Add a new "python-interactive" command that starts a standard
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-1996, 1998-2012 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @include gdb-cfg.texi
10 @c
11 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
12 @setchapternewpage odd
13 @c %**end of header
14
15 @iftex
16 @c @smallbook
17 @c @cropmarks
18 @end iftex
19
20 @finalout
21 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
22 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
23 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
24 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
25 @syncodeindex ky fn
26 @syncodeindex tp fn
27
28 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
29 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
30 @syncodeindex vr fn
31 @syncodeindex fn fn
32
33 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
34 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
35 @set EDITION Tenth
36
37 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
38 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
39
40 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
41
42 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
43 @c manuals to an info tree.
44 @dircategory Software development
45 @direntry
46 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
47 @end direntry
48
49 @copying
50 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
51 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
52 2011, 2012
53 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 @end copying
66
67 @ifnottex
68 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
69
70 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
71 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
72 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
73 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
74 @end ifset
75 Version @value{GDBVN}.
76
77 @insertcopying
78 @end ifnottex
79
80 @titlepage
81 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
82 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
85 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
86 @sp 1
87 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
88 @end ifset
89 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
90 @page
91 @tex
92 {\parskip=0pt
93 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
94 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
95 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
96 }
97 @end tex
98
99 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
100 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
101 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
102 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
103 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
104
105 @insertcopying
106 @end titlepage
107 @page
108
109 @ifnottex
110 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
111
112 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
113
114 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
115
116 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
117 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
118 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
119 @end ifset
120 Version @value{GDBVN}.
121
122 Copyright (C) 1988-2012 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
123
124 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
125 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
126 software in general. We will miss him.
127
128 @menu
129 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
130 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
131
132 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
133 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
134 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
135 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
136 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
137 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
138 * Stack:: Examining the stack
139 * Source:: Examining source files
140 * Data:: Examining data
141 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
142 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
143 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
144 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
145
146 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
147
148 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
149 * Altering:: Altering execution
150 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
151 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
152 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
153 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
154 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
155 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
156 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
157 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
158 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
159 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
160 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
161 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
162 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
169 @end ifset
170 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
171 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
172 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
173 @end ifclear
174 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
175 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
176 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
177 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
178 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
179 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
180 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
181 @value{GDBN}
182 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
183 the operating system
184 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
185 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
186 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
187 how you can copy and share GDB
188 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
189 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
190 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
191 functions, and Python data types
192 @end menu
193
194 @end ifnottex
195
196 @contents
197
198 @node Summary
199 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
200
201 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
202 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
203 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
204
205 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
206 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
207
208 @itemize @bullet
209 @item
210 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
211
212 @item
213 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
214
215 @item
216 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
217
218 @item
219 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
220 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
221 @end itemize
222
223 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
224 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
225 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
226
227 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
228 @ref{D,,D}.
229
230 @cindex Modula-2
231 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
232 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
233
234 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
235 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
236
237 @cindex Pascal
238 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
239 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
240 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
241 syntax.
242
243 @cindex Fortran
244 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
245 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
246 underscore.
247
248 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
249 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
250
251 @menu
252 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
253 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
254 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
255 @end menu
256
257 @node Free Software
258 @unnumberedsec Free Software
259
260 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
261 General Public License
262 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
263 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
264 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
265 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
266 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
267 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
268
269 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
270 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
271 from anyone else.
272
273 @node Free Documentation
274 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
275
276 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
277 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
278 include with the free software. Many of our most important
279 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
280 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
281 when an important free software package does not come with a free
282 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
283 gaps today.
284
285 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
286 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
287 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
288 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
289 them from the free software world.
290
291 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
292 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
293 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
294 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
295 contract to make it non-free.
296
297 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
298 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
299 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
300 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
301 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
302 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
303 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
304
305 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
306 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
307 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
308 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
309
310 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
311 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
312 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
313 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
314 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
315 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
316 community.
317
318 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
319 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
320 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
321 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
322 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
323 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
324 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
325 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
326 of the manual.
327
328 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
329 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
330 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
331 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
332 manual to replace it.
333
334 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
335 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
336 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
337 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
338 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
339 the free software community.
340
341 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
342 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
343 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
344 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
345 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
346 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
347 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
348 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
349 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
350
351 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
352 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
353 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
354 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
355 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
356 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
357 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
358 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
359
360 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
361 published by other publishers, at
362 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
363
364 @node Contributors
365 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
366
367 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
368 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
369 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
370 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
371 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
372 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
373 blow-by-blow account.
374
375 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
376
377 @quotation
378 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
379 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
380 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
381 @end quotation
382
383 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
384 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
385 releases:
386 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
387 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
388 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
389 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
390 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
391 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
392 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
393 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
394 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
395
396 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
397 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
398
399 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
400 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
401 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
402 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
403 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
404
405 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
406 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
407 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
408
409 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
410 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
411
412 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
413
414 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
415 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
416 support.
417 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
418 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
419 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
420 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
421 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
422 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
423 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
424 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
425 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
426 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
427 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
428 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
429 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
430 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
431 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
432 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
433
434 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
435
436 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
437 libraries.
438
439 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
440 about several machine instruction sets.
441
442 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
443 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
444 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
445 and RDI targets, respectively.
446
447 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
448 command-line editing and command history.
449
450 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
451 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
452
453 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
454 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
455 symbols.
456
457 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
458 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
459
460 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
461
462 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
463 processors.
464
465 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
466
467 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
468
469 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
470
471 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
472 watchpoints.
473
474 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
475
476 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
477
478 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
479 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
480
481 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
482 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
483 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
484 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
485 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
486 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
487 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
488
489 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
490 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
491
492 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
493 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
494 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
495 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
496 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
497 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
498 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
499 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
500 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
501 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
502 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
503 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
504 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
505 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
506 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
507
508 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
509 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
510
511 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
512 Hat.
513
514 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
515 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
516 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
517 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
518 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
519 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
520
521 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
522 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
523 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
524 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
525 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
526 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
527 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
528 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
529 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
530 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
531 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
532 Weigand.
533
534 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
535 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
536 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
537 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
538
539 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
540 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
541
542 @node Sample Session
543 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
544
545 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
546 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
547 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
548
549 @iftex
550 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
551 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
552 @end iftex
553
554 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
555 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
556
557 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
558 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
559 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
560 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
561 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
562 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
563 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
564 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
565 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
566
567 @smallexample
568 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
569 $ @b{./m4}
570 @b{define(foo,0000)}
571
572 @b{foo}
573 0000
574 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
575
576 @b{bar}
577 0000
578 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
579
580 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
581 @b{baz}
582 @b{Ctrl-d}
583 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
584 @end smallexample
585
586 @noindent
587 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
588
589 @smallexample
590 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
591 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
592 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
593 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
594 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
595 the conditions.
596 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
597 for details.
598
599 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
600 (@value{GDBP})
601 @end smallexample
602
603 @noindent
604 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
605 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
606 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
607 that examples fit in this manual.
608
609 @smallexample
610 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
611 @end smallexample
612
613 @noindent
614 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
615 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
616 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
617 @code{break} command.
618
619 @smallexample
620 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
621 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
622 @end smallexample
623
624 @noindent
625 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
626 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
627 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
628
629 @smallexample
630 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
631 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
632 @b{define(foo,0000)}
633
634 @b{foo}
635 0000
636 @end smallexample
637
638 @noindent
639 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
640 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
641 context where it stops.
642
643 @smallexample
644 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
645
646 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
647 at builtin.c:879
648 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
649 @end smallexample
650
651 @noindent
652 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
653 the next line of the current function.
654
655 @smallexample
656 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
657 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
658 : nil,
659 @end smallexample
660
661 @noindent
662 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
663 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
664 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
665 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
666
667 @smallexample
668 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
669 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
670 at input.c:530
671 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
672 @end smallexample
673
674 @noindent
675 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
676 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
677 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
678 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
679 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
680 stack frame for each active subroutine.
681
682 @smallexample
683 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
684 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
685 at input.c:530
686 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
687 at builtin.c:882
688 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
689 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
690 at macro.c:71
691 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
692 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
693 @end smallexample
694
695 @noindent
696 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
697 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
698 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
699
700 @smallexample
701 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
702 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
704 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
705 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
706 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
707 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
708 : xstrdup(rq);
709 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
710 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
711 @end smallexample
712
713 @noindent
714 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
715 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
716 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
717 (@code{print}) to see their values.
718
719 @smallexample
720 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
721 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
722 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
723 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
724 @end smallexample
725
726 @noindent
727 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
728 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
729 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
730
731 @smallexample
732 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
733 533 xfree(rquote);
734 534
735 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
736 : xstrdup (lq);
737 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
738 : xstrdup (rq);
739 537
740 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
741 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
742 540 @}
743 541
744 542 void
745 @end smallexample
746
747 @noindent
748 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
749 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
750
751 @smallexample
752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
753 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
754 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
755 540 @}
756 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
757 $3 = 9
758 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
759 $4 = 7
760 @end smallexample
761
762 @noindent
763 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
764 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
765 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
766 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
767 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
768 assignments.
769
770 @smallexample
771 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
772 $5 = 7
773 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
774 $6 = 9
775 @end smallexample
776
777 @noindent
778 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
779 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
780 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
781 example that caused trouble initially:
782
783 @smallexample
784 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
785 Continuing.
786
787 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
788
789 baz
790 0000
791 @end smallexample
792
793 @noindent
794 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
795 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
796 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
797
798 @smallexample
799 @b{Ctrl-d}
800 Program exited normally.
801 @end smallexample
802
803 @noindent
804 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
805 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
806 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
807
808 @smallexample
809 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
810 @end smallexample
811
812 @node Invocation
813 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
814
815 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
816 The essentials are:
817 @itemize @bullet
818 @item
819 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
820 @item
821 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
822 @end itemize
823
824 @menu
825 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
826 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
827 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
828 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
829 @end menu
830
831 @node Invoking GDB
832 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
833
834 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
835 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
836
837 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
838 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
839
840 The command-line options described here are designed
841 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
842 options may effectively be unavailable.
843
844 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
845 specifying an executable program:
846
847 @smallexample
848 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
849 @end smallexample
850
851 @noindent
852 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
853 specified:
854
855 @smallexample
856 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
857 @end smallexample
858
859 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
860 to debug a running process:
861
862 @smallexample
863 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
864 @end smallexample
865
866 @noindent
867 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
868 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
869
870 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
871 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
872 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
873 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
874 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
875
876 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
877 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
878 option processing.
879 @smallexample
880 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
881 @end smallexample
882 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
883 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
884
885 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
886 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
887
888 @smallexample
889 @value{GDBP} -silent
890 @end smallexample
891
892 @noindent
893 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
894 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
895
896 @noindent
897 Type
898
899 @smallexample
900 @value{GDBP} -help
901 @end smallexample
902
903 @noindent
904 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
905 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
906
907 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
908 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
909 @samp{-x} option is used.
910
911
912 @menu
913 * File Options:: Choosing files
914 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
915 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
916 @end menu
917
918 @node File Options
919 @subsection Choosing Files
920
921 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
922 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
923 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
924 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
925 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
926 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
927 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
928 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
929 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
930 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
931 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
932 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
933 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
934
935 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
936 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
937 argument and ignore it.
938
939 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
940 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
941 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
942 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
943 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
944
945 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
946 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
947 @c it.
948
949 @table @code
950 @item -symbols @var{file}
951 @itemx -s @var{file}
952 @cindex @code{--symbols}
953 @cindex @code{-s}
954 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
955
956 @item -exec @var{file}
957 @itemx -e @var{file}
958 @cindex @code{--exec}
959 @cindex @code{-e}
960 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
961 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
962
963 @item -se @var{file}
964 @cindex @code{--se}
965 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
966 file.
967
968 @item -core @var{file}
969 @itemx -c @var{file}
970 @cindex @code{--core}
971 @cindex @code{-c}
972 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
973
974 @item -pid @var{number}
975 @itemx -p @var{number}
976 @cindex @code{--pid}
977 @cindex @code{-p}
978 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
979
980 @item -command @var{file}
981 @itemx -x @var{file}
982 @cindex @code{--command}
983 @cindex @code{-x}
984 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
985 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
986 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
987
988 @item -eval-command @var{command}
989 @itemx -ex @var{command}
990 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
991 @cindex @code{-ex}
992 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
993
994 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
995 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
996
997 @smallexample
998 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
999 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1000 @end smallexample
1001
1002 @item -init-command @var{file}
1003 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1004 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1005 @cindex @code{-ix}
1006 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1007 after loading gdbinit files).
