set environment}.
38030
38031 @item QEnvironmentUnset:@var{hex-value}
38032 @anchor{QEnvironmentUnset}
38033 @cindex unset environment variable, remote request
38034 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentUnset} packet
38035 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to unset environment variables
38036 before starting the inferior in the remote target. This packet is
38037 used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment variable that has
38038 been unset by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{unset environment}).
38039
38040 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
38041 representation of the name of the environment variable to be unset.
38042
38043 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38044 mode}).
38045
38046 Reply:
38047 @table @samp
38048 @item OK
38049 The request succeeded.
38050 @end table
38051
38052 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38053 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38054 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
38055 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
38056 inferior.
38057
38058 This packet is related to the @code{unset environment} command;
38059 @pxref{unset environment}.
38060
38061 @item QEnvironmentReset
38062 @anchor{QEnvironmentReset}
38063 @cindex reset environment, remote request
38064 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentReset} packet
38065 On UNIX-like targets, this packet is used to reset the state of
38066 environment variables in the remote target before starting the
38067 inferior. In this context, reset means unsetting all environment
38068 variables that were previously set by the user (i.e., were not
38069 initially present in the environment). It is sent to
38070 @command{gdbserver} before the @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
38071 (@pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}) and the @samp{QEnvironmentUnset}
38072 (@pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}) packets.
38073
38074 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38075 mode}).
38076
38077 Reply:
38078 @table @samp
38079 @item OK
38080 The request succeeded.
38081 @end table
38082
38083 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38084 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38085 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
38086 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
38087 inferior.
38088
38089 @item QSetWorkingDir:@r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
38090 @anchor{QSetWorkingDir packet}
38091 @cindex set working directory, remote request
38092 @cindex @samp{QSetWorkingDir} packet
38093 This packet is used to inform the remote server of the intended
38094 current working directory for programs that are going to be executed.
38095
38096 The packet is composed by @var{directory}, an hex encoded
38097 representation of the directory that the remote inferior will use as
38098 its current working directory. If @var{directory} is an empty string,
38099 the remote server should reset the inferior's current working
38100 directory to its original, empty value.
38101
38102 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
38103 mode}).
38104
38105 Reply:
38106 @table @samp
38107 @item OK
38108 The request succeeded.
38109 @end table
38110
38111 @item qfThreadInfo
38112 @itemx qsThreadInfo
38113 @cindex list active threads, remote request
38114 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
38115 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
38116 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
38117 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
38118 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
38119 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
38120 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
38121 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
38122
38123 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
38124
38125 Reply:
38126 @table @samp
38127 @item m @var{thread-id}
38128 A single thread ID
38129 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
38130 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
38131 @item l
38132 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38133 @end table
38134
38135 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38136 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
38137 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
38138 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
38139 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
38140 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
38141 fields.
38142
38143 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
38144 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
38145 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
38146 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
38147 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
38148
38149 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
38150 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
38151 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
38152 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
38153 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
38154
38155 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
38156 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
38157
38158 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
38159 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
38160 information associated with the variable.)
38161
38162 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
38163 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
38164 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
38165 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
38166 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
38167 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
38168
38169 Reply:
38170 @table @samp
38171 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38172 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
38173 local storage requested.
38174
38175 @item E @var{nn}
38176 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38177
38178 @item @w{}
38179 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38180 @end table
38181
38182 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
38183 @cindex get thread information block address
38184 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
38185 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
38186
38187 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
38188
38189 Reply:
38190 @table @samp
38191 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38192 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
38193 thread information block.
38194
38195 @item E @var{nn}
38196 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
38197 address could not be retrieved.
38198
38199 @item @w{}
38200 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38201 @end table
38202
38203 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
38204 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
38205 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
38206 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
38207 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
38208 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
38209 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
38210
38211 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
38212
38213 Reply:
38214 @table @samp
38215 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
38216 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
38217 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
38218 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
38219 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
38220 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
38221 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
38222 @end table
38223
38224 @item qOffsets
38225 @cindex section offsets, remote request
38226 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
38227 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
38228 image.
38229
38230 Reply:
38231 @table @samp
38232 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
38233 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
38234 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
38235 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
38236 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
38237 segments by the supplied offsets.
38238
38239 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
38240 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
38241 to the @code{Bss} section.}
38242
38243 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
38244 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
38245 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
38246 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
38247 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
38248 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
38249 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
38250 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
38251 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
38252 @end table
38253
38254 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
38255 @cindex thread information, remote request
38256 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
38257 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
38258 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
38259 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
38260
38261 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
38262 (see below).
38263
38264 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
38265
38266 @item QNonStop:1
38267 @itemx QNonStop:0
38268 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
38269 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
38270 @anchor{QNonStop}
38271 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
38272 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
38273
38274 Reply:
38275 @table @samp
38276 @item OK
38277 The request succeeded.
38278
38279 @item E @var{nn}
38280 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38281
38282 @item @w{}
38283 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
38284 the stub.
38285 @end table
38286
38287 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38288 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38289 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
38290 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
38291
38292 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
38293 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
38294 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
38295 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
38296 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
38297 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
38298 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
38299
38300 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
38301 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
38302 is listed, every system call should be reported.
38303
38304 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
38305 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
38306 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
38307 report the requested syscalls.
38308
38309 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
38310 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
38311
38312 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
38313 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
38314 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
38315 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
38316
38317 Reply:
38318 @table @samp
38319 @item OK
38320 The request succeeded.
38321
38322 @item E @var{nn}
38323 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38324
38325 @item @w{}
38326 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
38327 the stub.
38328 @end table
38329
38330 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
38331 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
38332 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38333 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38334
38335 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38336 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
38337 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
38338 @anchor{QPassSignals}
38339 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
38340 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38341 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38342 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
38343 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
38344 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
38345 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
38346 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
38347 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
38348
38349 Reply:
38350 @table @samp
38351 @item OK
38352 The request succeeded.
38353
38354 @item E @var{nn}
38355 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38356
38357 @item @w{}
38358 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
38359 the stub.
38360 @end table
38361
38362 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
38363 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
38364 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38365 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38366
38367 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38368 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
38369 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
38370 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
38371 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
38372 Others should be silently discarded.
38373
38374 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
38375 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
38376 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
38377 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
38378 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
38379 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
38380 signals.
38381
38382 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
38383 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
38384
38385 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38386 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38387 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
38388 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
38389 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
38390
38391 Reply:
38392 @table @samp
38393 @item OK
38394 The request succeeded.
38395
38396 @item E @var{nn}
38397 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38398
38399 @item @w{}
38400 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
38401 by the stub.
38402 @end table
38403
38404 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
38405 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
38406 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38407 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38408
38409 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
38410 @item QThreadEvents:1
38411 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
38412 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
38413 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
38414
38415 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
38416 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
38417 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
38418 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
38419 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
38420 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
38421 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
38422 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
38423 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
38424 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38425
38426 Reply:
38427 @table @samp
38428 @item OK
38429 The request succeeded.
38430
38431 @item E @var{nn}
38432 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38433
38434 @item @w{}
38435 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
38436 the stub.
38437 @end table
38438
38439 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
38440 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
38441
38442 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
38443 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
38444 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
38445 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
38446 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
38447 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
38448 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
38449 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
38450 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
38451
38452 Reply:
38453 @table @samp
38454 @item OK
38455 A command response with no output.
38456 @item @var{OUTPUT}
38457 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
38458 @item E @var{NN}
38459 Indicate a badly formed request.
38460 @item @w{}
38461 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
38462 @end table
38463
38464 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
38465 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
38466 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
38467 packets.)
38468
38469 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
38470 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
38471 @ifnotinfo
38472 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
38473 @end ifnotinfo
38474 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
38475 @anchor{qSearch memory}
38476 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
38477 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
38478 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
38479
38480 Reply:
38481 @table @samp
38482 @item 0
38483 The pattern was not found.
38484 @item 1,address
38485 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
38486 @item E @var{NN}
38487 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
38488 @item @w{}
38489 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
38490 @end table
38491
38492 @item QStartNoAckMode
38493 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
38494 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
38495 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
38496 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
38497
38498 Reply:
38499 @table @samp
38500 @item OK
38501 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
38502 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
38503 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
38504 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
38505 @item @w{}
38506 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
38507 @end table
38508
38509 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
38510 @cindex supported packets, remote query
38511 @cindex features of the remote protocol
38512 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
38513 @anchor{qSupported}
38514 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
38515 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
38516 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
38517 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
38518 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
38519 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
38520 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
38521 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
38522 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
38523 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
38524 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
38525 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
38526 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
38527 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
38528
38529 Reply:
38530 @table @samp
38531 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
38532 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
38533 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
38534 possible forms).
38535 @item @w{}
38536 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
38537 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
38538 @end table
38539
38540 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
38541 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
38542 are:
38543
38544 @table @samp
38545 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
38546 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
38547 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
38548 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
38549 @item @var{name}+
38550 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
38551 need an associated value.
38552 @item @var{name}-
38553 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
38554 @item @var{name}?
38555 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
38556 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
38557 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
38558 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
38559 @end table
38560
38561 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
38562 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
38563 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
38564 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
38565 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
38566
38567 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
38568 are defined:
38569
38570 @table @samp
38571 @item multiprocess
38572 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
38573 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38574 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38575 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38576 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
38577
38578 @item xmlRegisters
38579 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
38580 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
38581 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
38582 description.
38583
38584 @item qRelocInsn
38585 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
38586 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38587 instruction reply packet}).
38588
38589 @item swbreak
38590 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
38591 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
38592
38593 @item hwbreak
38594 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
38595 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
38596
38597 @item fork-events
38598 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
38599 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38600 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38601 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38602
38603 @item vfork-events
38604 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
38605 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38606 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38607 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38608
38609 @item exec-events
38610 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
38611 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38612 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38613 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38614
38615 @item vContSupported
38616 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
38617 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
38618 @end table
38619
38620 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
38621 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
38622 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
38623 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
38624 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
38625 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
38626 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
38627 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
38628 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
38629 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
38630 all the features it supports.
38631
38632 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
38633 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
38634
38635 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
38636 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
38637 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
38638 form response.