1008 @xref{Startup}.
1009
1010 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1011 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1012 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1013 @cindex @code{-iex}
1014 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1015 after loading gdbinit files).
1016 @xref{Startup}.
1017
1018 @item -directory @var{directory}
1019 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1020 @cindex @code{--directory}
1021 @cindex @code{-d}
1022 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1023
1024 @item -r
1025 @itemx -readnow
1026 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1027 @cindex @code{-r}
1028 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1029 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1030 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1031
1032 @end table
1033
1034 @node Mode Options
1035 @subsection Choosing Modes
1036
1037 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1038 batch mode or quiet mode.
1039
1040 @table @code
1041 @anchor{-nx}
1042 @item -nx
1043 @itemx -n
1044 @cindex @code{--nx}
1045 @cindex @code{-n}
1046 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1047 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1048 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1049 Files}.
1050
1051 @item -quiet
1052 @itemx -silent
1053 @itemx -q
1054 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1055 @cindex @code{--silent}
1056 @cindex @code{-q}
1057 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1058 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1059
1060 @item -batch
1061 @cindex @code{--batch}
1062 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1063 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1064 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1065 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1066 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1067 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1068 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1069
1070 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1071 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1072 make this more useful, the message
1073
1074 @smallexample
1075 Program exited normally.
1076 @end smallexample
1077
1078 @noindent
1079 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1080 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1081 mode.
1082
1083 @item -batch-silent
1084 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1085 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1086 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1087 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1088 for an interactive session.
1089
1090 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1091 messages, for example.
1092
1093 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1094 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1095
1096 @item -return-child-result
1097 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1098 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1099 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1100
1101 @itemize @bullet
1102 @item
1103 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1104 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1105 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1106 @item
1107 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1108 @item
1109 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1110 the exit code will be -1.
1111 @end itemize
1112
1113 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1114 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1115 interface.
1116
1117 @item -nowindows
1118 @itemx -nw
1119 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1120 @cindex @code{-nw}
1121 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1122 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1123 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1124
1125 @item -windows
1126 @itemx -w
1127 @cindex @code{--windows}
1128 @cindex @code{-w}
1129 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1130 used if possible.
1131
1132 @item -cd @var{directory}
1133 @cindex @code{--cd}
1134 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1135 instead of the current directory.
1136
1137 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1138 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1139 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1140 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1141 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1142
1143 @item -fullname
1144 @itemx -f
1145 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1146 @cindex @code{-f}
1147 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1148 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1149 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1150 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1151 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1152 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1153 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1154 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1155 frame.
1156
1157 @item -epoch
1158 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1159 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1160 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1161 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1162 separate window.
1163
1164 @item -annotate @var{level}
1165 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1166 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1167 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1168 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1169 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1170 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1171 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1172 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1173 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1174
1175 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1176 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1177
1178 @item --args
1179 @cindex @code{--args}
1180 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1181 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1182 This option stops option processing.
1183
1184 @item -baud @var{bps}
1185 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1186 @cindex @code{--baud}
1187 @cindex @code{-b}
1188 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1189 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1190
1191 @item -l @var{timeout}
1192 @cindex @code{-l}
1193 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1194 for remote debugging.
1195
1196 @item -tty @var{device}
1197 @itemx -t @var{device}
1198 @cindex @code{--tty}
1199 @cindex @code{-t}
1200 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1201 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1202
1203 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1204 @item -tui
1205 @cindex @code{--tui}
1206 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1207 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1208 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1209 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1210 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1211 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1212
1213 @c @item -xdb
1214 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1215 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1216 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1217 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1218 @c systems.
1219
1220 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1221 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1222 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1223 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1224 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1225 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1226
1227 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1228 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1229 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1230 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1231 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1232 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1233
1234 @item -write
1235 @cindex @code{--write}
1236 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1237 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1238 (@pxref{Patching}).
1239
1240 @item -statistics
1241 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1242 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1243 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1244
1245 @item -version
1246 @cindex @code{--version}
1247 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1248 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1249
1250 @end table
1251
1252 @node Startup
1253 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1254 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1255
1256 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1257
1258 @enumerate
1259 @item
1260 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1261 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1262
1263 @item
1264 @cindex init file
1265 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1266 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1267 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1268 that file.
1269
1270 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1271 @item
1272 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1273 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1274 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1275 that file.
1276
1277 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1278 @item
1279 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1280 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1281 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1282 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1283 gets loaded.
1284
1285 @item
1286 Processes command line options and operands.
1287
1288 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1289 @item
1290 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1291 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1292 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1293 This is only done if the current directory is
1294 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1295 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1296 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1297 @value{GDBN}.
1298
1299 @item
1300 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1301 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1302 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1303 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1304
1305 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1306 you must do something like the following:
1307
1308 @smallexample
1309 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1310 @end smallexample
1311
1312 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1313 off too late.
1314
1315 @item
1316 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1317 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1318 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1319
1320 @item
1321 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1322 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1323 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1324 @end enumerate
1325
1326 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1327 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1328 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1329 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1330 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1331 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1332
1333 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1334 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1335
1336 @cindex init file name
1337 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1338 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1339 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1340 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1341 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1342 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1343 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1344 the file to the standard name.
1345
1346
1347 @node Quitting GDB
1348 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1349 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1350 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1351
1352 @table @code
1353 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1354 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1355 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1356 @itemx q
1357 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1358 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1359 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1360 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1361 error code.
1362 @end table
1363
1364 @cindex interrupt
1365 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1366 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1367 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1368 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1369 until a time when it is safe.
1370
1371 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1372 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1373 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1374
1375 @node Shell Commands
1376 @section Shell Commands
1377
1378 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1379 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1380 just use the @code{shell} command.
1381
1382 @table @code
1383 @kindex shell
1384 @kindex !
1385 @cindex shell escape
1386 @item shell @var{command-string}
1387 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1388 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1389 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1390 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1391 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1392 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1393 @end table
1394
1395 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1396 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1397 @value{GDBN}:
1398
1399 @table @code
1400 @kindex make
1401 @cindex calling make
1402 @item make @var{make-args}
1403 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1404 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1405 @end table
1406
1407 @node Logging Output
1408 @section Logging Output
1409 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1410 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1411
1412 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1413 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1414
1415 @table @code
1416 @kindex set logging
1417 @item set logging on
1418 Enable logging.
1419 @item set logging off
1420 Disable logging.
1421 @cindex logging file name
1422 @item set logging file @var{file}
1423 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1424 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1425 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1426 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1427 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1428 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1429 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1430 @kindex show logging
1431 @item show logging
1432 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1433 @end table
1434
1435 @node Commands
1436 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1437
1438 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1439 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1440 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1441 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1442 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1443
1444 @menu
1445 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1446 * Completion:: Command completion
1447 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1448 @end menu
1449
1450 @node Command Syntax
1451 @section Command Syntax
1452
1453 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1454 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1455 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1456 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1457 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1458 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1459
1460 @cindex abbreviation
1461 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1462 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1463 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1464 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1465 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1466 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1467 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1468
1469 @cindex repeating commands
1470 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1471 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1472 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1473 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1474 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1475 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1476 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1477
1478 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1479 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1480 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1481
1482 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1483 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1484 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1485 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1486 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1487
1488 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1489 @cindex comment
1490 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1491 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1492 Files,,Command Files}).
1493
1494 @cindex repeating command sequences
1495 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1496 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1497 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1498 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1499 for editing.
1500
1501 @node Completion
1502 @section Command Completion
1503
1504 @cindex completion
1505 @cindex word completion
1506 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1507 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1508 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1509 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1510
1511 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1512 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1513 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1514 enter it). For example, if you type
1515
1516 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1517 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1518 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1519 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1520 @smallexample
1521 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1522 @end smallexample
1523
1524 @noindent
1525 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1526 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1527
1528 @smallexample
1529 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1530 @end smallexample
1531
1532 @noindent
1533 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1534 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1535 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1536 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1537 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1538 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1539
1540 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1541 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1542 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1543 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1544 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1545 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1546 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1547 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1548 example:
1549
1550 @smallexample
1551 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1552 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1553 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1554 make_abs_section make_function_type
1555 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1556 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1557 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1558 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1559 @end smallexample
1560
1561 @noindent
1562 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1563 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1564 command.
1565
1566 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1567 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1568 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1569 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1570 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1571
1572 @cindex quotes in commands
1573 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1574 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1575 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1576 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1577 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1578 @value{GDBN} commands.
1579
1580 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1581 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1582 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1583 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1584 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1585 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1586 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1587 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1588 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1589 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1590 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1591
1592 @smallexample
1593 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1594 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1595 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1596 @end smallexample
1597
1598 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1599 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1600 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1601 place:
1602
1603 @smallexample
1604 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1605 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1606 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1607 @end smallexample
1608
1609 @noindent
1610 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1611 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1612 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1613
1614 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1615 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1616 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1617 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1618
1619 @cindex completion of structure field names
1620 @cindex structure field name completion
1621 @cindex completion of union field names
1622 @cindex union field name completion
1623 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1624 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1625 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1626 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1627 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1628 left-hand-side:
1629
1630 @smallexample
1631 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1632 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1633 to_data to_isatty to_write
1634 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1635 to_flush to_read
1636 @end smallexample
1637
1638 @noindent
1639 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1640 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1641 follows:
1642
1643 @smallexample
1644 struct ui_file
1645 @{
1646 int *magic;
1647 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1648 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1649 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1650 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1651 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1652 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1653 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1654 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1655 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1656 void *to_data;
1657 @}
1658 @end smallexample
1659
1660
1661 @node Help
1662 @section Getting Help
1663 @cindex online documentation
1664 @kindex help
1665
1666 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1667 using the command @code{help}.
1668
1669 @table @code
1670 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1671 @item help
1672 @itemx h
1673 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1674 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1675
1676 @smallexample
1677 (@value{GDBP}) help
1678 List of classes of commands:
1679
1680 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1681 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1682 data -- Examining data
1683 files -- Specifying and examining files
1684 internals -- Maintenance commands
1685 obscure -- Obscure features
1686 running -- Running the program
1687 stack -- Examining the stack
1688 status -- Status inquiries
1689 support -- Support facilities
1690 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1691 stopping the program
1692 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1693
1694 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1695 commands in that class.
1696 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1697 documentation.
1698 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1699 (@value{GDBP})
1700 @end smallexample
1701 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1702
1703 @item help @var{class}
1704 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1705 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1706 help display for the class @code{status}:
1707
1708 @smallexample
1709 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1710 Status inquiries.
1711
1712 List of commands:
1713
1714 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1715 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1716 info -- Generic command for showing things
1717 about the program being debugged
1718 show -- Generic command for showing things
1719 about the debugger
1720
1721 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1722 documentation.
1723 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1724 (@value{GDBP})
1725 @end smallexample
1726
1727 @item help @var{command}
1728 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1729 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1730
1731 @kindex apropos
1732 @item apropos @var{args}
1733 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1734 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1735 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1736
1737 @smallexample
1738 apropos alias
1739 @end smallexample
1740
1741 @noindent
1742 results in:
1743
1744 @smallexample
1745 @c @group
1746 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1747 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1748 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1749 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1750 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1751 @c @end group
1752 @end smallexample
1753
1754 @kindex complete
1755 @item complete @var{args}
1756 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1757 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1758 command you want completed. For example:
1759
1760 @smallexample
1761 complete i
1762 @end smallexample
1763
1764 @noindent results in:
1765
1766 @smallexample
1767 @group
1768 if
1769 ignore
1770 info
1771 inspect
1772 @end group
1773 @end smallexample
1774
1775 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1776 @end table
1777
1778 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1779 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1780 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1781 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1782 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1783 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1784 Index}.
1785
1786 @c @group
1787 @table @code
1788 @kindex info
1789 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1790 @item info
1791 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1792 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1793 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1794 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1795 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1796 @w{@code{help info}}.
1797
1798 @kindex set
1799 @item set
1800 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1801 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1802 @code{set prompt $}.
1803
1804 @kindex show
1805 @item show
1806 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1807 @value{GDBN} itself.
1808 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1809 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1810 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1811 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1812
1813 @kindex info set
1814 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1815 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1816 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1817 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1818 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1819 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1820 @end table
1821 @c @end group
1822
1823 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1824 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1825
1826 @table @code
1827 @kindex show version
1828 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1829 @item show version
1830 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1831 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1832 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1833 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1834 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1835 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1836 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1837 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1838 @value{GDBN}.
1839
1840 @kindex show copying
1841 @kindex info copying
1842 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1843 @item show copying
1844 @itemx info copying
1845 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1846
1847 @kindex show warranty
1848 @kindex info warranty
1849 @item show warranty
1850 @itemx info warranty
1851 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1852 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1853
1854 @end table
1855
1856 @node Running
1857 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1858
1859 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1860 debugging information when you compile it.
1861
1862 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1863 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1864 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1865 kill a child process.
1866
1867 @menu
1868 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1869 * Starting:: Starting your program
1870 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1871 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1872
1873 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1874 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1875 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1876 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1877
1878 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1879 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1880 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1881 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1882 @end menu
1883
1884 @node Compilation
1885 @section Compiling for Debugging
1886
1887 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1888 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1889 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1890 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1891 and addresses in the executable code.
1892
1893 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1894 the compiler.
1895
1896 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1897 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1898 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1899 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1900 executables containing debugging information.
1901
1902 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1903 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1904 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1905 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1906 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1907
1908 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1909 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1910 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1911
1912 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1913 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1914 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1915 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1916 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1917 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1918
1919 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1920 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1921 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1922
1923 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1924 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1925 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1926 format in @value{GDBN}.
1927
1928 @need 2000
1929 @node Starting
1930 @section Starting your Program
1931 @cindex starting
1932 @cindex running
1933
1934 @table @code
1935 @kindex run
1936 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1937 @item run
1938 @itemx r
1939 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1940 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1941 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1942 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1943 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1944
1945 @end table
1946
1947 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1948 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1949 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1950 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1951 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1952 message like this one:
1953
1954 @smallexample
1955 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1956 Try "help target" or "continue".
1957 @end smallexample
1958
1959 @noindent
1960 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1961 first (@pxref{load}).
1962
1963 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1964 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1965 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1966 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1967 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1968 divided into four categories:
1969
1970 @table @asis
1971 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1972 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1973 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1974 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1975 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1976 the arguments.
1977 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1978 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1979 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1980
1981 @item The @emph{environment.}
1982 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1983 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1984 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1985 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1986
1987 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1988 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1989 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1990 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1991
1992 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1993 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1994 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1995 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1996 set a different device for your program.
1997 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1998
1999 @cindex pipes
2000 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2001 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2002 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2003 wrong program.
2004 @end table
2005
2006 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2007 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2008 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2009 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2010 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2011
2012 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2013 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2014 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2015 your current breakpoints.
2016
2017 @table @code
2018 @kindex start
2019 @item start
2020 @cindex run to main procedure
2021 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2022 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2023 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2024 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2025 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2026 procedure, depending on the language used.
2027
2028 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2029 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2030 the @samp{run} command.
2031
2032 @cindex elaboration phase
2033 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2034 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2035 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2036 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2037 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2038 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2039 will remain to halt execution.
2040
2041 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2042 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2043 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2044 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2045 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2046
2047 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2048 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2049 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2050 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2051 elaboration code before running your program.
2052
2053 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2054 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2055 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2056 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2057 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2058 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2059 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2060 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2061 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2062 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2063 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2064
2065 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2066 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2067 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2068 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2069
2070 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2071 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2072 environment:
2073
2074 @smallexample
2075 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2076 (@value{GDBP}) run
2077 @end smallexample
2078
2079 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2080 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2081
2082 @kindex set disable-randomization
2083 @item set disable-randomization
2084 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2085 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2086 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2087 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2088 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2089
2090 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2091 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2092
2093 @smallexample
2094 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2095 @end smallexample
2096
2097 @item set disable-randomization off
2098 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2099 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2100 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2101 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2102 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2103 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2104
2105 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2106 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2107 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2108 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2109 a code at its expected addresses.
2110
2111 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2112 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2113 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2114 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2115 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2116 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2117 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2118 a randomly chosen address.
2119
2120 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2121 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2122 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2123 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2124 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2125
2126 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2127 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2128
2129 @item show disable-randomization
2130 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2131 the virtual address space of the started program.
2132
2133 @end table
2134
2135 @node Arguments
2136 @section Your Program's Arguments
2137
2138 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2139 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2140 @code{run} command.
2141 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2142 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2143 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2144 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2145 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2146
2147 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2148 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2149 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2150 the program, not by the shell.
2151
2152 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2153 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2154
2155 @table @code
2156 @kindex set args
2157 @item set args
2158 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2159 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2160 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2161 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2162 it again without arguments.
2163
2164 @kindex show args
2165 @item show args
2166 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2167 @end table
2168
2169 @node Environment
2170 @section Your Program's Environment
2171
2172 @cindex environment (of your program)
2173 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2174 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2175 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2176 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2177 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2178 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2179 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2180
2181 @table @code
2182 @kindex path
2183 @item path @var{directory}
2184 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2185 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2186 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2187 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2188 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2189 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2190 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2191
2192 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2193 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2194 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2195 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2196 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2197 @var{directory} to the search path.
2198 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2199 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2200
2201 @kindex show paths
2202 @item show paths
2203 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2204 environment variable).
2205
2206 @kindex show environment
2207 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2208 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2209 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2210 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2211 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2212
2213 @kindex set environment
2214 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2215 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2216 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2217 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2218 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2219 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2220 null value.
2221 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2222 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2223
2224 For example, this command:
2225
2226 @smallexample
2227 set env USER = foo
2228 @end smallexample
2229
2230 @noindent
2231 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2232 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2233 are not actually required.)
2234
2235 @kindex unset environment
2236 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2237 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2238 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2239 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2240 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2241 @end table
2242
2243 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2244 the shell indicated
2245 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2246 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2247 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2248 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2249 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2250 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2251 @file{.profile}.
2252
2253 @node Working Directory
2254 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2255
2256 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2257 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2258 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2259 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2260 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2261 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2262
2263 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2264 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2265 Specify Files}.
2266
2267 @table @code
2268 @kindex cd
2269 @cindex change working directory
2270 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2271 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2272 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2273
2274 @kindex pwd
2275 @item pwd
2276 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2277 @end table
2278
2279 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2280 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2281 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2282 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2283 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2284 current working directory of the debuggee.
2285
2286 @node Input/Output
2287 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2288
2289 @cindex redirection
2290 @cindex i/o
2291 @cindex terminal
2292 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2293 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2294 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2295 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2296 running your program.
2297
2298 @table @code
2299 @kindex info terminal
2300 @item info terminal
2301 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2302 program is using.
2303 @end table
2304
2305 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2306 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2307
2308 @smallexample
2309 run > outfile
2310 @end smallexample
2311
2312 @noindent
2313 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2314
2315 @kindex tty
2316 @cindex controlling terminal
2317 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2318 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2319 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2320 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2321 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2322
2323 @smallexample
2324 tty /dev/ttyb
2325 @end smallexample
2326
2327 @noindent
2328 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2329 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2330 that as their controlling terminal.
2331
2332 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2333 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2334 terminal.
2335
2336 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2337 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2338 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2339 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2340
2341 @cindex inferior tty
2342 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2343 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2344 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2345 program.
2346
2347 @table @code
2348 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2349 @kindex set inferior-tty
2350 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2351
2352 @item show inferior-tty
2353 @kindex show inferior-tty
2354 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2355 @end table
2356
2357 @node Attach
2358 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2359 @kindex attach
2360 @cindex attach
2361
2362 @table @code
2363 @item attach @var{process-id}
2364 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2365 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2366 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2367 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2368 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2369
2370 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2371 executing the command.
2372 @end table
2373
2374 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2375 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2376 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2377 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2378
2379 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2380 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2381 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2382 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2383 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2384 Specify Files}.
2385
2386 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2387 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2388 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2389 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2390 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2391 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2392 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2393
2394 @table @code
2395 @kindex detach
2396 @item detach
2397 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2398 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2399 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2400 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2401 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2402 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2403 executing the command.
2404 @end table
2405
2406 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2407 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2408 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2409 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2410 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2411 Messages}).
2412
2413 @node Kill Process
2414 @section Killing the Child Process
2415
2416 @table @code
2417 @kindex kill
2418 @item kill
2419 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2420 @end table
2421
2422 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2423 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2424 is running.
2425
2426 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2427 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2428 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2429 outside the debugger.
2430
2431 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2432 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2433 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2434 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2435 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2436 breakpoint settings).
2437
2438 @node Inferiors and Programs
2439 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2440
2441 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2442 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2443 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2444 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2445 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2446 from multiple executables.
2447
2448 @cindex inferior
2449 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2450 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2451 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2452 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2453 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2454 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2455 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2456 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2457 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2458 threads running in it.
2459
2460 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2461 inferiors}}:
2462
2463 @table @code
2464 @kindex info inferiors
2465 @item info inferiors
2466 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2467
2468 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2469
2470 @enumerate
2471 @item
2472 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2473
2474 @item
2475 the target system's inferior identifier
2476
2477 @item
2478 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2479
2480 @end enumerate
2481
2482 @noindent
2483 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2484 indicates the current inferior.
2485
2486 For example,
2487 @end table
2488 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2489
2490 @smallexample
2491 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2492 Num Description Executable
2493 2 process 2307 hello
2494 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2495 @end smallexample
2496
2497 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2498
2499 @table @code
2500 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2501 @item inferior @var{infno}
2502 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2503 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2504 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2505 @end table
2506
2507
2508 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2509 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2510 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2511 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2512 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2513 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2514
2515 @table @code
2516 @kindex add-inferior
2517 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2518 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2519 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2520 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2521 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2522 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2523
2524 @kindex clone-inferior
2525 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2526 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2527 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2528 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2529 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2530
2531 @smallexample
2532 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2533 Num Description Executable
2534 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2535 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2536 Added inferior 2.
2537 1 inferiors added.
2538 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2539 Num Description Executable
2540 2 <null> helloworld
2541 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2542 @end smallexample
2543
2544 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2545
2546 @kindex remove-inferiors
2547 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2548 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2549 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2550 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2551
2552 @end table
2553
2554 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2555 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2556 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2557 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2558
2559 @table @code
2560 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2561 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2562 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2563 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2564 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2565 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2566
2567 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2568 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2569 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2570 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2571 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2572 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2573 @end table
2574
2575 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2576 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2577 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2578 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2579
2580
2581 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2582 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2583
2584 @table @code
2585 @kindex set print inferior-events
2586 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2587 @item set print inferior-events
2588 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2589 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2590 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2591 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2592 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2593 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2594
2595 @kindex show print inferior-events
2596 @item show print inferior-events
2597 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2598 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2599 @end table
2600
2601 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2602 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2603 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2604
2605
2606 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2607 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2608 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2609 info program-spaces}} command.
2610
2611 @table @code
2612 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2613 @item maint info program-spaces
2614 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2615 @value{GDBN}.
2616
2617 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2618
2619 @enumerate
2620 @item
2621 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2622
2623 @item
2624 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2625 the @code{file} command.
2626
2627 @end enumerate
2628
2629 @noindent
2630 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2631 indicates the current program space.
2632
2633 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2634 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2635 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2636
2637 @smallexample
2638 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2639 Id Executable
2640 2 goodbye
2641 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2642 * 1 hello
2643 @end smallexample
2644
2645 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2646 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2647 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2648 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2649 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2650
2651 @smallexample
2652 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2653 Id Executable
2654 * 1 vfork-test
2655 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2656 @end smallexample
2657
2658 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2659 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2660 @end table
2661
2662 @node Threads
2663 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2664
2665 @cindex threads of execution
2666 @cindex multiple threads
2667 @cindex switching threads
2668 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2669 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2670 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2671 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2672 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2673 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2674 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2675
2676 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2677 programs:
2678
2679 @itemize @bullet
2680 @item automatic notification of new threads
2681 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2682 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2683 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2684 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2685 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2686 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2687 messages on thread start and exit.
2688 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2689 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2690 isn't compatible with the program.
2691 @end itemize
2692
2693 @quotation
2694 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2695 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2696 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2697 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2698 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2699 like this:
2700
2701 @smallexample
2702 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2703 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2704 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2705 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2706 @end smallexample
2707 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2708 @c doesn't support threads"?
2709 @end quotation
2710
2711 @cindex focus of debugging
2712 @cindex current thread
2713 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2714 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2715 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2716 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2717 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2718
2719 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2720 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2721 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2722 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2723 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2724 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2725 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2726 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2727 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2728 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2729
2730 @smallexample
2731 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2732 @end smallexample
2733
2734 @noindent
2735 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2736 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2737 further qualifier.