38639
38640 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
38641 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
38642 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
38643 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
38644
38645 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
38646 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
38647 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
38648 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
38649 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
38650
38651 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
38652
38653 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
38654 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
38655 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
38656 @item Feature Name
38657 @tab Value Required
38658 @tab Default
38659 @tab Probe Allowed
38660
38661 @item @samp{PacketSize}
38662 @tab Yes
38663 @tab @samp{-}
38664 @tab No
38665
38666 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
38667 @tab No
38668 @tab @samp{-}
38669 @tab Yes
38670
38671 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
38672 @tab No
38673 @tab @samp{-}
38674 @tab Yes
38675
38676 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
38677 @tab No
38678 @tab @samp{-}
38679 @tab Yes
38680
38681 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
38682 @tab No
38683 @tab @samp{-}
38684 @tab Yes
38685
38686 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
38687 @tab No
38688 @tab @samp{-}
38689 @tab Yes
38690
38691 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
38692 @tab No
38693 @tab @samp{-}
38694 @tab Yes
38695
38696 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
38697 @tab No
38698 @tab @samp{-}
38699 @tab Yes
38700
38701 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
38702 @tab No
38703 @tab @samp{-}
38704 @tab No
38705
38706 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
38707 @tab No
38708 @tab @samp{-}
38709 @tab Yes
38710
38711 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
38712 @tab No
38713 @tab @samp{-}
38714 @tab Yes
38715
38716 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
38717 @tab No
38718 @tab @samp{-}
38719 @tab Yes
38720
38721 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
38722 @tab No
38723 @tab @samp{-}
38724 @tab Yes
38725
38726 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
38727 @tab No
38728 @tab @samp{-}
38729 @tab Yes
38730
38731 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
38732 @tab No
38733 @tab @samp{-}
38734 @tab Yes
38735
38736 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
38737 @tab No
38738 @tab @samp{-}
38739 @tab Yes
38740
38741 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
38742 @tab No
38743 @tab @samp{-}
38744 @tab Yes
38745
38746 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
38747 @tab No
38748 @tab @samp{-}
38749 @tab Yes
38750
38751 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
38752 @tab No
38753 @tab @samp{-}
38754 @tab Yes
38755
38756 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
38757 @tab Yes
38758 @tab @samp{-}
38759 @tab Yes
38760
38761 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
38762 @tab Yes
38763 @tab @samp{-}
38764 @tab Yes
38765
38766 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
38767 @tab Yes
38768 @tab @samp{-}
38769 @tab Yes
38770
38771 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
38772 @tab Yes
38773 @tab @samp{-}
38774 @tab Yes
38775
38776 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
38777 @tab Yes
38778 @tab @samp{-}
38779 @tab Yes
38780
38781 @item @samp{QNonStop}
38782 @tab No
38783 @tab @samp{-}
38784 @tab Yes
38785
38786 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
38787 @tab No
38788 @tab @samp{-}
38789 @tab Yes
38790
38791 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
38792 @tab No
38793 @tab @samp{-}
38794 @tab Yes
38795
38796 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
38797 @tab No
38798 @tab @samp{-}
38799 @tab Yes
38800
38801 @item @samp{multiprocess}
38802 @tab No
38803 @tab @samp{-}
38804 @tab No
38805
38806 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
38807 @tab No
38808 @tab @samp{-}
38809 @tab No
38810
38811 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
38812 @tab No
38813 @tab @samp{-}
38814 @tab No
38815
38816 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
38817 @tab No
38818 @tab @samp{-}
38819 @tab No
38820
38821 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
38822 @tab No
38823 @tab @samp{-}
38824 @tab No
38825
38826 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
38827 @tab No
38828 @tab @samp{-}
38829 @tab No
38830
38831 @item @samp{QAgent}
38832 @tab No
38833 @tab @samp{-}
38834 @tab No
38835
38836 @item @samp{QAllow}
38837 @tab No
38838 @tab @samp{-}
38839 @tab No
38840
38841 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
38842 @tab No
38843 @tab @samp{-}
38844 @tab No
38845
38846 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
38847 @tab No
38848 @tab @samp{-}
38849 @tab No
38850
38851 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
38852 @tab No
38853 @tab @samp{-}
38854 @tab No
38855
38856 @item @samp{tracenz}
38857 @tab No
38858 @tab @samp{-}
38859 @tab No
38860
38861 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
38862 @tab No
38863 @tab @samp{-}
38864 @tab No
38865
38866 @item @samp{swbreak}
38867 @tab No
38868 @tab @samp{-}
38869 @tab No
38870
38871 @item @samp{hwbreak}
38872 @tab No
38873 @tab @samp{-}
38874 @tab No
38875
38876 @item @samp{fork-events}
38877 @tab No
38878 @tab @samp{-}
38879 @tab No
38880
38881 @item @samp{vfork-events}
38882 @tab No
38883 @tab @samp{-}
38884 @tab No
38885
38886 @item @samp{exec-events}
38887 @tab No
38888 @tab @samp{-}
38889 @tab No
38890
38891 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
38892 @tab No
38893 @tab @samp{-}
38894 @tab No
38895
38896 @item @samp{no-resumed}
38897 @tab No
38898 @tab @samp{-}
38899 @tab No
38900
38901 @end multitable
38902
38903 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
38904
38905 @table @samp
38906 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
38907 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
38908 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
38909 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
38910 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
38911 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
38912 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
38913 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
38914 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
38915 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
38916
38917 @item qXfer:auxv:read
38918 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
38919 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
38920
38921 @item qXfer:btrace:read
38922 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
38923 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
38924
38925 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
38926 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
38927 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
38928
38929 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
38930 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
38931 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
38932
38933 @item qXfer:features:read
38934 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
38935 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
38936
38937 @item qXfer:libraries:read
38938 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
38939 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
38940
38941 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
38942 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
38943 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
38944
38945 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
38946 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
38947 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
38948 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
38949
38950 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
38951 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
38952 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
38953
38954 @item qXfer:sdata:read
38955 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
38956 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
38957
38958 @item qXfer:spu:read
38959 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
38960 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
38961
38962 @item qXfer:spu:write
38963 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
38964 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
38965
38966 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
38967 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
38968 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
38969
38970 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
38971 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
38972 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
38973
38974 @item qXfer:threads:read
38975 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
38976 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
38977
38978 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
38979 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
38980 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
38981
38982 @item qXfer:uib:read
38983 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
38984 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
38985
38986 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
38987 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
38988 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
38989
38990 @item QNonStop
38991 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
38992 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
38993
38994 @item QCatchSyscalls
38995 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
38996 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
38997
38998 @item QPassSignals
38999 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
39000 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
39001
39002 @item QStartNoAckMode
39003 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
39004 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
39005
39006 @item multiprocess
39007 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
39008 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
39009 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
39010 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
39011 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
39012 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
39013 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
39014 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
39015 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
39016 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
39017 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
39018
39019 @item qXfer:osdata:read
39020 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
39021 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
39022
39023 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
39024 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
39025 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
39026 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
39027
39028 @item ConditionalTracepoints
39029 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
39030 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
39031
39032 @item ReverseContinue
39033 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
39034 (@pxref{bc}).
39035
39036 @item ReverseStep
39037 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
39038 (@pxref{bs}).
39039
39040 @item TracepointSource
39041 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
39042 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
39043
39044 @item QAgent
39045 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
39046
39047 @item QAllow
39048 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
39049
39050 @item QDisableRandomization
39051 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
39052
39053 @item StaticTracepoint
39054 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
39055 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
39056
39057 @item InstallInTrace
39058 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
39059 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
39060
39061 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
39062 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
39063 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
39064 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
39065
39066 @item QTBuffer:size
39067 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
39068 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
39069
39070 @item tracenz
39071 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
39072 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
39073 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
39074
39075 @item BreakpointCommands
39076 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
39077 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
39078 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
39079
39080 @item Qbtrace:off
39081 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
39082
39083 @item Qbtrace:bts
39084 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
39085
39086 @item Qbtrace:pt
39087 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
39088
39089 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
39090 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
39091
39092 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
39093 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
39094
39095 @item swbreak
39096 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
39097 breakpoints.
39098
39099 @item hwbreak
39100 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
39101 breakpoints.
39102
39103 @item fork-events
39104 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
39105
39106 @item vfork-events
39107 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
39108 and vforkdone events.
39109
39110 @item exec-events
39111 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
39112
39113 @item vContSupported
39114 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
39115 @samp{vCont?} packet.
39116
39117 @item QThreadEvents
39118 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
39119
39120 @item no-resumed
39121 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
39122
39123 @end table
39124
39125 @item qSymbol::
39126 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
39127 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
39128 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
39129 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
39130
39131 Reply:
39132 @table @samp
39133 @item OK
39134 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39135 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39136 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
39137 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
39138 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
39139 below.
39140 @end table
39141
39142 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
39143 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
39144
39145 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
39146 target has previously requested.
39147
39148 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
39149 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
39150 will be empty.
39151
39152 Reply:
39153 @table @samp
39154 @item OK
39155 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39156 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39157 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
39158 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
39159 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
39160 @end table
39161
39162 @item qTBuffer
39163 @itemx QTBuffer
39164 @itemx QTDisconnected
39165 @itemx QTDP
39166 @itemx QTDPsrc
39167 @itemx QTDV
39168 @itemx qTfP
39169 @itemx qTfV
39170 @itemx QTFrame
39171 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
39172
39173 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39174
39175 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
39176 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
39177 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
39178 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
39179 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
39180 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
39181 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
39182 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
39183 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
39184 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
39185 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
39186
39187 Reply:
39188 @table @samp
39189 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39190 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
39191 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
39192 the thread's attributes.
39193 @end table
39194
39195 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
39196 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
39197 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39198 packets.)
39199
39200 @item QTNotes
39201 @itemx qTP
39202 @itemx QTSave
39203 @itemx qTsP
39204 @itemx qTsV
39205 @itemx QTStart
39206 @itemx QTStop
39207 @itemx QTEnable
39208 @itemx QTDisable
39209 @itemx QTinit
39210 @itemx QTro
39211 @itemx qTStatus
39212 @itemx qTV
39213 @itemx qTfSTM
39214 @itemx qTsSTM
39215 @itemx qTSTMat
39216 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39217
39218 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39219 @cindex read special object, remote request
39220 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
39221 @anchor{qXfer read}
39222 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
39223 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
39224 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
39225 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
39226 additional details about what data to access.
39227
39228 Reply:
39229 @table @samp
39230 @item m @var{data}
39231 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
39232 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
39233 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
39234 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
39235 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
39236 request.
39237
39238 @item l @var{data}
39239 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
39240 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
39241 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
39242
39243 @item l
39244 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
39245 There is no more data to be read.
39246
39247 @item E00
39248 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39249
39250 @item E @var{nn}
39251 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
39252 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39253
39254 @item @w{}
39255 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
39256 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
39257 @end table
39258
39259 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
39260 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39261 formats, listed above.
39262
39263 @table @samp
39264 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39265 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
39266 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
39267 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
39268
39269 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39270 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39271
39272 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39273 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
39274
39275 Return a description of the current branch trace.
39276 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
39277 packet may have one of the following values:
39278
39279 @table @code
39280 @item all
39281 Returns all available branch trace.
39282
39283 @item new
39284 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
39285 the last read request.
39286
39287 @item delta
39288 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
39289 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
39290 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
39291 used to stitch traces together.
39292
39293 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
39294 @end table
39295
39296 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39297 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39298
39299 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39300 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
39301
39302 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
39303 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
39304
39305 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39306 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39307
39308 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39309 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
39310 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
39311 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
39312 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
39313 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
39314 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
39315
39316 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39317 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39318
39319 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39320 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
39321 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
39322 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
39323 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
39324
39325 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39326 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39327
39328 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39329 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
39330 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
39331 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39332 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39333
39334 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
39335 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
39336 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
39337
39338 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39339 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39340
39341 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39342 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
39343 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
39344 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
39345 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
39346 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
39347 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39348 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
39349
39350 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
39351 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
39352
39353 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39354 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39355
39356 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
39357 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
39358 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
39359 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
39360
39361 @table @code
39362 @item start=@var{address}
39363 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39364 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
39365 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
39366 chosen as the starting point.
39367
39368 @item prev=@var{address}
39369 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39370 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
39371 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
39372 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
39373 exists prior to the starting point.
39374
39375 @end table
39376
39377 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
39378 ignored.
39379
39380 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39381 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
39382 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
39383 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39384 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39385
39386 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39387 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39388
39389 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39390 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
39391
39392 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
39393 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
39394 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
39395 Action Lists}.
39396
39397 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39398 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39399 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39400
39401 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39402 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
39403 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
39404 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39405 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39406
39407 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39408 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39409 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39410
39411 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39412 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
39413 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39414 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
39415 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39416 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39417 in that context to be accessed.
39418
39419 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39420 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39421 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39422
39423 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39424 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
39425 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
39426 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39427 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39428
39429 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39430 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39431
39432 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39433 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
39434
39435 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
39436 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
39437 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39438
39439 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39440 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39441
39442 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39443 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
39444
39445 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
39446 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
39447
39448 This packet is not probed by default.
39449
39450 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39451 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
39452 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
39453 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
39454 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
39455
39456 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39457 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39458
39459 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39460 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
39461 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
39462 @xref{Operating System Information}.
39463
39464 @end table
39465
39466 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39467 @cindex write data into object, remote request
39468 @anchor{qXfer write}
39469 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
39470 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
39471 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
39472 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
39473 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
39474 to access.
39475
39476 Reply:
39477 @table @samp
39478 @item @var{nn}
39479 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
39480 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
39481
39482 @item E00
39483 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39484
39485 @item E @var{nn}
39486 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
39487 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39488
39489 @item @w{}
39490 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
39491 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
39492 @end table
39493
39494 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
39495 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39496 formats, listed above.
39497
39498 @table @samp
39499 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39500 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
39501 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
39502 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39503 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
39504
39505 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39506 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39507 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39508
39509 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39510 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
39511 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39512 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
39513 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39514 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39515 in that context to be accessed.
39516
39517 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39518 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39519 @end table
39520
39521 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
39522 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
39523 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
39524 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
39525 must respond with an empty packet.
39526
39527 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
39528 @cindex query attached, remote request
39529 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
39530 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
39531 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
39532 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
39533 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
39534 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
39535 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
39536
39537 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
39538 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
39539 the @code{quit} command.
39540
39541 Reply:
39542 @table @samp
39543 @item 1
39544 The remote server attached to an existing process.
39545 @item 0
39546 The remote server created a new process.
39547 @item E @var{NN}
39548 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39549 @end table
39550
39551 @item Qbtrace:bts
39552 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
39553
39554 Reply:
39555 @table @samp
39556 @item OK
39557 Branch tracing has been enabled.
39558 @item E.errtext
39559 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39560 @end table
39561
39562 @item Qbtrace:pt
39563 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
39564
39565 Reply:
39566 @table @samp
39567 @item OK
39568 Branch tracing has been enabled.
39569 @item E.errtext
39570 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39571 @end table
39572
39573 @item Qbtrace:off
39574 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
39575
39576 Reply:
39577 @table @samp
39578 @item OK
39579 Branch tracing has been disabled.
39580 @item E.errtext
39581 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39582 @end table
39583
39584 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
39585 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
39586 btrace recording method in bts format.
39587
39588 Reply:
39589 @table @samp
39590 @item OK
39591 The ring buffer size has been set.
39592 @item E.errtext
39593 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39594 @end table
39595
39596 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
39597 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
39598 btrace recording method in pt format.
39599
39600 Reply:
39601 @table @samp
39602 @item OK
39603 The ring buffer size has been set.
39604 @item E.errtext
39605 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39606 @end table
39607
39608 @end table
39609
39610 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39611 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39612
39613 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
39614 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
39615 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
39616
39617 @menu
39618 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
39619 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
39620 @end menu
39621
39622 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
39623 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
39624
39625 @menu
39626 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
39627 @end menu
39628
39629 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
39630 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
39631 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
39632
39633 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39634
39635 @table @r
39636
39637 @item 2
39638 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
39639
39640 @item 3
39641 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
39642
39643 @item 4
39644 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
39645
39646 @end table
39647
39648 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
39649 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
39650
39651 @menu
39652 * MIPS Register packet Format::
39653 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
39654 @end menu
39655
39656 @node MIPS Register packet Format
39657 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
39658 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
39659
39660 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
39661 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
39662 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
39663 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
39664 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
39665 most-significant -- least-significant.
39666
39667 @table @r
39668
39669 @item MIPS32
39670 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
39671 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
39672 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
39673
39674 @item MIPS64
39675 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
39676 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
39677 as @code{MIPS32}.