2738
2739 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2740 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2741 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2742 @c program?
2743 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2744 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2745 @c threads ab initio?
2746
2747 @cindex thread number
2748 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2749 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2750 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2751
2752 @table @code
2753 @kindex info threads
2754 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2755 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2756 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2757 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2758 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2759
2760 @enumerate
2761 @item
2762 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2763
2764 @item
2765 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2766
2767 @item
2768 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2769 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2770 program itself.
2771
2772 @item
2773 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2774 @end enumerate
2775
2776 @noindent
2777 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2778 indicates the current thread.
2779
2780 For example,
2781 @end table
2782 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2783
2784 @smallexample
2785 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2786 Id Target Id Frame
2787 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2788 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2789 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2790 at threadtest.c:68
2791 @end smallexample
2792
2793 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2794 Solaris-specific command:
2795
2796 @table @code
2797 @item maint info sol-threads
2798 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2799 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2800 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2801 @end table
2802
2803 @table @code
2804 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2805 @item thread @var{threadno}
2806 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2807 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2808 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2809 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2810 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2811
2812 @smallexample
2813 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2814 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2815 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2816 8 printf ("hello\n");
2817 @end smallexample
2818
2819 @noindent
2820 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2821 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2822 threads.
2823
2824 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2825 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2826 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2827 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2828 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2829 information on convenience variables.
2830
2831 @kindex thread apply
2832 @cindex apply command to several threads
2833 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2834 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2835 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2836 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2837 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2838 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2839 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2840 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2841
2842 @kindex thread name
2843 @cindex name a thread
2844 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2845 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2846 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2847 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2848
2849 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2850 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2851 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2852 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2853 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2854
2855 @kindex thread find
2856 @cindex search for a thread
2857 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2858 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2859 matches the supplied regular expression.
2860
2861 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2862 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2863 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2864 is the LWP id.
2865
2866 @smallexample
2867 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2868 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2869 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2870 Id Target Id Frame
2871 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2872 @end smallexample
2873
2874 @kindex set print thread-events
2875 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2876 @item set print thread-events
2877 @itemx set print thread-events on
2878 @itemx set print thread-events off
2879 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2880 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2881 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2882 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2883 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2884
2885 @kindex show print thread-events
2886 @item show print thread-events
2887 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2888 have started and exited.
2889 @end table
2890
2891 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2892 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2893 programs with multiple threads.
2894
2895 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2896 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2897
2898 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2899 @table @code
2900 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2901 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2902 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2903 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2904 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2905 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2906 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2907 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2908 macro.
2909
2910 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2911 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2912 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2913 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2914 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2915 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2916
2917 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2918 refers to the default system directories that are
2919 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2920 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2921 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2922
2923 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2924 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2925 was loaded in the inferior process.
2926
2927 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2928 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2929 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2930 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2931 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2932 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2933 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2934
2935 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2936 only on some platforms.
2937
2938 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2939 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2940 Display current libthread_db search path.
2941
2942 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2943 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2944 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2945 @item set debug libthread-db
2946 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2947 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2948 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2949 @end table
2950
2951 @node Forks
2952 @section Debugging Forks
2953
2954 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2955 @cindex multiple processes
2956 @cindex processes, multiple
2957 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2958 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2959 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2960 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2961 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2962 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2963 will cause it to terminate.
2964
2965 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2966 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2967 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2968 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2969 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2970 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2971 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2972 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2973 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2974 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2975
2976 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2977 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2978 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2979 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2980
2981 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2982 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2983
2984 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2985 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2986
2987 @table @code
2988 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2989 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2990 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2991 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2992 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2993
2994 @table @code
2995 @item parent
2996 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2997 unimpeded. This is the default.
2998
2999 @item child
3000 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3001 unimpeded.
3002
3003 @end table
3004
3005 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3006 @item show follow-fork-mode
3007 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3008 @end table
3009
3010 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3011 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3012 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3013
3014 @table @code
3015 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3016 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3017 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3018 retain debugger control over them both.
3019
3020 @table @code
3021 @item on
3022 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3023 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3024 independently. This is the default.
3025
3026 @item off
3027 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3028 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3029 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3030 is held suspended.
3031
3032 @end table
3033
3034 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3035 @item show detach-on-fork
3036 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3037 @end table
3038
3039 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3040 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3041 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3042 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3043 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3044 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3045
3046 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3047 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3048 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3049 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3050 and Programs}.
3051
3052 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3053 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3054 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3055 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3056 the child process's @code{main}.
3057
3058 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3059 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3060
3061 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3062 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3063 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3064 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3065 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3066 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3067 command.
3068
3069 @table @code
3070 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3071 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3072
3073 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3074 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3075
3076 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3077
3078 @table @code
3079 @item new
3080 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3081 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3082 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3083 original inferior.
3084
3085 For example:
3086
3087 @smallexample
3088 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3089 (gdb) info inferior
3090 Id Description Executable
3091 * 1 <null> prog1
3092 (@value{GDBP}) run
3093 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3094 Program exited normally.
3095 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3096 Id Description Executable
3097 * 2 <null> prog2
3098 1 <null> prog1
3099 @end smallexample
3100
3101 @item same
3102 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3103 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3104 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3105 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3106 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3107
3108 For example:
3109
3110 @smallexample
3111 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3112 Id Description Executable
3113 * 1 <null> prog1
3114 (@value{GDBP}) run
3115 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3116 Program exited normally.
3117 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3118 Id Description Executable
3119 * 1 <null> prog2
3120 @end smallexample
3121
3122 @end table
3123 @end table
3124
3125 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3126 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3127 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3128
3129 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3130 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3131
3132 @cindex checkpoint
3133 @cindex restart
3134 @cindex bookmark
3135 @cindex snapshot of a process
3136 @cindex rewind program state
3137
3138 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3139 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3140 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3141 later.
3142
3143 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3144 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3145 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3146 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3147 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3148
3149 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3150 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3151 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3152 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3153 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3154 start again from there.
3155
3156 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3157 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3158
3159 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3160
3161 @table @code
3162 @kindex checkpoint
3163 @item checkpoint
3164 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3165 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3166 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3167
3168 @kindex info checkpoints
3169 @item info checkpoints
3170 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3171 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3172 listed:
3173
3174 @table @code
3175 @item Checkpoint ID
3176 @item Process ID
3177 @item Code Address
3178 @item Source line, or label
3179 @end table
3180
3181 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3182 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3183 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3184 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3185 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3186 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3187 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3188
3189 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3190 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3191 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3192 the debugger.
3193
3194 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3195 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3196 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3197
3198 @end table
3199
3200 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3201 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3202 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3203 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3204 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3205 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3206 previously read data can be read again.
3207
3208 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3209 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3210 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3211 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3212 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3213 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3214
3215 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3216 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3217 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3218 different execution path this time.
3219
3220 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3221 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3222 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3223 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3224 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3225 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3226 potentially pose a problem.
3227
3228 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3229
3230 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3231 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3232 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3233 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3234 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3235 next.
3236
3237 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3238 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3239 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3240 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3241 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3242
3243 @node Stopping
3244 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3245
3246 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3247 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3248 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3249
3250 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3251 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3252 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3253 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3254 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3255 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3256 explicitly request this information at any time.
3257
3258 @table @code
3259 @kindex info program
3260 @item info program
3261 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3262 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3263 @end table
3264
3265 @menu
3266 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3267 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3268 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3269 Skipping over functions and files
3270 * Signals:: Signals
3271 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3272 @end menu
3273
3274 @node Breakpoints
3275 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3276
3277 @cindex breakpoints
3278 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3279 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3280 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3281 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3282 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3283 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3284 program.
3285
3286 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3287 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3288 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3289 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3290 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3291 call).
3292
3293 @cindex watchpoints
3294 @cindex data breakpoints
3295 @cindex memory tracing
3296 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3297 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3298 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3299 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3300 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3301 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3302 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3303 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3304 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3305 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3306 same commands.
3307
3308 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3309 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3310 Automatic Display}.
3311
3312 @cindex catchpoints
3313 @cindex breakpoint on events
3314 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3315 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3316 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3317 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3318 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3319 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3320 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3321
3322 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3323 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3324 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3325 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3326 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3327 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3328 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3329 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3330 enable it again.
3331
3332 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3333 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3334 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3335 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3336 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3337 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3338 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3339
3340 @menu
3341 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3342 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3343 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3344 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3345 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3346 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3347 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3348 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3349 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3350 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3351 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3352 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3353 @end menu
3354
3355 @node Set Breaks
3356 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3357
3358 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3359 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3360 @c
3361 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3362
3363 @kindex break
3364 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3365 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3366 @cindex latest breakpoint
3367 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3368 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3369 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3370 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3371 convenience variables.
3372
3373 @table @code
3374 @item break @var{location}
3375 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3376 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3377 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3378 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3379 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3380
3381 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3382 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3383 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3384 that situation.
3385
3386 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3387 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3388 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3389
3390 @item break
3391 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3392 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3393 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3394 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3395 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3396 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3397 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3398 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3399 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3400 inside loops.
3401
3402 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3403 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3404 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3405 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3406 existed when your program stopped.
3407
3408 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3409 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3410 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3411 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3412 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3413 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3414 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3415
3416 @kindex tbreak
3417 @item tbreak @var{args}
3418 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3419 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3420 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3421 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3422
3423 @kindex hbreak
3424 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3425 @item hbreak @var{args}
3426 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3427 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3428 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3429 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3430 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3431 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3432 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3433 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3434 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3435 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3436 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3437 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3438 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3439 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3440 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3441 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3442 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3443 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3444
3445 @kindex thbreak
3446 @item thbreak @var{args}
3447 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3448 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3449 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3450 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3451 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3452 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3453 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3454 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3455
3456 @kindex rbreak
3457 @cindex regular expression
3458 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3459 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3460 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3461 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3462 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3463 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3464 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3465 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3466 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3467
3468 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3469 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3470 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3471 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3472 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3473 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3474
3475 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3476 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3477 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3478 classes.
3479
3480 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3481 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3482 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3483
3484 @smallexample
3485 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3486 @end smallexample
3487
3488 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3489 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3490 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3491 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3492 every function in a given file:
3493
3494 @smallexample
3495 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3496 @end smallexample
3497
3498 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3499 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3500
3501 @kindex info breakpoints
3502 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3503 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3504 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3505 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3506 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3507 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3508 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3509
3510 @table @emph
3511 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3512 @item Type
3513 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3514 @item Disposition
3515 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3516 @item Enabled or Disabled
3517 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3518 that are not enabled.
3519 @item Address
3520 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3521 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3522 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3523 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3524 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3525 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3526 @item What
3527 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3528 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3529 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3530 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3531 @end table
3532
3533 @noindent
3534 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3535 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3536 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3537 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3538 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3539 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3540
3541 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3542 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3543 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3544 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3545
3546 @noindent
3547 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3548 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3549 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3550 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3551 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3552
3553 @noindent
3554 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3555 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3556 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3557 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3558 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3559 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3560
3561 @noindent
3562 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3563 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3564
3565 @end table
3566
3567 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3568 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3569 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3570 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3571
3572 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3573 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3574 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3575 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3576
3577 @itemize @bullet
3578 @item
3579 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3580
3581 @item
3582 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3583 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3584
3585 @item
3586 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3587 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3588
3589 @item
3590 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3591 several places where that function is inlined.
3592 @end itemize
3593
3594 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3595 the relevant locations.
3596
3597 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3598 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3599 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3600 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3601 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3602 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3603 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3604
3605 For example:
3606
3607 @smallexample
3608 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3609 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3610 stop only if i==1
3611 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3612 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3613 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3614 @end smallexample
3615
3616 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3617 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3618 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3619 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3620 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3621 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3622 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3623 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3624 that belong to that breakpoint.
3625
3626 @cindex pending breakpoints
3627 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3628 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3629 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3630 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3631 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3632 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3633 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3634 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3635 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3636 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3637 is not yet resolved.
3638
3639 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3640 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3641 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3642 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3643 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3644 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3645
3646 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3647 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3648 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3649 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3650
3651 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3652 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3653 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3654
3655 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3656 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3657 address specification to an address:
3658
3659 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3660 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3661 @table @code
3662 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3663 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3664 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3665
3666 @item set breakpoint pending on
3667 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3668 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3669
3670 @item set breakpoint pending off
3671 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3672 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3673 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3674
3675 @item show breakpoint pending
3676 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3677 @end table
3678
3679 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3680 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3681 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3682
3683 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3684 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3685 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3686 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3687 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3688 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3689 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3690 breakpoints.
3691
3692 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3693
3694 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3695 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3696 @table @code
3697 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3698 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3699 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3700 breakpoint must be used.
3701
3702 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3703 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3704 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3705 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3706 @end table
3707
3708 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3709 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3710 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3711 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3712 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3713 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3714 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3715 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3716 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3717
3718 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3719 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3720 @table @code
3721 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3722 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3723 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3724 removed from the target when it stops.
3725
3726 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3727 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3728 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3729 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3730 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3731
3732 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3733 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3734 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3735 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3736 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3737 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3738 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3739 @end table
3740
3741 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3742 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3743 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3744
3745 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3746 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3747
3748 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3749
3750 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3751 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3752 @table @code
3753 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3754 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3755 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3756 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3757 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3758
3759 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3760 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3761 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3762 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3763 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3764 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3765 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3766 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3767 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3768 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3769 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3770 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3771 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3772
3773 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3774 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3775 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3776 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3777 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3778 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3779 @end table
3780
3781
3782 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3783 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3784 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3785 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3786 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3787 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3788 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3789 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3790
3791
3792 @node Set Watchpoints
3793 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3794
3795 @cindex setting watchpoints
3796 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3797 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3798 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3799 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3800 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3801
3802 @itemize @bullet
3803 @item
3804 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3805
3806 @item
3807 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3808 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3809 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3810
3811 @item
3812 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3813 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3814 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3815 @end itemize
3816
3817 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3818 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3819 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3820 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3821 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3822 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3823 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3824 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3825 the expression changes.
3826
3827 @cindex software watchpoints
3828 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3829 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3830 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3831 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3832 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3833 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3834 culprit.)
3835
3836 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3837 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3838 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3839
3840 @table @code
3841 @kindex watch
3842 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3843 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3844 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3845 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3846 to watch the value of a single variable:
3847
3848 @smallexample
3849 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3850 @end smallexample
3851
3852 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3853 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3854 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3855 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3856 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3857 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3858
3859 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3860 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3861 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3862 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3863 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3864 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3865 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3866 error.
3867
3868 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3869 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3870 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3871 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3872 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3873 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3874 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3875 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3876 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3877 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3878 Examples:
3879
3880 @smallexample
3881 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3882 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3883 @end smallexample
3884
3885 @kindex rwatch
3886 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3887 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3888 by the program.
3889
3890 @kindex awatch
3891 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3892 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3893 or written into by the program.
3894
3895 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3896 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3897 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3898 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3899 @end table
3900
3901 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3902 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3903 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3904 a never-changing value:
3905
3906 @smallexample
3907 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3908 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3909 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3910 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3911 @end smallexample
3912
3913 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3914 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3915 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3916 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3917 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3918 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3919
3920 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3921 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3922 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3923 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3924 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3925 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3926 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3927 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3928
3929 @table @code
3930 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3931 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3932 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3933
3934 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3935 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3936 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3937 @end table
3938
3939 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3940 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3941 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3942
3943 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3944
3945 @smallexample
3946 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3947 @end smallexample
3948
3949 @noindent
3950 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3951
3952 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3953 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3954 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3955 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3956 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3957 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3958 will print a message like this:
3959
3960 @smallexample
3961 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3962 @end smallexample
3963
3964 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3965 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3966 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3967 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3968 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3969 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3970 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3971 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3972
3973 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3974 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3975 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3976 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3977 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3978 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3979
3980 @smallexample
3981 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3982 @end smallexample
3983
3984 @noindent
3985 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3986
3987 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3988 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3989 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3990 expression with separately allocated resources.
3991
3992 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3993 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3994 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3995
3996 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3997 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3998 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3999 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4000 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4001 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4002 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4003 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4004 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4005
4006 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4007 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4008 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4009 watched expression from every thread.
4010
4011 @quotation
4012 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4013 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4014 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4015 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4016 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4017 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4018 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4019 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4020 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4021 @end quotation
4022
4023 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4024
4025 @node Set Catchpoints
4026 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4027 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4028 @cindex exception handlers
4029 @cindex event handling
4030
4031 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4032 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4033 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4034
4035 @table @code
4036 @kindex catch
4037 @item catch @var{event}
4038 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4039 @table @code
4040 @item throw
4041 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4042 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
4043
4044 @item catch
4045 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4046
4047 @item exception
4048 @cindex Ada exception catching
4049 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4050 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4051 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4052 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4053 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4054
4055 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4056 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4057 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4058 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4059 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4060 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4061 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4062 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4063
4064 @item exception unhandled
4065 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4066
4067 @item assert
4068 A failed Ada assertion.
4069
4070 @item exec
4071 @cindex break on fork/exec
4072 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4073 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4074
4075 @item syscall
4076 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4077 @cindex break on a system call.
4078 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4079 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4080 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4081 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4082 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4083 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4084 will be caught.
4085
4086 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4087 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4088 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4089 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4090
4091 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4092 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4093 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4094 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4095
4096 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4097 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4098 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4099 available choices.
4100
4101 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4102 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4103 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4104 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4105 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4106 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4107 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4108 behind the OS upgrades).
4109
4110 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4111 arguments to it:
4112
4113 @smallexample
4114 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4115 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4116 (@value{GDBP}) r
4117 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4118
4119 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4120 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4121 (@value{GDBP}) c
4122 Continuing.
4123
4124 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4125 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4126 (@value{GDBP})
4127 @end smallexample
4128
4129 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4130
4131 @smallexample
4132 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4133 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4134 (@value{GDBP}) r
4135 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4136
4137 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4138 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4139 (@value{GDBP}) c
4140 Continuing.
4141
4142 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4143 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4144 (@value{GDBP})
4145 @end smallexample
4146
4147 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4148 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4149 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4150
4151 @smallexample
4152 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4153 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4154 (@value{GDBP}) r
4155 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4156
4157 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4158 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4159 (@value{GDBP}) c
4160 Continuing.
4161
4162 Program exited normally.
4163 (@value{GDBP})
4164 @end smallexample
4165
4166 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4167 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4168 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4169 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4170
4171 @smallexample
4172 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4173 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4174 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4175 (@value{GDBP})
4176 @end smallexample
4177
4178 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4179 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4180 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4181 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4182 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4183 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4184
4185 @smallexample
4186 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4187 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4188 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4189 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4190 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4191 (@value{GDBP})
4192 @end smallexample
4193
4194 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4195
4196 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4197 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4198
4199 @smallexample
4200 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4201 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4202 @end smallexample
4203
4204 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4205
4206 @item fork
4207 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4208 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4209
4210 @item vfork
4211 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4212 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4213
4214 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4215 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4216 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4217 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4218 matches one of the affected libraries.
4219
4220 @end table
4221
4222 @item tcatch @var{event}
4223 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4224 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4225
4226 @end table
4227
4228 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4229
4230 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4231 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4232
4233 @itemize @bullet
4234 @item
4235 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4236 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4237 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4238 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4239 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4240 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4241 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4242 disabled within interactive calls.
4243
4244 @item
4245 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4246
4247 @item
4248 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4249 @end itemize
4250
4251 @cindex raise exceptions
4252 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4253 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4254 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4255 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4256 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4257 out where the exception was raised.
4258
4259 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4260 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4261 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4262 which has the following ANSI C interface:
4263
4264 @smallexample
4265 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4266 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4267 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4268 @end smallexample
4269
4270 @noindent
4271 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4272 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4273 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4274
4275 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4276 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4277 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4278 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4279 raised.
4280
4281
4282 @node Delete Breaks
4283 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4284
4285 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4286 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4287 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4288 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4289 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4290 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4291
4292 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4293 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4294 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4295 their breakpoint numbers.
4296
4297 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4298 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4299 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4300
4301 @table @code
4302 @kindex clear
4303 @item clear
4304 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4305 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4306 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4307 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4308
4309 @item clear @var{location}
4310 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4311 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4312 most useful ones are listed below:
4313
4314 @table @code
4315 @item clear @var{function}
4316 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4317 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4318
4319 @item clear @var{linenum}
4320 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4321 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4322 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4323 @end table
4324
4325 @cindex delete breakpoints
4326 @kindex delete
4327 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4328 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4329 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4330 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4331 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4332 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4333 @end table
4334
4335 @node Disabling
4336 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4337
4338 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4339 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4340 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4341 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4342 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4343
4344 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4345 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4346 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4347 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4348 do not know which numbers to use.
4349
4350 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4351 affects all of its locations.
4352
4353 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4354 different states of enablement:
4355
4356 @itemize @bullet
4357 @item
4358 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4359 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4360 @item
4361 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4362 @item
4363 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4364 disabled.
4365 @item
4366 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4367 N times, then becomes disabled.
4368 @item
4369 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4370 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4371 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4372 @end itemize
4373
4374 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4375 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4376
4377 @table @code
4378 @kindex disable
4379 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4380 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4381 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4382 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4383 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4384 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4385 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4386
4387 @kindex enable
4388 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4389 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4390 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4391
4392 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4393 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4394 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4395
4396 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4397 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4398 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4399 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4400 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4401 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4402 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4403
4404 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4405 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4406 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4407 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4408 @end table
4409
4410 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4411 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4412 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4413 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4414 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4415 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4416 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4417 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4418 Stepping}.)
4419
4420 @node Conditions
4421 @subsection Break Conditions
4422 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4423 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4424
4425 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4426 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4427 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4428 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4429 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4430 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4431 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4432 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4433
4434 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4435 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4436 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4437 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4438 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4439
4440 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4441 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4442 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4443 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4444 one.
4445
4446 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4447 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4448 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4449 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4450 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4451 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4452 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4453 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4454 conditions for the
4455 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4456 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4457
4458 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4459 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4460 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4461 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4462 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4463 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4464
4465 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4466 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4467 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4468 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4469 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4470
4471 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4472 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4473 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4474 with the @code{condition} command.
4475
4476 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4477 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4478 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4479 catchpoint.
4480
4481 @table @code
4482 @kindex condition
4483 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4484 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4485 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4486 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4487 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4488 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4489 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4490 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4491 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4492 prints an error message:
4493
4494 @smallexample
4495 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4496 @end smallexample
4497
4498 @noindent
4499 @value{GDBN} does
4500 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4501 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4502 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4503
4504 @item condition @var{bnum}
4505 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4506 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4507 @end table
4508
4509 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4510 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4511 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4512 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4513 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4514 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4515 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4516 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4517 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4518 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4519 your program reaches it.
4520
4521 @table @code
4522 @kindex ignore
4523 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4524 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4525 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4526 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4527 takes no action.
4528
4529 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4530 a count of zero.
4531
4532 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4533 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4534 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4535 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4536
4537 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4538 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4539 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4540
4541 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4542 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4543 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4544 Variables}.
4545 @end table
4546
4547 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4548
4549
4550 @node Break Commands
4551 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4552
4553 @cindex breakpoint commands
4554 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4555 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4556 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4557 enable other breakpoints.
4558
4559 @table @code
4560 @kindex commands
4561 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4562 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4563 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4564 @itemx end
4565 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4566 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4567 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4568
4569 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4570 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4571
4572 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4573 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4574 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4575 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4576 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4577 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4578 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4579 Expressions}).
4580 @end table
4581
4582 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4583 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4584
4585 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4586 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4587 that resumes execution.
4588
4589 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4590 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4591 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4592 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4593 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4594
4595 @kindex silent
4596 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4597 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4598 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4599 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4600 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4601 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4602
4603 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4604 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4605 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4606
4607 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4608 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4609
4610 @smallexample
4611 break foo if x>0
4612 commands
4613 silent
4614 printf "x is %d\n",x
4615 cont
4616 end
4617 @end smallexample
4618
4619 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4620 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4621 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4622 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4623 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4624 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4625 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4626
4627 @smallexample
4628 break 403
4629 commands
4630 silent
4631 set x = y + 4
4632 cont
4633 end
4634 @end smallexample
4635
4636 @node Dynamic Printf
4637 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4638
4639 @cindex dynamic printf
4640 @cindex dprintf
4641 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4642 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4643 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4644 having to recompile it.
4645
4646 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4647 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4648 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4649 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4650 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4651 redirects to files and so forth.
4652
4653 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4654 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4655 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4656 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4657 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4658 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4659 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4660
4661 @table @code
4662 @kindex dprintf
4663 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4664 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4665 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4666 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4667
4668 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4669 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4670 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4671 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4672 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4673 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4674
4675 @item gdb
4676 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4677 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4678
4679 @item call
4680 @kindex dprintf-style call
4681 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4682 @code{printf}).