39678
39679 @end table
39680
39681 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
39682 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
39683 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
39684
39685 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39686
39687 @table @r
39688
39689 @item 2
39690 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
39691
39692 @item 3
39693 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39694
39695 @item 4
39696 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
39697
39698 @item 5
39699 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39700
39701 @end table
39702
39703 @node Tracepoint Packets
39704 @section Tracepoint Packets
39705 @cindex tracepoint packets
39706 @cindex packets, tracepoint
39707
39708 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
39709 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
39710
39711 @table @samp
39712
39713 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
39714 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
39715 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
39716 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
39717 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
39718 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
39719 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
39720 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
39721 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
39722 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
39723 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
39724 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
39725 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
39726 actions.
39727
39728 Replies:
39729 @table @samp
39730 @item OK
39731 The packet was understood and carried out.
39732 @item qRelocInsn
39733 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39734 @item @w{}
39735 The packet was not recognized.
39736 @end table
39737
39738 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
39739 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
39740 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
39741 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
39742 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
39743 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
39744 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
39745
39746 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
39747 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
39748 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
39749 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
39750 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
39751 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
39752 tracepoint actions.
39753
39754 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
39755 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
39756 following forms:
39757
39758 @table @samp
39759
39760 @item R @var{mask}
39761 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
39762 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
39763 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
39764 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
39765 not fit in a 32-bit word.
39766
39767 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
39768 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
39769 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
39770 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
39771 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
39772 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
39773 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
39774
39775 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
39776 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
39777 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
39778 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
39779 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
39780 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
39781 packet).
39782
39783 @end table
39784
39785 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
39786 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
39787 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
39788 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
39789 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
39790 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
39791 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
39792 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
39793
39794 Replies:
39795 @table @samp
39796 @item OK
39797 The packet was understood and carried out.
39798 @item qRelocInsn
39799 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39800 @item @w{}
39801 The packet was not recognized.
39802 @end table
39803
39804 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
39805 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
39806 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
39807 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
39808 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
39809 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
39810 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
39811 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
39812
39813 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
39814 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
39815 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
39816 fit in a single packet.
39817 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
39818 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
39819
39820 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
39821 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
39822 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
39823 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
39824
39825 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
39826 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
39827 query packets.
39828
39829 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
39830 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
39831 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
39832 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
39833 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
39834 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
39835 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
39836 be found.
39837
39838 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
39839 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
39840 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
39841 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
39842 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
39843 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
39844 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
39845 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
39846 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
39847 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
39848 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
39849 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
39850 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
39851 variable.
39852
39853 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
39854 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
39855 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
39856 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
39857 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
39858
39859 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
39860 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
39861 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
39862 one of the following forms:
39863
39864 @table @samp
39865 @item F @var{f}
39866 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
39867 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
39868 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
39869
39870 @item T @var{t}
39871 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
39872 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
39873
39874 @end table
39875
39876 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
39877 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39878 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
39879 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
39880
39881 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
39882 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39883 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
39884 is a hexadecimal number.
39885
39886 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
39887 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39888 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
39889 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
39890 numbers.
39891
39892 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
39893 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
39894 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
39895
39896 @item qTMinFTPILen
39897 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
39898 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
39899 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
39900 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
39901 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
39902 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
39903 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
39904 arrange for that.
39905
39906 Replies:
39907
39908 @table @samp
39909 @item 0
39910 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
39911 @item @var{length}
39912 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
39913 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
39914 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
39915 regardless of size.
39916 @item E
39917 An error has occurred.
39918 @item @w{}
39919 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
39920 @end table
39921
39922 @item QTStart
39923 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
39924 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
39925 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
39926 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
39927 instruction reply packet}).
39928
39929 @item QTStop
39930 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
39931 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
39932
39933 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39934 @anchor{QTEnable}
39935 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
39936 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39937 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
39938 of data from it will resume.
39939
39940 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39941 @anchor{QTDisable}
39942 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
39943 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39944 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
39945 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
39946
39947 @item QTinit
39948 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
39949 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
39950
39951 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
39952 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
39953 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
39954 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
39955 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
39956
39957 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
39958 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
39959 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
39960 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
39961
39962 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
39963 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
39964 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
39965 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
39966 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
39967 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
39968
39969 @item qTStatus
39970 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
39971 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
39972
39973 The reply has the form:
39974
39975 @table @samp
39976
39977 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
39978 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
39979 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
39980 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
39981
39982 @end table
39983
39984 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
39985 explanations as one of the optional fields:
39986
39987 @table @samp
39988
39989 @item tnotrun:0
39990 No trace has been run yet.
39991
39992 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
39993 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
39994 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
39995 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
39996 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
39997
39998 @item tfull:0
39999 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
40000
40001 @item tdisconnected:0
40002 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
40003
40004 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
40005 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
40006
40007 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
40008 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
40009 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
40010 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
40011 is hex encoded.
40012
40013 @item tunknown:0
40014 The trace stopped for some other reason.
40015
40016 @end table
40017
40018 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
40019 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
40020 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
40021 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
40022 trace.
40023
40024 @table @samp
40025
40026 @item tframes:@var{n}
40027 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
40028
40029 @item tcreated:@var{n}
40030 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
40031 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
40032
40033 @item tsize:@var{n}
40034 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
40035
40036 @item tfree:@var{n}
40037 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
40038
40039 @item circular:@var{n}
40040 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
40041 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
40042 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
40043 and may fill up.
40044
40045 @item disconn:@var{n}
40046 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
40047 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
40048 that the trace run will stop.
40049
40050 @end table
40051
40052 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
40053 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
40054 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
40055 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
40056 address @var{addr}.
40057
40058 Replies:
40059 @table @samp
40060 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
40061 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
40062 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
40063 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
40064 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
40065
40066 @end table
40067
40068 @item qTV:@var{var}
40069 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
40070 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
40071 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
40072
40073 Replies:
40074 @table @samp
40075 @item V@var{value}
40076 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
40077 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
40078 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
40079 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
40080 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
40081 program is running.
40082
40083 @item U
40084 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
40085 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
40086 was not collected.
40087 @end table
40088
40089 @item qTfP
40090 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
40091 @itemx qTsP
40092 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
40093 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
40094 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
40095 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
40096 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
40097 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
40098
40099 @item qTfV
40100 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
40101 @itemx qTsV
40102 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
40103 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
40104 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
40105 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
40106 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
40107 trace state variables.
40108
40109 @item qTfSTM
40110 @itemx qTsSTM
40111 @anchor{qTfSTM}
40112 @anchor{qTsSTM}
40113 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
40114 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
40115 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
40116 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
40117 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
40118 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
40119
40120 Reply:
40121 @table @samp
40122 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
40123 A single marker
40124 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
40125 a comma-separated list of markers
40126 @item l
40127 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
40128 @item E @var{nn}
40129 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
40130 @item @w{}
40131 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
40132 stub.
40133 @end table
40134
40135 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
40136 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
40137
40138 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
40139 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
40140 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
40141 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
40142 @dfn{last}).
40143
40144 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
40145 @anchor{qTSTMat}
40146 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
40147 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
40148 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
40149 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
40150 tracepoint markers.
40151
40152 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
40153 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
40154 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
40155 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
40156 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
40157 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
40158
40159 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
40160 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
40161 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
40162 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
40163 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
40164 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
40165 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
40166 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
40167 available.
40168
40169 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
40170 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
40171 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
40172
40173 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
40174 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
40175 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
40176 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
40177 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
40178 use whatever size it prefers.
40179
40180 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
40181 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
40182 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
40183 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
40184 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
40185
40186 @end table
40187
40188 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
40189 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
40190 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
40191 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
40192 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
40193 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
40194 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
40195 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
40196 it had executed in the original location.
40197
40198 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
40199 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
40200 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
40201 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
40202 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
40203 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
40204 format of the request is:
40205
40206 @table @samp
40207 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
40208
40209 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
40210 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
40211 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
40212 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
40213 memory starting at @var{to}.
40214 @end table
40215
40216 Replies:
40217 @table @samp
40218 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
40219 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
40220 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
40221 @item E @var{NN}
40222 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
40223 relocating the instruction.
40224 @end table
40225
40226 @node Host I/O Packets
40227 @section Host I/O Packets
40228 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
40229 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
40230
40231 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
40232 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
40233 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
40234 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
40235 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
40236 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
40237 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
40238 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
40239 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
40240 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
40241
40242 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
40243 its arguments. They have this format:
40244
40245 @table @samp
40246
40247 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
40248 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
40249 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
40250 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
40251 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
40252 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
40253 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
40254 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
40255 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
40256
40257 @end table
40258
40259 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
40260
40261 @table @samp
40262
40263 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
40264 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
40265 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
40266 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
40267 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
40268 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
40269 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
40270 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
40271 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
40272 @var{attachment}.
40273
40274 @item @w{}
40275 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
40276
40277 @end table
40278
40279 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
40280
40281 @table @samp
40282 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
40283 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
40284 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
40285 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
40286 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
40287 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
40288 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
40289
40290 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
40291 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
40292 -1 if an error occurs.
40293
40294 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
40295 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
40296 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
40297 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
40298 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
40299 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
40300 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
40301 @var{count} was zero.
40302
40303 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40304 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40305 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40306 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40307 some characters were escaped.
40308
40309 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
40310 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
40311 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
40312 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
40313 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
40314 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
40315 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
40316 error occurred.
40317
40318 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
40319 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
40320 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
40321 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
40322 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
40323 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
40324
40325 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
40326 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
40327 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
40328
40329 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
40330 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
40331 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
40332
40333 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40334 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40335 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40336 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40337 some characters were escaped.
40338
40339 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
40340 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
40341 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
40342 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
40343 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
40344 inferior(s).
40345
40346 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
40347 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
40348 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
40349 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
40350 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
40351 operation.
40352
40353 @end table
40354
40355 @node Interrupts
40356 @section Interrupts
40357 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
40358 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
40359
40360 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
40361 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
40362 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
40363 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
40364
40365 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
40366 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
40367 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
40368 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
40369 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
40370
40371 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
40372 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
40373 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
40374 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
40375 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
40376 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
40377 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
40378 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
40379
40380 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
40381 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
40382 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
40383
40384 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
40385 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
40386 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
40387 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
40388 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
40389 @code{0x03}.
40390
40391 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
40392 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
40393 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
40394 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
40395 currently-executing threads and processes.
40396 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
40397 running program, it should send one of the stop
40398 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
40399 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
40400 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
40401 Interrupts received while the
40402 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
40403 it is resumed next time.
40404
40405 @node Notification Packets
40406 @section Notification Packets
40407 @cindex notification packets
40408 @cindex packets, notification
40409
40410 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
40411 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
40412 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
40413 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
40414 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
40415 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
40416 is not a problem.
40417
40418 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
40419 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
40420 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
40421 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
40422 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
40423 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
40424 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
40425
40426 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
40427 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
40428
40429 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
40430 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
40431 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
40432 not they understand it.
40433
40434 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
40435 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
40436 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
40437 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
40438 recipients.
40439
40440 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
40441 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
40442 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
40443 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
40444 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
40445
40446 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
40447 @table @samp
40448 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
40449 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
40450 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
40451 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
40452 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
40453 @item @var{ack}
40454 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
40455 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
40456 @end table
40457
40458 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
40459 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
40460
40461 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
40462 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
40463 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
40464 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
40465 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
40466 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
40467 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
40468 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
40469 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
40470 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
40471
40472 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
40473 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
40474 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
40475 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
40476 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
40477 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
40478
40479 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
40480 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
40481 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
40482 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
40483 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
40484
40485 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
40486 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
40487 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
40488 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
40489 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
40490 normally.
40491
40492 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
40493 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
40494 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
40495 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
40496 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
40497 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
40498 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
40499 the process shall be repeated.
40500
40501 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
40502 following example:
40503 @smallexample
40504 <- @code{%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
40505 @code{...}
40506 -> @code{vStopped}
40507 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
40508 -> @code{vStopped}
40509 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
40510 -> @code{vStopped}
40511 <- @code{OK}
40512 @end smallexample
40513
40514 The following notifications are defined:
40515 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
40516
40517 @item Notification
40518 @tab Ack
40519 @tab Event
40520 @tab Description
40521
40522 @item Stop
40523 @tab vStopped
40524 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
40525 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
40526 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
40527 @value{GDBN}.
40528 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
40529
40530 @end multitable
40531
40532 @node Remote Non-Stop
40533 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
40534
40535 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
40536 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
40537 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
40538 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40539
40540 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
40541 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
40542 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
40543 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
40544 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
40545 probe the target state after a mode change.
40546
40547 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
40548 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
40549 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
40550 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
40551 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
40552 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
40553 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
40554 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
40555 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
40556 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
40557 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
40558
40559 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
40560 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
40561 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
40562 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
40563 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
40564 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
40565 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
40566 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
40567 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
40568 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
40569 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
40570 @samp{OK}.
40571
40572 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
40573 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
40574 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
40575 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
40576 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
40577 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
40578 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
40579 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
40580 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
40581 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
40582 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
40583 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
40584 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
40585
40586 @node Packet Acknowledgment
40587 @section Packet Acknowledgment
40588
40589 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40590 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40591 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
40592 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
40593 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
40594 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
40595 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
40596
40597 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
40598 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
40599 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
40600 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
40601 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
40602
40603 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
40604 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
40605 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
40606 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
40607
40608 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
40609 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
40610 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
40611 @pxref{qSupported}.
40612 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
40613 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
40614 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
40615 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
40616 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
40617 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
40618 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
40619
40620 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
40621 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
40622 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
40623 connection.
40624 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
40625 new connection is established,
40626 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
40627 for the current connection, once disabled.