4683
4684 @item agent
4685 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4686 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4687 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4688 support running commands on the target.
4689
4690 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4691 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4692 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4693 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4694 command.
4695
4696 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4697 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4698 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4699 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4700 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4701 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4702
4703 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4704 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4705 you could do the following:
4706
4707 @example
4708 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4709 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4710 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4711 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4712 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4713 (gdb) info break
4714 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4715 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4716 continue
4717 (gdb)
4718 @end example
4719
4720 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4721 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4722 the variable settings.
4723
4724 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4725 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4726 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4727 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4728 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4729 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4730
4731 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4732 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4733 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4734
4735 @end table
4736
4737 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4738 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4739 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4740 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4741 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4742 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4743
4744 @node Save Breakpoints
4745 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4746
4747 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4748 breakpoints}} command.
4749
4750 @table @code
4751 @kindex save breakpoints
4752 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4753 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4754 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4755 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4756 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4757 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4758 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4759 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4760 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4761 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4762 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4763 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4764 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4765 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4766 that can no longer be recreated.
4767 @end table
4768
4769 @node Static Probe Points
4770 @subsection Static Probe Points
4771
4772 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4773 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4774 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4775 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4776 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4777 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4778 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4779
4780 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4781 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4782 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4783 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4784 in your applications.
4785
4786 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4787 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4788 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4789 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4790 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4791 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4792 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4793 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4794
4795 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4796 probes}, with optional arguments:
4797
4798 @table @code
4799 @kindex info probes
4800 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4801 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4802 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4803 probes from all providers are listed.
4804
4805 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4806 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4807 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4808
4809 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4810 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4811 given, all object files are considered.
4812
4813 @item info probes all
4814 List the available static probes, from all types.
4815 @end table
4816
4817 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4818 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4819 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4820 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4821 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4822 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4823 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4824 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4825 at the current probe point.
4826
4827 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4828 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4829 an error message.
4830
4831
4832 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4833 @node Error in Breakpoints
4834 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4835
4836 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4837 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4838
4839 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4840 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4841 @smallexample
4842 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4843 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4844 @end smallexample
4845
4846 @noindent
4847 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4848 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4849 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4850
4851 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4852 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4853
4854 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4855 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4856 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4857
4858 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4859 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4860 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4861 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4862
4863 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4864 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4865 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4866 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4867 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4868 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4869 first in the bundle.
4870
4871 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4872 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4873 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4874 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4875 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4876 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4877 is hit.
4878
4879 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4880 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4881
4882 @smallexample
4883 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4884 @end smallexample
4885
4886 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4887 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4888 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4889 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4890 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4891 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4892 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4893 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4894
4895 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4896 adjusted breakpoints:
4897
4898 @smallexample
4899 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4900 to 0x00010410.
4901 @end smallexample
4902
4903 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4904 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4905 frequently than expected.
4906
4907 @node Continuing and Stepping
4908 @section Continuing and Stepping
4909
4910 @cindex stepping
4911 @cindex continuing
4912 @cindex resuming execution
4913 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4914 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4915 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4916 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4917 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4918 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4919 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4920 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4921
4922 @table @code
4923 @kindex continue
4924 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4925 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4926 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4927 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4928 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4929 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4930 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4931 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4932 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4933 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4934
4935 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4936 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4937 @code{continue} is ignored.
4938
4939 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4940 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4941 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4942 @code{continue}.
4943 @end table
4944
4945 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4946 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4947 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4948 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4949
4950 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4951 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4952 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4953 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4954 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4955 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4956
4957 @table @code
4958 @kindex step
4959 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4960 @item step
4961 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4962 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4963 abbreviated @code{s}.
4964
4965 @quotation
4966 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4967 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4968 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4969 @c distinction here.
4970 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4971 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4972 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4973 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4974 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4975 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4976 below.
4977 @end quotation
4978
4979 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4980 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4981 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4982 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4983 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4984 called within the line.
4985
4986 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4987 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4988 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4989 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4990 was any debugging information about the routine.
4991
4992 @item step @var{count}
4993 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4994 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4995 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4996
4997 @kindex next
4998 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4999 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5000 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5001 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5002 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5003 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5004 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5005 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5006
5007 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5008
5009
5010 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5011 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5012 @c
5013 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5014 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5015 @c function are executed without stopping.
5016
5017 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5018 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5019 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5020
5021 @kindex set step-mode
5022 @item set step-mode
5023 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5024 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5025 @itemx set step-mode on
5026 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5027 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5028 information rather than stepping over it.
5029
5030 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5031 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5032 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5033
5034 @item set step-mode off
5035 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5036 debug information. This is the default.
5037
5038 @item show step-mode
5039 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5040 source line debug information.
5041
5042 @kindex finish
5043 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5044 @item finish
5045 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5046 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5047 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5048
5049 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5050 ,Returning from a Function}).
5051
5052 @kindex until
5053 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5054 @cindex run until specified location
5055 @item until
5056 @itemx u
5057 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5058 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5059 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5060 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5061 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5062 than the address of the jump.
5063
5064 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5065 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5066 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5067 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5068 through the next iteration.
5069
5070 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5071 stack frame.
5072
5073 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5074 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5075 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5076 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5077 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5078
5079 @smallexample
5080 (@value{GDBP}) f
5081 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5082 206 expand_input();
5083 (@value{GDBP}) until
5084 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5085 @end smallexample
5086
5087 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5088 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5089 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5090 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5091 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5092 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5093 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5094
5095 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5096 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5097 argument.
5098
5099 @item until @var{location}
5100 @itemx u @var{location}
5101 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5102 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5103 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5104 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5105 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5106 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5107 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5108 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5109 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5110 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5111 invocations have returned.
5112
5113 @smallexample
5114 94 int factorial (int value)
5115 95 @{
5116 96 if (value > 1) @{
5117 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5118 98 @}
5119 99 return (value);
5120 100 @}
5121 @end smallexample
5122
5123
5124 @kindex advance @var{location}
5125 @item advance @var{location}
5126 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5127 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5128 @ref{Specify Location}.
5129 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5130 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5131 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5132 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5133
5134
5135 @kindex stepi
5136 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5137 @item stepi
5138 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5139 @itemx si
5140 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5141
5142 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5143 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5144 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5145 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5146
5147 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5148
5149 @need 750
5150 @kindex nexti
5151 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5152 @item nexti
5153 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5154 @itemx ni
5155 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5156 proceed until the function returns.
5157
5158 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5159 @end table
5160
5161 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5162 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5163 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5164
5165 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5166 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5167 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5168
5169 For example, consider the following C function:
5170
5171 @smallexample
5172 101 int func()
5173 102 @{
5174 103 foo(boring());
5175 104 bar(boring());
5176 105 @}
5177 @end smallexample
5178
5179 @noindent
5180 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5181 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5182 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5183 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5184
5185 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5186 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5187 is called from many places.
5188
5189 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5190 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5191 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5192 @code{foo}.
5193
5194 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5195 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5196
5197 @table @code
5198 @kindex skip function
5199 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5200 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5201 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5202 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5203 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5204
5205 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5206 will be skipped.
5207
5208 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5209 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5210
5211 @kindex skip file
5212 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5213 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5214 will be skipped over when stepping.
5215
5216 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5217 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5218 @end table
5219
5220 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5221 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5222
5223 @table @code
5224 @kindex info skip
5225 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5226 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5227 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5228 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5229
5230 @table @emph
5231 @item Identifier
5232 A number identifying this skip.
5233 @item Type
5234 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5235 @item Enabled or Disabled
5236 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5237 @item Address
5238 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5239 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5240 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5241 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5242 address here.
5243 @item What
5244 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5245 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5246 where it is defined.
5247 @end table
5248
5249 @kindex skip delete
5250 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5251 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5252 skips.
5253
5254 @kindex skip enable
5255 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5256 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5257 skips.
5258
5259 @kindex skip disable
5260 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5261 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5262 skips.
5263
5264 @end table
5265
5266 @node Signals
5267 @section Signals
5268 @cindex signals
5269
5270 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5271 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5272 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5273 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5274 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5275 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5276 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5277 requested an alarm).
5278
5279 @cindex fatal signals
5280 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5281 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5282 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5283 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5284 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5285 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5286
5287 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5288 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5289 signal.
5290
5291 @cindex handling signals
5292 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5293 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5294 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5295 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5296 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5297
5298 @table @code
5299 @kindex info signals
5300 @kindex info handle
5301 @item info signals
5302 @itemx info handle
5303 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5304 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5305 the defined types of signals.
5306
5307 @item info signals @var{sig}
5308 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5309
5310 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5311
5312 @kindex handle
5313 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5314 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5315 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5316 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5317 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5318 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5319 say what change to make.
5320 @end table
5321
5322 @c @group
5323 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5324 Their full names are:
5325
5326 @table @code
5327 @item nostop
5328 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5329 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5330
5331 @item stop
5332 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5333 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5334
5335 @item print
5336 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5337
5338 @item noprint
5339 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5340 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5341
5342 @item pass
5343 @itemx noignore
5344 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5345 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5346 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5347
5348 @item nopass
5349 @itemx ignore
5350 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5351 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5352 @end table
5353 @c @end group
5354
5355 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5356 program until you
5357 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5358 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5359 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5360 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5361 program sees that signal when you continue.
5362
5363 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5364 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5365 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5366 erroneous signals.
5367
5368 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5369 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5370 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5371 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5372 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5373 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5374 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5375 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5376 Program a Signal}.
5377
5378 @cindex extra signal information
5379 @anchor{extra signal information}
5380
5381 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5382 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5383 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5384 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5385 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5386 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5387 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5388 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5389 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5390 system header.
5391
5392 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5393 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5394
5395 @smallexample
5396 @group
5397 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5398 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5399 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5400 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5401 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5402 type = struct @{
5403 int si_signo;
5404 int si_errno;
5405 int si_code;
5406 union @{
5407 int _pad[28];
5408 struct @{...@} _kill;
5409 struct @{...@} _timer;
5410 struct @{...@} _rt;
5411 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5412 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5413 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5414 @} _sifields;
5415 @}
5416 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5417 type = struct @{
5418 void *si_addr;
5419 @}
5420 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5421 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5422 @end group
5423 @end smallexample
5424
5425 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5426
5427 @node Thread Stops
5428 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5429
5430 @cindex stopped threads
5431 @cindex threads, stopped
5432
5433 @cindex continuing threads
5434 @cindex threads, continuing
5435
5436 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5437 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5438 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5439 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5440 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5441 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5442 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5443 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5444 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5445
5446 @menu
5447 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5448 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5449 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5450 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5451 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5452 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5453 @end menu
5454
5455 @node All-Stop Mode
5456 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5457
5458 @cindex all-stop mode
5459
5460 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5461 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5462 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5463 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5464 underfoot.
5465
5466 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5467 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5468 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5469
5470 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5471 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5472 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5473 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5474 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5475 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5476 stops.
5477
5478 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5479 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5480 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5481 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5482
5483 @cindex automatic thread selection
5484 @cindex switching threads automatically
5485 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5486 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5487 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5488 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5489 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5490 thread.
5491
5492 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5493 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5494
5495 @table @code
5496 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5497 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5498 @cindex lock scheduler
5499 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5500 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5501 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5502 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5503 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5504 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5505 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5506 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5507 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5508 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5509 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5510 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5511
5512 @item show scheduler-locking
5513 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5514 @end table
5515
5516 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5517 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5518 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5519 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5520 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5521 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5522 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5523 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5524 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5525 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5526 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5527 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5528 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5529 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5530
5531 @table @code
5532 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5533 @item set schedule-multiple
5534 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5535 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5536 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5537 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5538 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5539 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5540
5541 @item show schedule-multiple
5542 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5543 multiple processes.
5544 @end table
5545
5546 @node Non-Stop Mode
5547 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5548
5549 @cindex non-stop mode
5550
5551 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5552 @c with more details.
5553
5554 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5555 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5556 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5557 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5558 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5559 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5560
5561 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5562 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5563 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5564 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5565 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5566 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5567 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5568 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5569 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5570 independently and simultaneously.
5571
5572 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5573 or attach to your program:
5574
5575 @smallexample
5576 # Enable the async interface.
5577 set target-async 1
5578
5579 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5580 set pagination off
5581
5582 # Finally, turn it on!