40628
40629 @node Examples
40630 @section Examples
40631
40632 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
40633 does not get any direct output:
40634
40635 @smallexample
40636 -> @code{R00}
40637 <- @code{+}
40638 @emph{target restarts}
40639 -> @code{?}
40640 <- @code{+}
40641 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40642 -> @code{+}
40643 @end smallexample
40644
40645 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
40646
40647 @smallexample
40648 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
40649 <- @code{+}
40650 -> @code{s}
40651 <- @code{+}
40652 @emph{time passes}
40653 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40654 -> @code{+}
40655 -> @code{g}
40656 <- @code{+}
40657 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
40658 -> @code{+}
40659 @end smallexample
40660
40661 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40662 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40663 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
40664
40665 @menu
40666 * File-I/O Overview::
40667 * Protocol Basics::
40668 * The F Request Packet::
40669 * The F Reply Packet::
40670 * The Ctrl-C Message::
40671 * Console I/O::
40672 * List of Supported Calls::
40673 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
40674 * Constants::
40675 * File-I/O Examples::
40676 @end menu
40677
40678 @node File-I/O Overview
40679 @subsection File-I/O Overview
40680 @cindex file-i/o overview
40681
40682 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
40683 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
40684 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
40685 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
40686 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
40687 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
40688
40689 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
40690 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
40691 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
40692 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
40693 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
40694
40695 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
40696 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
40697 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
40698 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
40699 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
40700 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
40701 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
40702
40703 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
40704 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
40705 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
40706 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
40707 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
40708
40709 @smallexample
40710 (@value{GDBP}) continue
40711 <- target requests 'system call X'
40712 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
40713 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
40714 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
40715 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
40716 @end smallexample
40717
40718 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
40719 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
40720 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
40721 system are not supported by this protocol.
40722
40723 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
40724
40725 @node Protocol Basics
40726 @subsection Protocol Basics
40727 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
40728
40729 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
40730 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
40731 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
40732 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
40733 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
40734 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
40735 to call the appropriate host system call:
40736
40737 @itemize @bullet
40738 @item
40739 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
40740
40741 @item
40742 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
40743 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
40744 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
40745 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
40746
40747 @end itemize
40748
40749 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
40750
40751 @itemize @bullet
40752 @item
40753 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
40754 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
40755 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
40756 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
40757 packet.
40758
40759 @item
40760 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
40761 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
40762
40763 @item
40764 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
40765
40766 @item
40767 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
40768
40769 @item
40770 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
40771 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
40772 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
40773 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
40774 packet.
40775
40776 @end itemize
40777
40778 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
40779 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
40780
40781 @itemize @bullet
40782 @item
40783 Return value.
40784
40785 @item
40786 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
40787
40788 @item
40789 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
40790
40791 @end itemize
40792
40793 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
40794 the latest continue or step action.
40795
40796 @node The F Request Packet
40797 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
40798 @cindex file-i/o request packet
40799 @cindex @code{F} request packet
40800
40801 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
40802
40803 @table @samp
40804 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
40805
40806 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
40807 This is just the name of the function.
40808
40809 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
40810 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
40811 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
40812 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
40813 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
40814 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
40815 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
40816
40817 @end table
40818
40819
40820
40821 @node The F Reply Packet
40822 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
40823 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
40824 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
40825
40826 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
40827
40828 @table @samp
40829
40830 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
40831
40832 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
40833
40834 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
40835 representation.
40836 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
40837
40838 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
40839 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
40840 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
40841
40842 @smallexample
40843 F0,0,C
40844 @end smallexample
40845
40846 @noindent
40847 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
40848
40849 @smallexample
40850 F-1,4,C
40851 @end smallexample
40852
40853 @noindent
40854 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
40855
40856 @end table
40857
40858
40859 @node The Ctrl-C Message
40860 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
40861 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
40862
40863 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
40864 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
40865 the target should behave as if it had
40866 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
40867 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
40868 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
40869 packet.
40870
40871 It's important for the target to know in which
40872 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
40873
40874 @itemize @bullet
40875 @item
40876 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
40877
40878 @item
40879 The system call on the host has been finished.
40880
40881 @end itemize
40882
40883 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
40884 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
40885 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
40886 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
40887 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
40888 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
40889
40890 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
40891 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
40892 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
40893 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
40894 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
40895 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
40896 or the full action has been completed.
40897
40898 @node Console I/O
40899 @subsection Console I/O
40900 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
40901
40902 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
40903 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
40904 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
40905 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
40906 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
40907 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
40908 conditions is met:
40909
40910 @itemize @bullet
40911 @item
40912 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
40913 @code{read}
40914 system call is treated as finished.
40915
40916 @item
40917 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
40918 newline.
40919
40920 @item
40921 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
40922 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
40923
40924 @end itemize
40925
40926 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
40927 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
40928 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
40929 is stopped at the user's request.
40930
40931
40932 @node List of Supported Calls
40933 @subsection List of Supported Calls
40934 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
40935
40936 @menu
40937 * open::
40938 * close::
40939 * read::
40940 * write::
40941 * lseek::
40942 * rename::
40943 * unlink::
40944 * stat/fstat::
40945 * gettimeofday::
40946 * isatty::
40947 * system::
40948 @end menu
40949
40950 @node open
40951 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
40952 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
40953
40954 @table @asis
40955 @item Synopsis:
40956 @smallexample
40957 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
40958 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
40959 @end smallexample
40960
40961 @item Request:
40962 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
40963
40964 @noindent
40965 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
40966
40967 @table @code
40968 @item O_CREAT
40969 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
40970 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
40971 are concerned.
40972
40973 @item O_EXCL
40974 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
40975 an error and open() fails.
40976
40977 @item O_TRUNC
40978 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
40979 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
40980 truncated to zero length.
40981
40982 @item O_APPEND
40983 The file is opened in append mode.
40984
40985 @item O_RDONLY
40986 The file is opened for reading only.
40987
40988 @item O_WRONLY
40989 The file is opened for writing only.
40990
40991 @item O_RDWR
40992 The file is opened for reading and writing.
40993 @end table
40994
40995 @noindent
40996 Other bits are silently ignored.
40997
40998
40999 @noindent
41000 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
41001
41002 @table @code
41003 @item S_IRUSR
41004 User has read permission.
41005
41006 @item S_IWUSR
41007 User has write permission.
41008
41009 @item S_IRGRP
41010 Group has read permission.
41011
41012 @item S_IWGRP
41013 Group has write permission.
41014
41015 @item S_IROTH
41016 Others have read permission.
41017
41018 @item S_IWOTH
41019 Others have write permission.
41020 @end table
41021
41022 @noindent
41023 Other bits are silently ignored.
41024
41025
41026 @item Return value:
41027 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
41028 occurred.
41029
41030 @item Errors:
41031
41032 @table @code
41033 @item EEXIST
41034 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
41035
41036 @item EISDIR
41037 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
41038
41039 @item EACCES
41040 The requested access is not allowed.
41041
41042 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41043 @var{pathname} was too long.
41044
41045 @item ENOENT
41046 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41047
41048 @item ENODEV
41049 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
41050
41051 @item EROFS
41052 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
41053 write access was requested.
41054
41055 @item EFAULT
41056 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
41057
41058 @item ENOSPC
41059 No space on device to create the file.
41060
41061 @item EMFILE
41062 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
41063
41064 @item ENFILE
41065 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
41066 has been reached.
41067
41068 @item EINTR
41069 The call was interrupted by the user.
41070 @end table
41071
41072 @end table
41073
41074 @node close
41075 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
41076 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
41077
41078 @table @asis
41079 @item Synopsis:
41080 @smallexample
41081 int close(int fd);
41082 @end smallexample
41083
41084 @item Request:
41085 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
41086
41087 @item Return value:
41088 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
41089
41090 @item Errors:
41091
41092 @table @code
41093 @item EBADF
41094 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
41095
41096 @item EINTR
41097 The call was interrupted by the user.
41098 @end table
41099
41100 @end table
41101
41102 @node read
41103 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
41104 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
41105
41106 @table @asis
41107 @item Synopsis:
41108 @smallexample
41109 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
41110 @end smallexample
41111
41112 @item Request:
41113 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41114
41115 @item Return value:
41116 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
41117 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
41118 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
41119
41120 @item Errors:
41121
41122 @table @code
41123 @item EBADF
41124 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41125 reading.
41126
41127 @item EFAULT
41128 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41129
41130 @item EINTR
41131 The call was interrupted by the user.
41132 @end table
41133
41134 @end table
41135
41136 @node write
41137 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
41138 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
41139
41140 @table @asis
41141 @item Synopsis:
41142 @smallexample
41143 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
41144 @end smallexample
41145
41146 @item Request:
41147 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41148
41149 @item Return value:
41150 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
41151 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
41152 is returned.
41153
41154 @item Errors:
41155
41156 @table @code
41157 @item EBADF
41158 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41159 writing.
41160
41161 @item EFAULT
41162 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41163
41164 @item EFBIG
41165 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
41166 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
41167
41168 @item ENOSPC
41169 No space on device to write the data.
41170
41171 @item EINTR
41172 The call was interrupted by the user.
41173 @end table
41174
41175 @end table
41176
41177 @node lseek
41178 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
41179 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
41180
41181 @table @asis
41182 @item Synopsis:
41183 @smallexample
41184 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
41185 @end smallexample
41186
41187 @item Request:
41188 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
41189
41190 @var{flag} is one of:
41191
41192 @table @code
41193 @item SEEK_SET
41194 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
41195
41196 @item SEEK_CUR
41197 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
41198 bytes.
41199
41200 @item SEEK_END
41201 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
41202 bytes.
41203 @end table
41204
41205 @item Return value:
41206 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
41207 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
41208 value of -1 is returned.
41209
41210 @item Errors:
41211
41212 @table @code
41213 @item EBADF
41214 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
41215
41216 @item ESPIPE
41217 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
41218
41219 @item EINVAL
41220 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
41221
41222 @item EINTR
41223 The call was interrupted by the user.
41224 @end table
41225
41226 @end table
41227
41228 @node rename
41229 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
41230 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
41231
41232 @table @asis
41233 @item Synopsis:
41234 @smallexample
41235 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
41236 @end smallexample
41237
41238 @item Request:
41239 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
41240
41241 @item Return value:
41242 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41243
41244 @item Errors:
41245
41246 @table @code
41247 @item EISDIR
41248 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
41249 directory.
41250
41251 @item EEXIST
41252 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
41253
41254 @item EBUSY
41255 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
41256 process.
41257
41258 @item EINVAL
41259 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
41260 of itself.
41261
41262 @item ENOTDIR
41263 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
41264 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
41265 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
41266
41267 @item EFAULT
41268 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
41269
41270 @item EACCES
41271 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41272
41273 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41274
41275 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
41276
41277 @item ENOENT
41278 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
41279
41280 @item EROFS
41281 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41282
41283 @item ENOSPC
41284 The device containing the file has no room for the new
41285 directory entry.
41286
41287 @item EINTR
41288 The call was interrupted by the user.
41289 @end table
41290
41291 @end table
41292
41293 @node unlink
41294 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
41295 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
41296
41297 @table @asis
41298 @item Synopsis:
41299 @smallexample
41300 int unlink(const char *pathname);
41301 @end smallexample
41302
41303 @item Request:
41304 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
41305
41306 @item Return value:
41307 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41308
41309 @item Errors:
41310
41311 @table @code
41312 @item EACCES
41313 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41314
41315 @item EPERM
41316 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
41317
41318 @item EBUSY
41319 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
41320 being used by another process.
41321
41322 @item EFAULT
41323 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41324
41325 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41326 @var{pathname} was too long.
41327
41328 @item ENOENT
41329 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41330
41331 @item ENOTDIR
41332 A component of the path is not a directory.
41333
41334 @item EROFS
41335 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41336
41337 @item EINTR
41338 The call was interrupted by the user.
41339 @end table
41340
41341 @end table
41342
41343 @node stat/fstat
41344 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
41345 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
41346 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
41347
41348 @table @asis
41349 @item Synopsis:
41350 @smallexample
41351 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
41352 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
41353 @end smallexample
41354
41355 @item Request:
41356 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
41357 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
41358
41359 @item Return value:
41360 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41361
41362 @item Errors:
41363
41364 @table @code
41365 @item EBADF
41366 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
41367
41368 @item ENOENT
41369 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
41370 path is an empty string.
41371
41372 @item ENOTDIR
41373 A component of the path is not a directory.
41374
41375 @item EFAULT
41376 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41377
41378 @item EACCES
41379 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41380
41381 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41382 @var{pathname} was too long.
41383
41384 @item EINTR
41385 The call was interrupted by the user.
41386 @end table
41387
41388 @end table
41389
41390 @node gettimeofday
41391 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
41392 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
41393
41394 @table @asis
41395 @item Synopsis:
41396 @smallexample
41397 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
41398 @end smallexample
41399
41400 @item Request:
41401 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
41402
41403 @item Return value:
41404 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
41405
41406 @item Errors:
41407
41408 @table @code
41409 @item EINVAL
41410 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
41411
41412 @item EFAULT
41413 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41414 @end table
41415
41416 @end table
41417
41418 @node isatty
41419 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
41420 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
41421
41422 @table @asis
41423 @item Synopsis:
41424 @smallexample
41425 int isatty(int fd);
41426 @end smallexample
41427
41428 @item Request:
41429 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
41430
41431 @item Return value:
41432 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
41433
41434 @item Errors:
41435
41436 @table @code
41437 @item EINTR
41438 The call was interrupted by the user.
41439 @end table
41440
41441 @end table
41442
41443 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
41444 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
41445 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
41446 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
41447 needed.