5583 set non-stop on
5584 @end smallexample
5585
5586 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5587
5588 @table @code
5589 @kindex set non-stop
5590 @item set non-stop on
5591 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5592 @item set non-stop off
5593 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5594 @kindex show non-stop
5595 @item show non-stop
5596 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5597 @end table
5598
5599 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5600 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5601 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5602 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5603 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5604 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5605 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5606 default.
5607
5608 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5609 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5610 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5611
5612 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5613 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5614 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5615 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5616 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5617
5618 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5619 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5620 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5621 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5622 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5623
5624 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5625
5626 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5627 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5628 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5629 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5630 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5631 previously current thread.
5632
5633 @node Background Execution
5634 @subsection Background Execution
5635
5636 @cindex foreground execution
5637 @cindex background execution
5638 @cindex asynchronous execution
5639 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5640
5641 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5642 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5643 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5644 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5645 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5646 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5647
5648 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5649 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5650 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5651
5652 @table @code
5653 @kindex set target-async
5654 @item set target-async on
5655 Enable asynchronous mode.
5656 @item set target-async off
5657 Disable asynchronous mode.
5658 @kindex show target-async
5659 @item show target-async
5660 Show the current target-async setting.
5661 @end table
5662
5663 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5664 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5665
5666 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5667 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5668 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5669 are:
5670
5671 @table @code
5672 @kindex run&
5673 @item run
5674 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5675
5676 @item attach
5677 @kindex attach&
5678 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5679
5680 @item step
5681 @kindex step&
5682 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5683
5684 @item stepi
5685 @kindex stepi&
5686 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5687
5688 @item next
5689 @kindex next&
5690 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5691
5692 @item nexti
5693 @kindex nexti&
5694 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5695
5696 @item continue
5697 @kindex continue&
5698 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5699
5700 @item finish
5701 @kindex finish&
5702 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5703
5704 @item until
5705 @kindex until&
5706 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5707
5708 @end table
5709
5710 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5711 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5712 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5713 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5714 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5715 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5716
5717 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5718 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5719
5720 @table @code
5721 @kindex interrupt
5722 @item interrupt
5723 @itemx interrupt -a
5724
5725 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5726 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5727 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5728 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5729 @end table
5730
5731 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5732 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5733
5734 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5735 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5736 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5737
5738 @table @code
5739 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5740 @cindex thread breakpoints
5741 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5742 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5743 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5744 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5745 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5746 specify some source line.
5747
5748 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5749 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5750 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5751 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5752 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5753
5754 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5755 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5756 program.
5757
5758 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5759 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5760 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5761
5762 @smallexample
5763 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5764 @end smallexample
5765
5766 @end table
5767
5768 @node Interrupted System Calls
5769 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5770
5771 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5772 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5773 @cindex premature return from system calls
5774 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5775 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5776 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5777 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5778 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5779 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5780 stop execution.
5781
5782 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5783 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5784 style anyways.
5785
5786 For example, do not write code like this:
5787
5788 @smallexample
5789 sleep (10);
5790 @end smallexample
5791
5792 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5793 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5794
5795 Instead, write this:
5796
5797 @smallexample
5798 int unslept = 10;
5799 while (unslept > 0)
5800 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5801 @end smallexample
5802
5803 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5804 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5805 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5806 @value{GDBN}.
5807
5808 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5809 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5810 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5811 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5812
5813 @node Observer Mode
5814 @subsection Observer Mode
5815
5816 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5817 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5818 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5819 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5820 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5821
5822 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5823 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5824 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5825 mode.
5826
5827 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5828 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5829 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5830 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5831 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5832
5833 @table @code
5834
5835 @kindex observer
5836 @item set observer on
5837 @itemx set observer off
5838 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5839 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5840 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5841 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5842
5843 @item show observer
5844 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5845
5846 @kindex may-write-registers
5847 @item set may-write-registers on
5848 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5849 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5850 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5851 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5852
5853 @item show may-write-registers
5854 Show the current permission to write registers.
5855
5856 @kindex may-write-memory
5857 @item set may-write-memory on
5858 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5859 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5860 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5861 defaults to @code{on}.
5862
5863 @item show may-write-memory
5864 Show the current permission to write memory.
5865
5866 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5867 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5868 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5869 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5870 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5871 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5872
5873 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5874 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5875
5876 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5877 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5878 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5879 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5880 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5881 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5882 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5883
5884 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5885 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5886
5887 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5888 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5889 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5890 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5891 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5892 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5893 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5894
5895 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5896 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5897
5898 @kindex may-interrupt
5899 @item set may-interrupt on
5900 @itemx set may-interrupt off
5901 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5902 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5903 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5904 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5905
5906 @item show may-interrupt
5907 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5908
5909 @end table
5910
5911 @node Reverse Execution
5912 @chapter Running programs backward
5913 @cindex reverse execution
5914 @cindex running programs backward
5915
5916 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5917 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5918 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5919 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5920
5921 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5922 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5923 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5924 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5925 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5926 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5927
5928 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5929 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5930 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5931 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5932 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5933 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5934 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5935 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5936 prior values@footnote{
5937 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5938 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5939 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5940
5941 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5942 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5943 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5944 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5945 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5946 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5947 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5948 }.
5949
5950 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5951 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5952
5953 @table @code
5954 @kindex reverse-continue
5955 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5956 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5957 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5958 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5959 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5960 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5961 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5962
5963 @kindex reverse-step
5964 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5965 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5966 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5967 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5968
5969 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5970 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5971 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5972 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5973 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5974 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5975
5976 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5977 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5978
5979 @kindex reverse-stepi
5980 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5981 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5982 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5983 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5984 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5985 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5986 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5987
5988 @kindex reverse-next
5989 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5990 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5991 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5992 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5993 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5994 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5995 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5996 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5997 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5998 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5999
6000 @kindex reverse-nexti
6001 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6002 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6003 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6004 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6005 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6006 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6007 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6008 frame) is reached.
6009
6010 @kindex reverse-finish
6011 @item reverse-finish
6012 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6013 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6014 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6015 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6016
6017 @kindex set exec-direction
6018 @item set exec-direction
6019 Set the direction of target execution.
6020 @item set exec-direction reverse
6021 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6022 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6023 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6024 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6025 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6026 @item set exec-direction forward
6027 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6028 This is the default.
6029 @end table
6030
6031
6032 @node Process Record and Replay
6033 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6034 @cindex process record and replay
6035 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6036
6037 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6038 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6039 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6040
6041 @cindex replay mode
6042 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6043 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6044 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6045 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6046 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6047 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6048 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6049 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6050 execution log.
6051
6052 @cindex record mode
6053 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6054 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6055 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6056 for future replay.
6057
6058 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6059 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6060 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6061 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6062 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6063 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6064
6065 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6066 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6067 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6068 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6069
6070 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6071 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6072
6073 @table @code
6074 @kindex target record
6075 @kindex record
6076 @kindex rec
6077 @item target record
6078 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
6079 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
6080 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
6081 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
6082 the @kbd{target record} command.
6083
6084 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
6085
6086 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6087 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6088 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6089 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6090 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6091
6092 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6093 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6094 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6095 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
6096 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
6097 support these two modes.
6098
6099 @kindex record stop
6100 @kindex rec s
6101 @item record stop
6102 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6103 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6104 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6105
6106 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6107 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6108 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6109 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6110 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6111
6112 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6113 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6114 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6115 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6116 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6117
6118 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6119 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6120
6121 @kindex record save
6122 @item record save @var{filename}
6123 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6124 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6125 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6126
6127 @kindex record restore
6128 @item record restore @var{filename}
6129 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6130 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6131
6132 @kindex set record insn-number-max
6133 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
6134 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
6135
6136 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6137 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6138 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6139 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6140 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6141 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6142 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6143 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6144
6145 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
6146 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
6147 instructions is unlimited in this case.
6148
6149 @kindex show record insn-number-max
6150 @item show record insn-number-max
6151 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
6152
6153 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
6154 @item set record stop-at-limit
6155 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
6156 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
6157 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
6158 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
6159 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
6160 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
6161
6162 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6163 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6164
6165 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
6166 @item show record stop-at-limit
6167 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6168
6169 @kindex set record memory-query
6170 @item set record memory-query
6171 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6172 changes caused by an instruction. If ON, @value{GDBN} will query
6173 whether to stop the inferior in that case.
6174
6175 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6176 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6177 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6178 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6179 results.
6180
6181 @kindex show record memory-query
6182 @item show record memory-query
6183 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6184
6185 @kindex info record
6186 @item info record
6187 Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
6188 in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6189
6190 @itemize @bullet
6191 @item
6192 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6193 @item
6194 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6195 @item
6196 Highest recorded instruction number.
6197 @item
6198 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6199 @item
6200 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6201 @item
6202 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6203 @end itemize
6204
6205 @kindex record delete
6206 @kindex rec del
6207 @item record delete
6208 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6209 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6210 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6211 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6212 @end table
6213
6214
6215 @node Stack
6216 @chapter Examining the Stack
6217
6218 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6219 stopped and how it got there.
6220
6221 @cindex call stack
6222 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6223 is generated.
6224 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6225 the arguments of the call,
6226 and the local variables of the function being called.
6227 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6228 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6229 stack}.
6230
6231 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6232 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6233
6234 @cindex selected frame
6235 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6236 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6237 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6238 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6239 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6240 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6241
6242 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6243 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6244 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6245
6246 @menu
6247 * Frames:: Stack frames
6248 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6249 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6250 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6251
6252 @end menu
6253
6254 @node Frames
6255 @section Stack Frames
6256
6257 @cindex frame, definition
6258 @cindex stack frame
6259 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6260 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6261 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6262 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6263 which the function is executing.
6264
6265 @cindex initial frame
6266 @cindex outermost frame
6267 @cindex innermost frame
6268 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6269 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6270 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6271 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6272 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6273 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6274 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6275 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6276
6277 @cindex frame pointer
6278 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6279 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6280 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6281 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6282 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6283 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6284
6285 @cindex frame number
6286 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6287 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6288 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6289 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6290 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6291
6292 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6293 @c underflow problems.
6294 @cindex frameless execution
6295 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6296 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6297 @smallexample
6298 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6299 @end smallexample
6300 generates functions without a frame.)
6301 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6302 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6303 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6304 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6305 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6306 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6307 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6308
6309 @table @code
6310 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6311 @cindex current stack frame
6312 @item frame @var{args}
6313 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6314 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6315 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6316 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6317
6318 @kindex select-frame
6319 @cindex selecting frame silently
6320 @item select-frame
6321 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6322 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6323 @code{frame}.
6324 @end table
6325
6326 @node Backtrace
6327 @section Backtraces
6328
6329 @cindex traceback
6330 @cindex call stack traces
6331 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6332 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6333 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6334 stack.
6335
6336 @table @code
6337 @kindex backtrace
6338 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6339 @item backtrace
6340 @itemx bt
6341 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6342 frames in the stack.
6343
6344 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6345 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6346
6347 @item backtrace @var{n}
6348 @itemx bt @var{n}
6349 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6350
6351 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6352 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6353 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6354
6355 @item backtrace full
6356 @itemx bt full
6357 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6358 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6359 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6360 number of frames to print, as described above.
6361 @end table
6362
6363 @kindex where
6364 @kindex info stack
6365 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6366 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6367
6368 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6369 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6370 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6371 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6372 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6373 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6374 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6375 multi-threaded program.
6376
6377 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6378 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6379 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6380 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6381 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6382 line number.
6383
6384 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6385 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6386
6387 @smallexample
6388 @group
6389 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6390 at builtin.c:993
6391 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6392 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6393 at macro.c:71
6394 (More stack frames follow...)
6395 @end group
6396 @end smallexample
6397
6398 @noindent
6399 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6400 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6401 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6402
6403 @noindent
6404 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6405 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6406 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6407 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6408 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6409
6410 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6411 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6412 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6413 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6414 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6415 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6416 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6417 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6418 such a backtrace might look like:
6419
6420 @smallexample
6421 @group
6422 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6423 at builtin.c:993
6424 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6425 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6426 at macro.c:71
6427 (More stack frames follow...)
6428 @end group
6429 @end smallexample
6430
6431 @noindent
6432 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6433 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6434
6435 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6436 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6437 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6438
6439 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6440 @cindex program entry point
6441 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6442 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6443 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6444 @code{main}@footnote{
6445 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6446 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6447 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6448 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6449 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6450 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6451
6452 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6453 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6454
6455 @table @code
6456 @item set backtrace past-main
6457 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6458 @kindex set backtrace
6459 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6460
6461 @item set backtrace past-main off
6462 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6463 default.