41448
41449
41450 @node system
41451 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
41452 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
41453
41454 @table @asis
41455 @item Synopsis:
41456 @smallexample
41457 int system(const char *command);
41458 @end smallexample
41459
41460 @item Request:
41461 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
41462
41463 @item Return value:
41464 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
41465 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
41466 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
41467 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
41468 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
41469 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
41470 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
41471
41472 @item Errors:
41473
41474 @table @code
41475 @item EINTR
41476 The call was interrupted by the user.
41477 @end table
41478
41479 @end table
41480
41481 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
41482 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
41483 the host is simplified before it's returned
41484 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
41485 is discarded, and the return value consists
41486 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
41487
41488 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
41489 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
41490 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
41491
41492 @table @code
41493 @item set remote system-call-allowed
41494 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
41495 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
41496 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
41497
41498 @item show remote system-call-allowed
41499 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
41500 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
41501 protocol.
41502 @end table
41503
41504 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41505 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41506 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41507
41508 @menu
41509 * Integral Datatypes::
41510 * Pointer Values::
41511 * Memory Transfer::
41512 * struct stat::
41513 * struct timeval::
41514 @end menu
41515
41516 @node Integral Datatypes
41517 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
41518 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41519
41520 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
41521 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
41522 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
41523
41524 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
41525 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
41526
41527 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
41528
41529 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
41530 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
41531
41532 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
41533
41534 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
41535 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
41536 byte order.
41537
41538 @node Pointer Values
41539 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
41540 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
41541
41542 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
41543 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
41544 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
41545 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
41546
41547 @smallexample
41548 @code{1aaf/12}
41549 @end smallexample
41550
41551 @noindent
41552 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
41553 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
41554 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
41555 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
41556
41557 @smallexample
41558 @code{123456/d}
41559 @end smallexample
41560
41561 @node Memory Transfer
41562 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
41563 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
41564
41565 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
41566 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
41567 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
41568 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
41569 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
41570 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
41571 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
41572
41573
41574 @node struct stat
41575 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
41576 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
41577
41578 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
41579 is defined as follows:
41580
41581 @smallexample
41582 struct stat @{
41583 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
41584 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
41585 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
41586 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
41587 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
41588 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
41589 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
41590 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
41591 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
41592 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
41593 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
41594 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
41595 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
41596 @};
41597 @end smallexample
41598
41599 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41600 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41601 structure is of size 64 bytes.
41602
41603 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
41604 range of values.
41605
41606 @table @code
41607
41608 @item st_dev
41609 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
41610
41611 @item st_ino
41612 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41613
41614 @item st_mode
41615 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
41616 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
41617
41618 @item st_uid
41619 @itemx st_gid
41620 @itemx st_rdev
41621 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41622
41623 @item st_atime
41624 @itemx st_mtime
41625 @itemx st_ctime
41626 These values have a host and file system dependent
41627 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
41628 support exact timing values.
41629 @end table
41630
41631 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
41632 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
41633 continuing.
41634
41635 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
41636 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
41637 get truncated on the target.
41638
41639 @node struct timeval
41640 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
41641 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
41642
41643 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
41644 is defined as follows:
41645
41646 @smallexample
41647 struct timeval @{
41648 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
41649 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
41650 @};
41651 @end smallexample
41652
41653 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41654 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41655 structure is of size 8 bytes.
41656
41657 @node Constants
41658 @subsection Constants
41659 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
41660
41661 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
41662 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
41663 values before and after the call as needed.
41664
41665 @menu
41666 * Open Flags::
41667 * mode_t Values::
41668 * Errno Values::
41669 * Lseek Flags::
41670 * Limits::
41671 @end menu
41672
41673 @node Open Flags
41674 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
41675 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
41676
41677 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
41678
41679 @smallexample
41680 O_RDONLY 0x0
41681 O_WRONLY 0x1
41682 O_RDWR 0x2
41683 O_APPEND 0x8
41684 O_CREAT 0x200
41685 O_TRUNC 0x400
41686 O_EXCL 0x800
41687 @end smallexample
41688
41689 @node mode_t Values
41690 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
41691 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
41692
41693 All values are given in octal representation.
41694
41695 @smallexample
41696 S_IFREG 0100000
41697 S_IFDIR 040000
41698 S_IRUSR 0400
41699 S_IWUSR 0200
41700 S_IXUSR 0100
41701 S_IRGRP 040
41702 S_IWGRP 020
41703 S_IXGRP 010
41704 S_IROTH 04
41705 S_IWOTH 02
41706 S_IXOTH 01
41707 @end smallexample
41708
41709 @node Errno Values
41710 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
41711 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
41712
41713 All values are given in decimal representation.
41714
41715 @smallexample
41716 EPERM 1
41717 ENOENT 2
41718 EINTR 4
41719 EBADF 9
41720 EACCES 13
41721 EFAULT 14
41722 EBUSY 16
41723 EEXIST 17
41724 ENODEV 19
41725 ENOTDIR 20
41726 EISDIR 21
41727 EINVAL 22
41728 ENFILE 23
41729 EMFILE 24
41730 EFBIG 27
41731 ENOSPC 28
41732 ESPIPE 29
41733 EROFS 30
41734 ENAMETOOLONG 91
41735 EUNKNOWN 9999
41736 @end smallexample
41737
41738 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
41739 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
41740
41741 @node Lseek Flags
41742 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
41743 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
41744
41745 @smallexample
41746 SEEK_SET 0
41747 SEEK_CUR 1
41748 SEEK_END 2
41749 @end smallexample
41750
41751 @node Limits
41752 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
41753 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
41754
41755 All values are given in decimal representation.
41756
41757 @smallexample
41758 INT_MIN -2147483648
41759 INT_MAX 2147483647
41760 UINT_MAX 4294967295
41761 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
41762 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
41763 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
41764 @end smallexample
41765
41766 @node File-I/O Examples
41767 @subsection File-I/O Examples
41768 @cindex file-i/o examples
41769
41770 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41771 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
41772
41773 @smallexample
41774 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
41775 @emph{request memory read from target}
41776 -> @code{m1234,6}
41777 <- XXXXXX
41778 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
41779 -> @code{F6}
41780 @end smallexample
41781
41782 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41783 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
41784
41785 @smallexample
41786 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41787 @emph{request memory write to target}
41788 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41789 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
41790 -> @code{F6}
41791 @end smallexample
41792
41793 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
41794 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
41795
41796 @smallexample
41797 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41798 -> @code{F-1,9}
41799 @end smallexample
41800
41801 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
41802 host is called:
41803
41804 @smallexample
41805 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41806 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
41807 <- @code{T02}
41808 @end smallexample
41809
41810 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
41811 host is called:
41812
41813 @smallexample
41814 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41815 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41816 <- @code{T02}
41817 @end smallexample
41818
41819 @node Library List Format
41820 @section Library List Format
41821 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41822
41823 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
41824 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
41825 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
41826 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
41827 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
41828 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
41829 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
41830 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
41831 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
41832 are loaded.
41833
41834 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
41835 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
41836 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
41837 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
41838
41839 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
41840 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
41841 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
41842 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
41843 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
41844 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
41845
41846 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41847 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41848
41849 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
41850 offset, looks like this:
41851
41852 @smallexample
41853 <library-list>
41854 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
41855 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
41856 </library>
41857 </library-list>
41858 @end smallexample
41859
41860 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
41861 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
41862
41863 @smallexample
41864 <library-list>
41865 <library name="sharedlib.o">
41866 <section address="0x10000000"/>
41867 <section address="0x20000000"/>
41868 <section address="0x30000000"/>
41869 </library>
41870 </library-list>
41871 @end smallexample
41872
41873 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
41874
41875 @smallexample
41876 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
41877 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
41878 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41879 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
41880 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41881 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
41882 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41883 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
41884 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41885 @end smallexample
41886
41887 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
41888 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
41889 section for each library.
41890
41891 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41892 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41893 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41894
41895 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
41896 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
41897 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
41898 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
41899
41900 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
41901 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
41902 target, the following parameters are reported:
41903
41904 @itemize @minus
41905 @item
41906 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
41907 @code{struct link_map}.
41908 @item
41909 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
41910 (Thread Local Storage) access.
41911 @item
41912 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
41913 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
41914 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
41915 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
41916 @item
41917 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
41918 @end itemize
41919
41920 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
41921 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
41922 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
41923
41924 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41925 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41926
41927 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
41928 looks like this:
41929
41930 @smallexample
41931 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
41932 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
41933 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
41934 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
41935 l_ld="0x152350"/>
41936 </library-list-svr>
41937 @end smallexample
41938
41939 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
41940
41941 @smallexample
41942 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
41943 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
41944 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41945 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
41946 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
41947 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41948 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
41949 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
41950 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
41951 @end smallexample
41952
41953 @node Memory Map Format
41954 @section Memory Map Format
41955 @cindex memory map format
41956
41957 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
41958 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
41959 memory map.
41960
41961 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
41962 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
41963 lists memory regions.
41964
41965 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41966 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
41967
41968 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41969
41970 @smallexample
41971 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41972 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
41973 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
41974 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
41975 <memory-map>
41976 region...
41977 </memory-map>
41978 @end smallexample
41979
41980 Each region can be either:
41981
41982 @itemize
41983
41984 @item
41985 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
41986 bytes from there:
41987
41988 @smallexample
41989 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41990 @end smallexample
41991
41992
41993 @item
41994 A region of read-only memory:
41995
41996 @smallexample
41997 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41998 @end smallexample
41999
42000
42001 @item
42002 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
42003 bytes in length:
42004
42005 @smallexample
42006 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
42007 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
42008 </memory>
42009 @end smallexample
42010
42011 @end itemize
42012
42013 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
42014 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
42015 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
42016
42017 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
42018
42019 @smallexample
42020 <!-- ................................................... -->
42021 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
42022 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
42023 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
42024 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
42025 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
42026 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory)*>
42027 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
42028 <!ELEMENT memory (property)*>
42029 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
42030 and its type, or device. -->
42031 <!ATTLIST memory type (ram|rom|flash) #REQUIRED
42032 start CDATA #REQUIRED
42033 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
42034 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
42035 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
42036 <!ATTLIST property name (blocksize) #REQUIRED>
42037 @end smallexample
42038
42039 @node Thread List Format
42040 @section Thread List Format
42041 @cindex thread list format
42042
42043 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
42044 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
42045 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
42046 the following structure:
42047
42048 @smallexample
42049 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42050 <threads>
42051 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
42052 ... description ...
42053 </thread>
42054 </threads>
42055 @end smallexample
42056
42057 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
42058 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
42059 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
42060 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
42061 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
42062 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
42063 auxiliary information. The @samp{handle} attribute, if present,
42064 is a hex encoded representation of the thread handle.
42065
42066
42067 @node Traceframe Info Format
42068 @section Traceframe Info Format
42069 @cindex traceframe info format
42070
42071 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
42072 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
42073 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
42074 collected in a traceframe.
42075
42076 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
42077 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
42078
42079 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42080 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42081
42082 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42083
42084 @smallexample
42085 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42086 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
42087 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
42088 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
42089 <traceframe-info>
42090 block...
42091 </traceframe-info>
42092 @end smallexample
42093
42094 Each traceframe block can be either:
42095
42096 @itemize
42097
42098 @item
42099 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
42100 @var{length} bytes from there:
42101
42102 @smallexample
42103 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42104 @end smallexample
42105
42106 @item
42107 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
42108 collected:
42109
42110 @smallexample
42111 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
42112 @end smallexample
42113
42114 @end itemize
42115
42116 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
42117
42118 @smallexample
42119 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
42120 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42121
42122 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
42123 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
42124 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
42125 <!ELEMENT tvar>
42126 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
42127 @end smallexample
42128
42129 @node Branch Trace Format
42130 @section Branch Trace Format
42131 @cindex branch trace format
42132
42133 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
42134 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
42135 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
42136 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
42137
42138 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
42139 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
42140
42141 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42142 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42143
42144 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42145
42146 @smallexample
42147 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42148 <!DOCTYPE btrace
42149 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
42150 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
42151 <btrace>
42152 block...
42153 </btrace>
42154 @end smallexample
42155
42156 @itemize
42157
42158 @item
42159 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
42160 and ending at @var{end}:
42161
42162 @smallexample
42163 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
42164 @end smallexample
42165
42166 @end itemize
42167
42168 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
42169
42170 @smallexample
42171 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
42172 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42173
42174 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
42175 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
42176 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
42177
42178 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
42179
42180 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
42181
42182 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
42183 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
42184 family CDATA #REQUIRED
42185 model CDATA #REQUIRED
42186 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
42187
42188 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
42189 @end smallexample
42190
42191 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
42192 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
42193 @cindex branch trace configuration format
42194
42195 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
42196 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
42197 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
42198
42199 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
42200 settings for that format. The following information is described:
42201
42202 @table @code
42203 @item bts
42204 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
42205 @table @code
42206 @item size
42207 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
42208 @end table
42209 @item pt
42210 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
42211 PT}) format.
42212 @table @code
42213 @item size
42214 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
42215 @end table
42216 @end table
42217
42218 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42219 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42220
42221 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
42222
42223 @smallexample
42224 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
42225 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42226
42227 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
42228 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
42229
42230 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
42231 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
42232 @end smallexample
42233
42234 @include agentexpr.texi
42235
42236 @node Target Descriptions
42237 @appendix Target Descriptions
42238 @cindex target descriptions
42239
42240 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
42241 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
42242 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
42243 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
42244 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
42245 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
42246 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
42247
42248 @itemize @bullet
42249 @item
42250 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
42251 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
42252 @item
42253 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
42254 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
42255 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
42256 @item
42257 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
42258 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
42259 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
42260 @end itemize
42261
42262 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
42263 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
42264 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
42265 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
42266 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
42267
42268 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42269 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
42270
42271 @menu
42272 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
42273 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
42274 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
42275 descriptions.
42276 * Enum Target Types:: How to define enum target types.
42277 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
42278 @end menu
42279
42280 @node Retrieving Descriptions
42281 @section Retrieving Descriptions
42282
42283 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
42284 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
42285 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
42286 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
42287 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
42288 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
42289 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
42290 Format}.
42291
42292 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
42293 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
42294 specify a file are:
42295
42296 @table @code
42297 @cindex set tdesc filename
42298 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
42299 Read the target description from @var{path}.
42300
42301 @cindex unset tdesc filename
42302 @item unset tdesc filename
42303 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
42304 will use the description supplied by the current target.
42305
42306 @cindex show tdesc filename
42307 @item show tdesc filename
42308 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
42309 @end table
42310
42311
42312 @node Target Description Format
42313 @section Target Description Format
42314 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
42315
42316 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
42317 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
42318 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
42319 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
42320 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
42321 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
42322 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
42323
42324 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
42325 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
42326 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
42327 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
42328 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
42329
42330 Here is a simple target description:
42331
42332 @smallexample
42333 <target version="1.0">
42334 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
42335 </target>
42336 @end smallexample
42337
42338 @noindent
42339 This minimal description only says that the target uses
42340 the x86-64 architecture.
42341
42342 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
42343 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
42344 are explained further below.
42345
42346 @smallexample
42347 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42348 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
42349 <target version="1.0">
42350 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
42351 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
42352 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
42353 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
42354 </target>
42355 @end smallexample
42356
42357 @noindent
42358 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
42359 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
42360 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
42361 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
42362 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
42363 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
42364 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
42365 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
42366 the version mismatch.
42367
42368 @subsection Inclusion
42369 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
42370 @cindex XInclude
42371 @ifnotinfo
42372 @cindex <xi:include>
42373 @end ifnotinfo
42374
42375 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
42376 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
42377 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
42378 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
42379 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
42380
42381 @smallexample
42382 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
42383 @end smallexample
42384
42385 @noindent
42386 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
42387 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
42388 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
42389 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
42390 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
42391 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
42392 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
42393 original description.
42394
42395 @subsection Architecture
42396 @cindex <architecture>
42397
42398 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
42399
42400 @smallexample
42401 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
42402 @end smallexample
42403
42404 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42405 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42406
42407 @subsection OS ABI
42408 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
42409
42410 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42411 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42412
42413 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
42414
42415 @smallexample
42416 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
42417 @end smallexample
42418
42419 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
42420 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
42421
42422 @subsection Compatible Architecture
42423 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
42424
42425 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42426 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42427
42428 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
42429
42430 @smallexample
42431 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
42432 @end smallexample
42433
42434 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42435 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42436
42437 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
42438 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
42439 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
42440 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
42441 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
42442 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
42443 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
42444
42445 @smallexample
42446 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
42447 <compatible>spu</compatible>
42448 @end smallexample
42449
42450 @subsection Features
42451 @cindex <feature>
42452
42453 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
42454 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
42455 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
42456 has this form:
42457
42458 @smallexample
42459 <feature name="@var{name}">
42460 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
42461 @var{reg}@dots{}
42462 </feature>
42463 @end smallexample
42464
42465 @noindent
42466 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
42467 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
42468 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
42469 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
42470
42471 @subsection Types
42472
42473 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
42474 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
42475 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
42476 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
42477 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite
42478 and enum types.
42479
42480 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
42481 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
42482 Types must be defined before they are used.
42483
42484 @cindex <vector>
42485 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
42486 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
42487 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
42488 @var{count}:
42489
42490 @smallexample
42491 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
42492 @end smallexample
42493
42494 @cindex <union>
42495 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
42496 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
42497 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
42498 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
42499
42500 @smallexample
42501 <union id="@var{id}">
42502 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42503 @dots{}
42504 </union>
42505 @end smallexample
42506
42507 @cindex <struct>
42508 @cindex <flags>
42509 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
42510 it with either a structure type or a flags type.
42511 A flags type may only contain bitfields.
42512 A structure type may either contain only bitfields or contain no bitfields.
42513 If the value contains only bitfields, its total size in bytes must be
42514 specified.
42515
42516 Non-bitfield values have a @var{name} and @var{type}.
42517
42518 @smallexample
42519 <struct id="@var{id}">
42520 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42521 @dots{}
42522 </struct>
42523 @end smallexample
42524
42525 Both @var{name} and @var{type} values are required.
42526 No implicit padding is added.
42527
42528 Bitfield values have a @var{name}, @var{start}, @var{end} and @var{type}.
42529
42530 @smallexample
42531 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42532 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
42533 @dots{}
42534 </struct>
42535 @end smallexample
42536
42537 @smallexample
42538 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42539 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
42540 @dots{}
42541 </flags>
42542 @end smallexample
42543
42544 The @var{name} value is required.
42545 Bitfield values may be named with the empty string, @samp{""},
42546 in which case the field is ``filler'' and its value is not printed.
42547 Not all bits need to be specified, so ``filler'' fields are optional.
42548
42549 The @var{start} and @var{end} values are required, and @var{type}
42550 is optional.
42551 The field's @var{start} must be less than or equal to its @var{end},
42552 and zero represents the least significant bit.
42553
42554 The default value of @var{type} is @code{bool} for single bit fields,
42555 and an unsigned integer otherwise.
42556
42557 Which to choose? Structures or flags?
42558
42559 Registers defined with @samp{flags} have these advantages over
42560 defining them with @samp{struct}:
42561
42562 @itemize @bullet
42563 @item
42564 Arithmetic may be performed on them as if they were integers.
42565 @item
42566 They are printed in a more readable fashion.
42567 @end itemize
42568
42569 Registers defined with @samp{struct} have one advantage over
42570 defining them with @samp{flags}:
42571
42572 @itemize @bullet
42573 @item
42574 One can fetch individual fields like in @samp{C}.
42575
42576 @smallexample
42577 (gdb) print $my_struct_reg.field3
42578 $1 = 42
42579 @end smallexample
42580
42581 @end itemize
42582
42583 @subsection Registers
42584 @cindex <reg>
42585
42586 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
42587
42588 @smallexample
42589 <reg name="@var{name}"
42590 bitsize="@var{size}"
42591 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
42592 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
42593 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
42594 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
42595 @end smallexample
42596
42597 @noindent
42598 The components are as follows:
42599
42600 @table @var
42601
42602 @item name
42603 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
42604
42605 @item bitsize
42606 The register's size, in bits.
42607
42608 @item regnum
42609 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
42610 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
42611 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
42612 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
42613 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
42614 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
42615 in order of increasing register number.
42616
42617 @item save-restore
42618 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
42619 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
42620 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
42621 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
42622 ABI.
42623
42624 @item type
42625 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
42626 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
42627 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
42628 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
42629 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
42630 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
42631
42632 @item group
42633 The register group to which this register belongs. It can be one of the
42634 standard register groups @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{vector} or an
42635 arbitrary string. Group names should be limited to alphanumeric characters.
42636 If a group name is made up of multiple words the words may be separated by
42637 hyphens; e.g.@: @code{special-group} or @code{ultra-special-group}. If no
42638 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register in
42639 @code{info registers}.
42640
42641 @end table
42642
42643 @node Predefined Target Types
42644 @section Predefined Target Types
42645 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
42646
42647 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
42648 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
42649 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
42650 types. The currently supported types are:
42651
42652 @table @code
42653
42654 @item bool
42655 Boolean type, occupying a single bit.
42656
42657 @item int8
42658 @itemx int16
42659 @itemx int24
42660 @itemx int32
42661 @itemx int64
42662 @itemx int128
42663 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42664
42665 @item uint8
42666 @itemx uint16
42667 @itemx uint24
42668 @itemx uint32
42669 @itemx uint64
42670 @itemx uint128
42671 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42672
42673 @item code_ptr
42674 @itemx data_ptr
42675 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
42676 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
42677 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
42678 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
42679 may be marked as data pointers.
42680
42681 @item ieee_single
42682 Single precision IEEE floating point.
42683
42684 @item ieee_double
42685 Double precision IEEE floating point.
42686
42687 @item arm_fpa_ext
42688 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
42689
42690 @item i387_ext
42691 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
42692
42693 @item i386_eflags
42694 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
42695
42696 @item i386_mxcsr
42697 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
42698
42699 @end table
42700
42701 @node Enum Target Types
42702 @section Enum Target Types
42703 @cindex target descriptions, enum types
42704
42705 Enum target types are useful in @samp{struct} and @samp{flags}
42706 register descriptions. @xref{Target Description Format}.
42707
42708 Enum types have a name, size and a list of name/value pairs.
42709
42710 @smallexample
42711 <enum id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42712 <evalue name="@var{name}" value="@var{value}"/>
42713 @dots{}
42714 </enum>
42715 @end smallexample
42716
42717 Enums must be defined before they are used.
42718
42719 @smallexample
42720 <enum id="levels_type" size="4">
42721 <evalue name="low" value="0"/>
42722 <evalue name="high" value="1"/>
42723 </enum>
42724 <flags id="flags_type" size="4">
42725 <field name="X" start="0"/>
42726 <field name="LEVEL" start="1" end="1" type="levels_type"/>
42727 </flags>
42728 <reg name="flags" bitsize="32" type="flags_type"/>
42729 @end smallexample
42730
42731 Given that description, a value of 3 for the @samp{flags} register
42732 would be printed as:
42733
42734 @smallexample
42735 (gdb) info register flags
42736 flags 0x3 [ X LEVEL=high ]
42737 @end smallexample
42738
42739 @node Standard Target Features
42740 @section Standard Target Features
42741 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
42742
42743 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
42744 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
42745 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
42746 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
42747 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
42748 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
42749 can recognize them.
42750
42751 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
42752 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
42753 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
42754 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
42755 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
42756 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
42757 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
42758 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
42759
42760 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
42761 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
42762 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
42763
42764 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
42765 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
42766 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
42767 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
42768
42769 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
42770 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
42771 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
42772
42773 @menu
42774 * AArch64 Features::
42775 * ARC Features::
42776 * ARM Features::
42777 * i386 Features::
42778 * MicroBlaze Features::
42779 * MIPS Features::
42780 * M68K Features::
42781 * NDS32 Features::
42782 * Nios II Features::
42783 * OpenRISC 1000 Features::
42784 * PowerPC Features::
42785 * S/390 and System z Features::
42786 * Sparc Features::
42787 * TIC6x Features::
42788 @end menu
42789
42790
42791 @node AArch64 Features
42792 @subsection AArch64 Features
42793 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
42794
42795 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
42796 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
42797 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42798
42799 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
42800 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
42801 and @samp{fpcr}.
42802
42803 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.sve} feature is optional. If present,
42804 it should contain registers @samp{z0} through @samp{z31}, @samp{p0}
42805 through @samp{p15}, @samp{ffr} and @samp{vg}.
42806
42807 @node ARC Features
42808 @subsection ARC Features
42809 @cindex target descriptions, ARC Features
42810
42811 ARC processors are highly configurable, so even core registers and their number
42812 are not completely predetermined. In addition flags and PC registers which are
42813 important to @value{GDBN} are not ``core'' registers in ARC. It is required
42814 that one of the core registers features is present.
42815 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is mandatory.
42816
42817 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and ARC HS
42818 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
42819 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
42820 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain register @samp{ilink}
42821 and any of extension core registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
42822 @samp{ilink} and extension core registers are not available to read/write, when
42823 debugging GNU/Linux applications, thus @samp{ilink} is made optional.
42824
42825 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core-reduced.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and
42826 ARC HS targets with a reduced register file. It should contain registers
42827 @samp{r0} through @samp{r3}, @samp{r10} through @samp{r15}, @samp{gp},
42828 @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink}, @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}.
42829 This feature may contain register @samp{ilink} and any of extension core
42830 registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
42831
42832 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.arcompact} feature is required for ARCompact
42833 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
42834 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
42835 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain registers
42836 @samp{ilink1}, @samp{ilink2} and any of extension core registers @samp{r32}
42837 through @samp{r59/acch}. @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} and extension core
42838 registers are not available when debugging GNU/Linux applications. The only
42839 difference with @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is in the names of
42840 @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} registers and that @samp{r30} is mandatory in
42841 ARC v2, but @samp{ilink2} is optional on ARCompact.
42842
42843 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is required for all ARC
42844 targets. It should contain registers @samp{pc} and @samp{status32}.
42845
42846 @node ARM Features
42847 @subsection ARM Features
42848 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
42849
42850 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
42851 ARM targets.
42852 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
42853 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42854
42855 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
42856 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
42857 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
42858 and @samp{xpsr}.
42859
42860 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
42861 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
42862
42863 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
42864 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
42865 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
42866 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
42867
42868 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
42869 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
42870 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
42871 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
42872 halves of the double-precision registers.
42873
42874 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
42875 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
42876 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
42877 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
42878 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
42879 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
42880
42881 @node i386 Features
42882 @subsection i386 Features
42883 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
42884
42885 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
42886 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42887
42888 @itemize @minus
42889 @item
42890 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
42891 @item
42892 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
42893 @item
42894 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
42895 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
42896 @item
42897 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
42898 @item
42899 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
42900 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
42901 @end itemize
42902
42903 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
42904
42905 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
42906 describe registers:
42907
42908 @itemize @minus
42909 @item
42910 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
42911 @item
42912 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
42913 @item
42914 @samp{mxcsr}
42915 @end itemize
42916
42917 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
42918 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
42919 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
42920
42921 @itemize @minus
42922 @item
42923 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
42924 @item
42925 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
42926 @end itemize
42927
42928 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
42929 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
42930
42931 @itemize @minus
42932 @item
42933 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
42934 @item
42935 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
42936 @end itemize
42937
42938 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
42939 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
42940
42941 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.segments} feature is optional. It should
42942 describe two system registers: @samp{fs_base} and @samp{gs_base}.
42943
42944 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
42945 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
42946 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
42947
42948 @itemize @minus
42949 @item
42950 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
42951 @end itemize
42952
42953 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
42954
42955 @itemize @minus
42956 @item
42957 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
42958 @end itemize
42959
42960 It should
42961 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
42962
42963 @itemize @minus
42964 @item
42965 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
42966 @item
42967 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
42968 @end itemize
42969
42970 It should
42971 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
42972
42973 @itemize @minus
42974 @item
42975 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
42976 @end itemize
42977
42978 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.pkeys} feature is optional. It should
42979 describe a single register, @samp{pkru}. It is a 32-bit register
42980 valid for i386 and amd64.
42981
42982 @node MicroBlaze Features
42983 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
42984 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
42985
42986 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
42987 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
42988 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
42989 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
42990 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
42991
42992 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
42993 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
42994
42995 @node MIPS Features
42996 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
42997 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
42998
42999 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
43000 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
43001 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
43002 on the target.
43003
43004 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
43005 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
43006 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43007
43008 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
43009 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
43010 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
43011 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43012
43013 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
43014 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
43015 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
43016 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43017
43018 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
43019 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
43020 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
43021
43022 @node M68K Features
43023 @subsection M68K Features
43024 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
43025
43026 @table @code
43027 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
43028 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
43029 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
43030 One of those features must be always present.
43031 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
43032 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
43033 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
43034 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
43035
43036 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
43037 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
43038 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
43039 @samp{fpiaddr}.
43040 @end table
43041
43042 @node NDS32 Features
43043 @subsection NDS32 Features
43044 @cindex target descriptions, NDS32 features
43045
43046 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.core} feature is required for NDS32
43047 targets. It should contain at least registers @samp{r0} through
43048 @samp{r10}, @samp{r15}, @samp{fp}, @samp{gp}, @samp{lp}, @samp{sp},
43049 and @samp{pc}.
43050
43051 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
43052 it should contain 64-bit double-precision floating-point registers
43053 @samp{fd0} through @emph{fdN}, which should be @samp{fd3}, @samp{fd7},
43054 @samp{fd15}, or @samp{fd31} based on the FPU configuration implemented.
43055
43056 @emph{Note:} The first sixteen 64-bit double-precision floating-point
43057 registers are overlapped with the thirty-two 32-bit single-precision
43058 floating-point registers. The 32-bit single-precision registers, if
43059 not being listed explicitly, will be synthesized from halves of the
43060 overlapping 64-bit double-precision registers. Listing 32-bit
43061 single-precision registers explicitly is deprecated, and the
43062 support to it could be totally removed some day.
43063
43064 @node Nios II Features
43065 @subsection Nios II Features
43066 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
43067
43068 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
43069 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
43070 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
43071 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
43072 @samp{mpuacc}).
43073
43074 @node OpenRISC 1000 Features
43075 @subsection Openrisc 1000 Features
43076 @cindex target descriptions, OpenRISC 1000 features
43077
43078 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.or1k.group0} feature is required for OpenRISC 1000
43079 targets. It should contain the 32 general purpose registers (@samp{r0}
43080 through @samp{r31}), @samp{ppc}, @samp{npc} and @samp{sr}.
43081
43082 @node PowerPC Features
43083 @subsection PowerPC Features
43084 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
43085
43086 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
43087 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
43088 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
43089 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43090
43091 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
43092 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
43093
43094 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
43095 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
43096 and @samp{vrsave}.
43097
43098 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
43099 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
43100 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
43101 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
43102 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
43103 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
43104
43105 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
43106 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
43107 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
43108 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
43109 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
43110 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
43111 user.
43112
43113 @node S/390 and System z Features
43114 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
43115 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
43116 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
43117
43118 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
43119 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
43120 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
43121 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
43122 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
43123 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
43124 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
43125 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
43126 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
43127
43128 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
43129 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
43130 @samp{fpc}.
43131
43132 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
43133 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
43134
43135 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
43136 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
43137 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
43138 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
43139 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
43140 32-bit wide.
43141
43142 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
43143 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
43144 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
43145
43146 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
43147 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
43148 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
43149 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
43150 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
43151 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
43152 @samp{v31}.
43153
43154 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gs} feature is optional. It should contain
43155 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage-control registers @samp{gsd},
43156 @samp{gssm}, and @samp{gsepla}.
43157
43158 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gsbc} feature is optional. It should contain
43159 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage broadcast control registers
43160 @samp{bc_gsd}, @samp{bc_gssm}, and @samp{bc_gsepla}.
43161
43162 @node Sparc Features
43163 @subsection Sparc Features
43164 @cindex target descriptions, sparc32 features
43165 @cindex target descriptions, sparc64 features
43166 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
43167 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43168
43169 @itemize @minus
43170 @item
43171 @samp{g0} through @samp{g7}
43172 @item
43173 @samp{o0} through @samp{o7}
43174 @item
43175 @samp{l0} through @samp{l7}
43176 @item
43177 @samp{i0} through @samp{i7}
43178 @end itemize
43179
43180 They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43181
43182 Also the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.fpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
43183 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43184
43185 @itemize @minus
43186 @item
43187 @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}
43188 @item
43189 @samp{f32} through @samp{f62} for sparc64
43190 @end itemize
43191
43192 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cp0} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
43193 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43194
43195 @itemize @minus
43196 @item
43197 @samp{y}, @samp{psr}, @samp{wim}, @samp{tbr}, @samp{pc}, @samp{npc},
43198 @samp{fsr}, and @samp{csr} for sparc32
43199 @item
43200 @samp{pc}, @samp{npc}, @samp{state}, @samp{fsr}, @samp{fprs}, and @samp{y}
43201 for sparc64
43202 @end itemize
43203
43204 @node TIC6x Features
43205 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
43206 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
43207 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
43208 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
43209 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
43210 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
43211
43212 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
43213 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
43214 through @samp{B31}.
43215
43216 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
43217 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
43218
43219 @node Operating System Information
43220 @appendix Operating System Information
43221 @cindex operating system information
43222
43223 @menu
43224 * Process list::
43225 @end menu
43226
43227 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
43228 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
43229 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
43230 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
43231 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
43232 on a different aspect of target.
43233
43234 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
43235 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
43236 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
43237 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
43238
43239 @node Process list
43240 @appendixsection Process list
43241 @cindex operating system information, process list
43242
43243 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
43244 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
43245 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
43246 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
43247
43248 An example document is:
43249
43250 @smallexample
43251 <?xml version="1.0"?>
43252 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
43253 <osdata type="processes">
43254 <item>
43255 <column name="pid">1</column>
43256 <column name="user">root</column>
43257 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
43258 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
43259 </item>
43260 </osdata>
43261 @end smallexample
43262
43263 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
43264 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
43265 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
43266 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
43267 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
43268 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
43269 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
43270
43271 @node Trace File Format
43272 @appendix Trace File Format
43273 @cindex trace file format
43274
43275 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
43276 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
43277
43278 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
43279 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
43280 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
43281 in the future.
43282
43283 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
43284 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
43285 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
43286 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
43287 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
43288 of this section.
43289
43290 @table @code
43291 @item R @var{size}
43292 Specifies the size of a register block in bytes. This is equal to the
43293 size of a @code{g} packet payload in the remote protocol. @var{size}
43294 is an ascii decimal number. There should be only one such line in
43295 a single trace file.
43296
43297 @item status @var{status}
43298 Trace status. @var{status} has the same format as a @code{qTStatus}
43299 remote packet reply. There should be only one such line in a single trace
43300 file.
43301
43302 @item tp @var{payload}
43303 Tracepoint definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
43304 @code{qTfP}/@code{qTsP} remote packet reply payload. A single tracepoint
43305 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
43306 reply packets.
43307
43308 @item tsv @var{payload}
43309 Trace state variable definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
43310 @code{qTfV}/@code{qTsV} remote packet reply payload. A single variable
43311 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
43312 reply packets.
43313
43314 @item tdesc @var{payload}
43315 Target description in XML format. The @var{payload} is a single line of
43316 the XML file. All such lines should be concatenated together to get
43317 the original XML file. This file is in the same format as @code{qXfer}
43318 @code{features} payload, and corresponds to the main @code{target.xml}
43319 file. Includes are not allowed.
43320
43321 @end table
43322
43323 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
43324 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
43325 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
43326 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
43327 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
43328 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
43329 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
43330 endianness.
43331
43332 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
43333
43334 @table @code
43335 @item R @var{bytes}
43336 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
43337 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
43338 actual bytes, in target order, not a hexadecimal encoding.
43339
43340 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
43341 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
43342 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
43343 @var{length} bytes.
43344
43345 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
43346 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
43347 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
43348
43349 @end table
43350
43351 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
43352 of blocks.
43353
43354 @node Index Section Format
43355 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
43356 @cindex .gdb_index section format
43357 @cindex index section format
43358
43359 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
43360 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
43361 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
43362 description.
43363
43364 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
43365 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
43366 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
43367 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
43368 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
43369 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
43370
43371 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
43372
43373 @enumerate
43374 @item
43375 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
43376 unless otherwise noted:
43377
43378 @enumerate
43379 @item
43380 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
43381 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
43382 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
43383 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
43384 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
43385 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
43386 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
43387
43388 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
43389 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
43390 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
43391 currently not flagged as deprecated.
43392
43393 @item
43394 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
43395
43396 @item
43397 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
43398 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
43399 to the next offset.
43400
43401 @item
43402 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
43403
43404 @item
43405 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
43406
43407 @item
43408 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
43409 @end enumerate
43410
43411 @item
43412 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
43413 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
43414 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
43415 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
43416 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
43417 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
43418 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
43419 CU indices.
43420
43421 @item
43422 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
43423 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
43424 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
43425 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
43426
43427 @item
43428 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
43429 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
43430
43431 @enumerate
43432 @item
43433 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
43434
43435 @item
43436 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
43437 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
43438
43439 @item
43440 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
43441 @end enumerate
43442
43443 @item
43444 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
43445 the hash table is always a power of 2.
43446
43447 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
43448 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
43449 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
43450 constant pool.
43451
43452 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
43453 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
43454 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
43455
43456 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
43457 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
43458 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
43459 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
43460 index version:
43461
43462 @table @asis
43463 @item Version 4
43464 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
43465
43466 @item Versions 5 to 7
43467 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
43468 @end table
43469
43470 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
43471
43472 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
43473 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
43474 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
43475 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
43476 collision.
43477
43478 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
43479 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
43480 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
43481 the code.
43482
43483 @item
43484 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
43485 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
43486 strings.
43487
43488 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
43489 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
43490 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
43491 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
43492 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
43493 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
43494
43495 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
43496 @end enumerate
43497
43498 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
43499 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
43500 CU index+attributes value for each use.
43501
43502 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
43503 (bit 0 = LSB):
43504
43505 @table @asis
43506
43507 @item Bits 0-23
43508 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
43509 @item Bits 24-27
43510 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
43511 @item Bits 28-30
43512 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
43513
43514 @table @asis
43515 @item 0
43516 This value is reserved and should not be used.
43517 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
43518 with previous versions of the index.
43519 @item 1
43520 The symbol is a type.
43521 @item 2
43522 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
43523 @item 3
43524 The symbol is a function.
43525 @item 4
43526 Any other kind of symbol.
43527 @item 5,6,7
43528 These values are reserved.
43529 @end table
43530
43531 @item Bit 31
43532 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
43533
43534 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
43535 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
43536 @value{GDBN} sources.
43537
43538 @end table
43539
43540 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
43541 global/static attributes in the index.
43542
43543 @smallexample
43544 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
43545 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
43546 switch (die->tag)
43547 @{
43548 case DW_TAG_typedef:
43549 case DW_TAG_base_type:
43550 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
43551 kind = TYPE;
43552 is_static = 1;
43553 break;
43554 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
43555 kind = VARIABLE;
43556 is_static = language != CPLUS;
43557 break;
43558 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
43559 kind = FUNCTION;
43560 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
43561 break;
43562 case DW_TAG_constant:
43563 kind = VARIABLE;
43564 is_static = ! is_external;
43565 break;
43566 case DW_TAG_variable:
43567 kind = VARIABLE;
43568 is_static = ! is_external;
43569 break;
43570 case DW_TAG_namespace:
43571 kind = TYPE;
43572 is_static = 0;
43573 break;
43574 case DW_TAG_class_type:
43575 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
43576 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
43577 case DW_TAG_union_type:
43578 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
43579 kind = TYPE;
43580 is_static = language != CPLUS;
43581 break;
43582 default:
43583 assert (0);
43584 @}
43585 @end smallexample
43586
43587 @node Man Pages
43588 @appendix Manual pages
43589 @cindex Man pages
43590
43591 @menu
43592 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
43593 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
43594 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
43595 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
43596 * gdb-add-index man:: Add index files to speed up GDB
43597 @end menu
43598
43599 @node gdb man
43600 @heading gdb man
43601
43602 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
43603
43604 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
43605 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
43606 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
43607 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
43608 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
43609 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
43610 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
43611 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
43612 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
43613 @c man end
43614
43615 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
43616 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
43617 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
43618 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
43619
43620 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
43621 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
43622
43623 @itemize @bullet
43624 @item
43625 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
43626
43627 @item
43628 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
43629
43630 @item
43631 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
43632
43633 @item
43634 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
43635 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
43636 @end itemize
43637
43638 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
43639 Modula-2.
43640
43641 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
43642 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
43643 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
43644 by using the command @code{help}.
43645
43646 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
43647 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
43648 executable program as the argument:
43649
43650 @smallexample
43651 gdb program
43652 @end smallexample
43653
43654 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
43655
43656 @smallexample
43657 gdb program core
43658 @end smallexample
43659
43660 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
43661 to debug a running process:
43662
43663 @smallexample
43664 gdb program 1234
43665 gdb -p 1234
43666 @end smallexample
43667
43668 @noindent
43669 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
43670 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
43671 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
43672
43673 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
43674
43675 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
43676 @table @env
43677 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43678 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
43679
43680 @item run [@var{arglist}]
43681 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
43682
43683 @item bt
43684 Backtrace: display the program stack.
43685
43686 @item print @var{expr}
43687 Display the value of an expression.
43688
43689 @item c
43690 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
43691
43692 @item next
43693 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
43694 function calls in the line.
43695
43696 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43697 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
43698
43699 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43700 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
43701
43702 @item step
43703 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
43704 function calls in the line.
43705
43706 @item help [@var{name}]
43707 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
43708 about using @value{GDBN}.
43709
43710 @item quit
43711 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
43712 @end table
43713
43714 @ifset man
43715 For full details on @value{GDBN},
43716 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43717 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
43718 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
43719 @end ifset
43720 @c man end
43721
43722 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
43723 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
43724 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
43725 encountered with no
43726 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
43727 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
43728 Many options have
43729 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
43730 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
43731 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
43732 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
43733 more usual convention.)
43734
43735 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
43736 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
43737 option is used.
43738
43739 @table @env
43740 @item -help
43741 @itemx -h
43742 List all options, with brief explanations.
43743
43744 @item -symbols=@var{file}
43745 @itemx -s @var{file}
43746 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
43747
43748 @item -write
43749 Enable writing into executable and core files.
43750
43751 @item -exec=@var{file}
43752 @itemx -e @var{file}
43753 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
43754 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
43755 dump.
43756
43757 @item -se=@var{file}
43758 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
43759 file.
43760
43761 @item -core=@var{file}
43762 @itemx -c @var{file}
43763 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
43764
43765 @item -command=@var{file}
43766 @itemx -x @var{file}
43767 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
43768
43769 @item -ex @var{command}
43770 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
43771
43772 @item -directory=@var{directory}
43773 @itemx -d @var{directory}
43774 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
43775
43776 @item -nh
43777 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
43778
43779 @item -nx
43780 @itemx -n
43781 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
43782
43783 @item -quiet
43784 @itemx -q
43785 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
43786 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
43787
43788 @item -batch
43789 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
43790 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
43791 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
43792 commands in the command files.
43793
43794 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
43795 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
43796 more useful, the message
43797
43798 @smallexample
43799 Program exited normally.
43800 @end smallexample
43801
43802 @noindent
43803 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
43804 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
43805
43806 @item -cd=@var{directory}
43807 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
43808 instead of the current directory.
43809
43810 @item -fullname
43811 @itemx -f
43812 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
43813 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
43814 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
43815 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
43816 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
43817 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
43818 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
43819 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
43820
43821 @item -b @var{bps}
43822 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
43823 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
43824
43825 @item -tty=@var{device}
43826 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
43827 @end table
43828 @c man end
43829
43830 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
43831 @ifset man
43832 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43833 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43834 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43835
43836 @smallexample
43837 info gdb
43838 @end smallexample
43839
43840 @noindent
43841 should give you access to the complete manual.
43842
43843 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43844 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43845 @end ifset
43846 @c man end
43847
43848 @node gdbserver man
43849 @heading gdbserver man
43850
43851 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
43852 @format
43853 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
43854 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
43855
43856 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43857
43858 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43859 @c man end
43860 @end format
43861
43862 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
43863 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
43864 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
43865
43866 @ifclear man
43867 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
43868 @end ifclear
43869 @ifset man
43870 Usage (server (target) side):
43871 @end ifset
43872
43873 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
43874 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
43875 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
43876 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
43877
43878 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
43879 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
43880 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
43881
43882 @smallexample
43883 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
43884 @end smallexample
43885
43886 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
43887
43888 @smallexample
43889 @ifset man
43890 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
43891 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
43892 @end ifset
43893 @ifclear man
43894 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
43895 @end ifclear
43896 @end smallexample
43897
43898 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
43899 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
43900 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
43901
43902 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
43903
43904 @smallexample
43905 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
43906 @end smallexample
43907
43908 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
43909 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
43910 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
43911 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
43912 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
43913 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
43914 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
43915 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
43916 print an error message and exit.
43917
43918 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
43919 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
43920
43921 @smallexample
43922 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43923 @end smallexample
43924
43925 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
43926 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
43927
43928 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
43929 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
43930 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
43931 the program you want to debug.
43932
43933 @smallexample
43934 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43935 @end smallexample
43936
43937 @ifclear man
43938 @subheading Usage (host side)
43939 @end ifclear
43940 @ifset man
43941 Usage (host side):
43942 @end ifset
43943
43944 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
43945 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
43946 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
43947 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
43948 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
43949 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
43950 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
43951 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
43952 descriptor. For example:
43953
43954 @smallexample
43955 @ifset man
43956 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
43957 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
43958 @end ifset
43959 @ifclear man
43960 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
43961 @end ifclear
43962 @end smallexample
43963
43964 @noindent
43965 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
43966
43967 @smallexample
43968 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
43969 @end smallexample
43970
43971 @noindent
43972 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
43973 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
43974 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
43975 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
43976 `Connection refused'.
43977
43978 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
43979 described in
43980 @ifset man
43981 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
43982 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
43983 @end ifset
43984 @ifclear man
43985 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
43986 @end ifclear
43987 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
43988
43989 @smallexample
43990 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
43991 @end smallexample
43992
43993 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
43994 case.
43995 @c man end
43996
43997 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
43998 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
43999
44000 @itemize @bullet
44001
44002 @item
44003 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
44004
44005 @smallexample
44006 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
44007 @end smallexample
44008
44009 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
44010 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
44011 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
44012 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
44013 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
44014 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
44015 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44016
44017 @item
44018 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
44019 program:
44020
44021 @smallexample
44022 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44023 @end smallexample
44024
44025 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
44026 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
44027 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
44028 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44029
44030 @item
44031 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
44032
44033 @smallexample
44034 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44035 @end smallexample
44036
44037 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
44038 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
44039 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
44040 debug several processes in the same session.
44041 @end itemize
44042
44043 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
44044
44045 @table @env
44046
44047 @item --help
44048 List all options, with brief explanations.
44049
44050 @item --version
44051 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
44052
44053 @item --attach
44054 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
44055
44056 @smallexample
44057 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44058 @end smallexample
44059
44060 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
44061 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
44062
44063 @item --multi
44064 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
44065 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
44066 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
44067 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
44068
44069 @smallexample
44070 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44071 @end smallexample
44072
44073 @item --debug
44074 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
44075 process.
44076 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44077 the developers.
44078
44079 @item --remote-debug
44080 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
44081 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44082 the developers.
44083
44084 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
44085 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
44086 of debugging output.
44087 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
44088
44089 @item --wrapper
44090 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
44091 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
44092 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
44093 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
44094
44095 @item --once
44096 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
44097 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
44098 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
44099 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
44100
44101 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
44102
44103 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
44104 @c QDisableRandomization.
44105
44106 @end table
44107 @c man end
44108
44109 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
44110 @ifset man
44111 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44112 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44113 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44114
44115 @smallexample
44116 info gdb
44117 @end smallexample
44118
44119 should give you access to the complete manual.
44120
44121 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44122 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44123 @end ifset
44124 @c man end
44125
44126 @node gcore man
44127 @heading gcore
44128
44129 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
44130
44131 @format
44132 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
44133 gcore [-a] [-o @var{prefix}] @var{pid1} [@var{pid2}...@var{pidN}]
44134 @c man end
44135 @end format
44136
44137 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
44138 Generate core dumps of one or more running programs with process IDs
44139 @var{pid1}, @var{pid2}, etc. A core file produced by @command{gcore}
44140 is equivalent to one produced by the kernel when the process crashes
44141 (and when @kbd{ulimit -c} was used to set up an appropriate core dump
44142 limit). However, unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} finishes
44143 its job the program remains running without any change.
44144 @c man end
44145
44146 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
44147 @table @env
44148 @item -a
44149 Dump all memory mappings. The actual effect of this option depends on
44150 the Operating System. On @sc{gnu}/Linux, it will disable
44151 @code{use-coredump-filter} (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}) and
44152 enable @code{dump-excluded-mappings} (@pxref{set
44153 dump-excluded-mappings}).
44154
44155 @item -o @var{prefix}
44156 The optional argument @var{prefix} specifies the prefix to be used
44157 when composing the file names of the core dumps. The file name is
44158 composed as @file{@var{prefix}.@var{pid}}, where @var{pid} is the
44159 process ID of the running program being analyzed by @command{gcore}.
44160 If not specified, @var{prefix} defaults to @var{gcore}.
44161 @end table
44162 @c man end
44163
44164 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
44165 @ifset man
44166 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44167 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44168 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44169
44170 @smallexample
44171 info gdb
44172 @end smallexample
44173
44174 @noindent
44175 should give you access to the complete manual.
44176
44177 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44178 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44179 @end ifset
44180 @c man end
44181
44182 @node gdbinit man
44183 @heading gdbinit
44184
44185 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
44186
44187 @format
44188 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
44189 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44190 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44191 @end ifset
44192
44193 ~/.gdbinit
44194
44195 ./.gdbinit
44196 @c man end
44197 @end format
44198
44199 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
44200 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
44201 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
44202 described in
44203 @ifset man
44204 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
44205 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
44206 @end ifset
44207 @ifclear man
44208 @ref{Sequences}.
44209 @end ifclear
44210
44211 Please read more in
44212 @ifset man
44213 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
44214 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
44215 @end ifset
44216 @ifclear man
44217 @ref{Startup}.
44218 @end ifclear
44219
44220 @table @env
44221 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44222 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44223 @end ifset
44224 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44225 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
44226 @end ifclear
44227 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44228 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
44229 See more in
44230 @ifset man
44231 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
44232 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
44233 @end ifset
44234 @ifclear man
44235 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
44236 @end ifclear
44237
44238 @item ~/.gdbinit
44239 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44240 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
44241
44242 @item ./.gdbinit
44243 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
44244 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
44245 See more in
44246 @ifset man
44247 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
44248 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
44249 @end ifset
44250 @ifclear man
44251 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
44252 @end ifclear
44253 @end table
44254 @c man end
44255
44256 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
44257 @ifset man
44258 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
44259
44260 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44261 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44262 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44263
44264 @smallexample
44265 info gdb
44266 @end smallexample
44267
44268 should give you access to the complete manual.
44269
44270 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44271 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44272 @end ifset
44273 @c man end
44274
44275 @node gdb-add-index man
44276 @heading gdb-add-index
44277 @pindex gdb-add-index
44278 @anchor{gdb-add-index}
44279
44280 @c man title gdb-add-index Add index files to speed up GDB
44281
44282 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb-add-index
44283 gdb-add-index @var{filename}
44284 @c man end
44285
44286 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb-add-index
44287 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
44288 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
44289 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly--at the cost of a delay early on.
44290 For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so @value{GDBN}
44291 provides a way to build an index, which speeds up startup.
44292
44293 To determine whether a file contains such an index, use the command
44294 @kbd{readelf -S filename}: the index is stored in a section named
44295 @code{.gdb_index}. The index file can only be produced on systems
44296 which use ELF binaries and DWARF debug information (i.e., sections
44297 named @code{.debug_*}).
44298
44299 @command{gdb-add-index} uses @value{GDBN} and @command{objdump} found
44300 in the @env{PATH} environment variable. If you want to use different
44301 versions of these programs, you can specify them through the
44302 @env{GDB} and @env{OBJDUMP} environment variables.
44303
44304 See more in
44305 @ifset man
44306 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Index Files}
44307 -- shell command @kbd{info -f gdb -n "Index Files"}.
44308 @end ifset
44309 @ifclear man
44310 @ref{Index Files}.
44311 @end ifclear
44312 @c man end
44313
44314 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb-add-index
44315 @ifset man
44316 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44317 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44318 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44319
44320 @smallexample
44321 info gdb
44322 @end smallexample
44323
44324 should give you access to the complete manual.
44325
44326 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44327 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44328 @end ifset
44329 @c man end
44330
44331 @include gpl.texi
44332
44333 @node GNU Free Documentation License
44334 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
44335 @include fdl.texi
44336
44337 @node Concept Index
44338 @unnumbered Concept Index
44339
44340 @printindex cp
44341
44342 @node Command and Variable Index
44343 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
44344
44345 @printindex fn
44346
44347 @tex
44348 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
44349 % meantime:
44350 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
44351 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
44352 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
44353 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
44354 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
44355 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
44356 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
44357 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
44358 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
44359 \page\colophon
44360 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
44361 @end tex
44362
44363 @bye
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