6464
6465 @item show backtrace past-main
6466 @kindex show backtrace
6467 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6468
6469 @item set backtrace past-entry
6470 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6471 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6472 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6473 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6474
6475 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6476 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6477 application. This is the default.
6478
6479 @item show backtrace past-entry
6480 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6481
6482 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6483 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6484 @cindex backtrace limit
6485 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
6486 unlimited.
6487
6488 @item show backtrace limit
6489 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6490 @end table
6491
6492 @node Selection
6493 @section Selecting a Frame
6494
6495 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6496 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6497 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6498 of the stack frame just selected.
6499
6500 @table @code
6501 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6502 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6503 @item frame @var{n}
6504 @itemx f @var{n}
6505 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6506 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6507 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6508 @code{main}.
6509
6510 @item frame @var{addr}
6511 @itemx f @var{addr}
6512 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6513 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6514 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6515 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6516 switches between them.
6517
6518 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6519 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6520
6521 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6522 pointer and a program counter.
6523
6524 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6525 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6526
6527 @kindex up
6528 @item up @var{n}
6529 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6530 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6531 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6532
6533 @kindex down
6534 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6535 @item down @var{n}
6536 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6537 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6538 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6539 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6540 @end table
6541
6542 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6543 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6544 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6545 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6546
6547 @need 1000
6548 For example:
6549
6550 @smallexample
6551 @group
6552 (@value{GDBP}) up
6553 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6554 at env.c:10
6555 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6556 @end group
6557 @end smallexample
6558
6559 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6560 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6561 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6562 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6563 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6564 for details.
6565
6566 @table @code
6567 @kindex down-silently
6568 @kindex up-silently
6569 @item up-silently @var{n}
6570 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
6571 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6572 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6573 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6574 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6575 distracting.
6576 @end table
6577
6578 @node Frame Info
6579 @section Information About a Frame
6580
6581 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6582 stack frame.
6583
6584 @table @code
6585 @item frame
6586 @itemx f
6587 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6588 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6589 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6590 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6591 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6592
6593 @kindex info frame
6594 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6595 @item info frame
6596 @itemx info f
6597 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6598 including:
6599
6600 @itemize @bullet
6601 @item
6602 the address of the frame
6603 @item
6604 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6605 @item
6606 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6607 @item
6608 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6609 @item
6610 the address of the frame's arguments
6611 @item
6612 the address of the frame's local variables
6613 @item
6614 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6615 @item
6616 which registers were saved in the frame
6617 @end itemize
6618
6619 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6620 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6621 the usual conventions.
6622
6623 @item info frame @var{addr}
6624 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6625 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6626 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6627 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6628 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6629 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6630
6631 @kindex info args
6632 @item info args
6633 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6634
6635 @item info locals
6636 @kindex info locals
6637 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6638 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6639 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6640
6641 @end table
6642
6643
6644 @node Source
6645 @chapter Examining Source Files
6646
6647 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6648 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6649 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6650 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6651 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6652 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6653 source files by explicit command.
6654
6655 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6656 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6657 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6658
6659 @menu
6660 * List:: Printing source lines
6661 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6662 * Edit:: Editing source files
6663 * Search:: Searching source files
6664 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6665 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6666 @end menu
6667
6668 @node List
6669 @section Printing Source Lines
6670
6671 @kindex list
6672 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6673 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6674 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6675 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6676 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6677
6678 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6679
6680 @table @code
6681 @item list @var{linenum}
6682 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6683 current source file.
6684
6685 @item list @var{function}
6686 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6687 @var{function}.
6688
6689 @item list
6690 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6691 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6692 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6693 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6694 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6695
6696 @item list -
6697 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6698 @end table
6699
6700 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6701 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6702 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6703
6704 @table @code
6705 @kindex set listsize
6706 @item set listsize @var{count}
6707 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6708 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6709
6710 @kindex show listsize
6711 @item show listsize
6712 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6713 @end table
6714
6715 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6716 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6717 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6718 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6719 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6720
6721 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6722 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6723 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6724 to specify some source line.
6725
6726 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6727
6728 @table @code
6729 @item list @var{linespec}
6730 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6731
6732 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6733 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6734 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6735 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6736 the same source file as the first linespec.
6737
6738 @item list ,@var{last}
6739 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6740
6741 @item list @var{first},
6742 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6743
6744 @item list +
6745 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6746
6747 @item list -
6748 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6749
6750 @item list
6751 As described in the preceding table.
6752 @end table
6753
6754 @node Specify Location
6755 @section Specifying a Location
6756 @cindex specifying location
6757 @cindex linespec
6758
6759 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6760 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6761 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6762 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6763
6764 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6765 @value{GDBN} understands:
6766
6767 @table @code
6768 @item @var{linenum}
6769 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6770
6771 @item -@var{offset}
6772 @itemx +@var{offset}
6773 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6774 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6775 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6776 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6777 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6778 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6779 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6780 linespec.
6781
6782 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6783 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6784 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
6785 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
6786 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
6787 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
6788 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
6789
6790 @item @var{function}
6791 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6792 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6793
6794 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
6795 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
6796
6797 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6798 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6799 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6800 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6801 functions in different source files.
6802
6803 @item @var{label}
6804 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
6805 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
6806 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
6807 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
6808 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
6809
6810 @item *@var{address}
6811 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6812 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6813 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6814 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6815 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6816 source files.
6817
6818 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6819 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6820 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6821 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6822 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6823 of @var{address}:
6824
6825 @table @code
6826 @item @var{expression}
6827 Any expression valid in the current working language.
6828
6829 @item @var{funcaddr}
6830 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6831 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6832 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6833 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6834 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6835 (although the Pascal form also works).
6836
6837 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6838 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6839
6840 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6841 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6842 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6843 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6844 functions with identical names in different source files.
6845 @end table
6846
6847 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
6848 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
6849 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
6850 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
6851 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
6852 specifies the location of such a static probe.
6853
6854 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
6855 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
6856 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
6857 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
6858 each one of those probes.
6859
6860 @end table
6861
6862
6863 @node Edit
6864 @section Editing Source Files
6865 @cindex editing source files
6866
6867 @kindex edit
6868 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6869 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6870 The editing program of your choice
6871 is invoked with the current line set to
6872 the active line in the program.
6873 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6874 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6875
6876 @table @code
6877 @item edit @var{location}
6878 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6879 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6880 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6881 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6882 command most commonly used:
6883
6884 @table @code
6885 @item edit @var{number}
6886 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6887
6888 @item edit @var{function}
6889 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6890 @end table
6891
6892 @end table
6893
6894 @subsection Choosing your Editor
6895 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6896 @footnote{
6897 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6898 following command-line syntax:
6899 @smallexample
6900 ex +@var{number} file
6901 @end smallexample
6902 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6903 the file where to start editing.}.
6904 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6905 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6906 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6907 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6908 @smallexample
6909 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6910 export EDITOR
6911 gdb @dots{}
6912 @end smallexample
6913 or in the @code{csh} shell,
6914 @smallexample
6915 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6916 gdb @dots{}
6917 @end smallexample
6918
6919 @node Search
6920 @section Searching Source Files
6921 @cindex searching source files
6922
6923 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6924 regular expression.
6925
6926 @table @code
6927 @kindex search
6928 @kindex forward-search
6929 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
6930 @itemx search @var{regexp}
6931 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6932 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6933 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6934 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6935 @code{fo}.
6936
6937 @kindex reverse-search
6938 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6939 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6940 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6941 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6942 this command as @code{rev}.
6943 @end table
6944
6945 @node Source Path
6946 @section Specifying Source Directories
6947
6948 @cindex source path
6949 @cindex directories for source files
6950 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6951 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6952 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6953 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6954 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6955 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6956 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6957
6958 For example, suppose an executable references the file
6959 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6960 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6961 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6962 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6963 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6964 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6965 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6966 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6967 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6968 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6969
6970 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6971 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6972 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6973 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6974 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6975 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6976
6977 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6978 source files.
6979
6980 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6981 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6982 each line is in the file.
6983
6984 @kindex directory
6985 @kindex dir
6986 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6987 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6988 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6989
6990 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6991 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6992
6993 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6994 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6995 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6996 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6997 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6998 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6999 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7000 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7001 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7002 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7003 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7004 name to look up the sources.
7005
7006 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7007 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7008 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7009 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7010 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7011 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7012 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7013 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7014
7015 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7016 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7017 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7018 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7019 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7020 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7021 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7022
7023 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7024 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7025 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7026 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7027 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7028 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7029 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7030 command.
7031
7032 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7033 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7034 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7035 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7036 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7037 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7038 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7039
7040 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7041 @cindex default source path substitution
7042 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7043 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7044 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7045 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7046 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7047 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7048 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7049 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7050 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7051 together.
7052
7053 @table @code
7054 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7055 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7056 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7057 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7058 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7059 part of absolute file names) or
7060 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7061 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7062
7063 @kindex cdir
7064 @kindex cwd
7065 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7066 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7067 @cindex compilation directory
7068 @cindex current directory
7069 @cindex working directory
7070 @cindex directory, current
7071 @cindex directory, compilation
7072 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7073 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7074 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7075 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7076 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7077 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7078
7079 @item directory
7080 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7081
7082 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7083 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7084
7085 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7086 @kindex set directories
7087 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7088 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7089
7090 @item show directories
7091 @kindex show directories
7092 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7093
7094 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7095 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7096 @kindex set substitute-path
7097 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7098 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7099 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7100
7101 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7102 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7103
7104 @smallexample
7105 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7106 @end smallexample
7107
7108 @noindent
7109 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7110 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7111 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7112
7113 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7114 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7115 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7116 the substitution.
7117
7118 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7119
7120 @smallexample
7121 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7122 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7123 @end smallexample
7124
7125 @noindent
7126 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7127 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7128 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7129 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7130
7131
7132 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7133 @kindex unset substitute-path
7134 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7135 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7136 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7137
7138 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7139
7140 @item show substitute-path [path]
7141 @kindex show substitute-path
7142 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7143 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7144
7145 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7146 rules.
7147
7148 @end table
7149
7150 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7151 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7152 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7153
7154 @enumerate
7155 @item
7156 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7157
7158 @item
7159 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7160 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7161 directories in one command.
7162 @end enumerate
7163
7164 @node Machine Code
7165 @section Source and Machine Code
7166 @cindex source line and its code address
7167
7168 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7169 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7170 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7171 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7172 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7173 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7174 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7175 well as hex.
7176
7177 @table @code
7178 @kindex info line
7179 @item info line @var{linespec}
7180 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7181 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7182 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7183 @end table
7184
7185 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7186 the object code for the first line of function
7187 @code{m4_changequote}:
7188
7189 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7190 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7191 @smallexample
7192 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7193 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7194 @end smallexample
7195
7196 @noindent
7197 @cindex code address and its source line
7198 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7199 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7200 @smallexample
7201 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7202 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7203 @end smallexample
7204
7205 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7206 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7207 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7208 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7209 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7210 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7211 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7212 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7213 Variables}).
7214
7215 @table @code
7216 @kindex disassemble
7217 @cindex assembly instructions
7218 @cindex instructions, assembly
7219 @cindex machine instructions
7220 @cindex listing machine instructions
7221 @item disassemble
7222 @itemx disassemble /m
7223 @itemx disassemble /r
7224 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7225 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7226 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7227 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7228 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7229 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7230 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7231 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7232 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7233 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7234
7235 @table @code
7236 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7237 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7238 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7239 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7240 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7241 @end table
7242
7243 @noindent
7244 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7245 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7246
7247 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7248 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7249
7250 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7251 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7252 @end table
7253
7254 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7255 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7256
7257 @smallexample
7258 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7259 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7260 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7261 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7262 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7263 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7264 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7265 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7266 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7267 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7268 End of assembler dump.
7269 @end smallexample
7270
7271 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7272 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7273
7274 @smallexample
7275 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7276 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7277 5 @{
7278 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7279 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7280 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7281 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7282 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7283
7284 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7285 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7286 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7287
7288 7 return 0;
7289 8 @}
7290 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7291 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7292 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7293
7294 End of assembler dump.
7295 @end smallexample
7296
7297 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7298
7299 @smallexample
7300 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7301 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7302 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7303 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7304 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7305 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7306 End of assembler dump.
7307 @end smallexample
7308
7309 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7310 mnemonics or other syntax.
7311
7312 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7313 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7314 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7315 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7316 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7317
7318 @table @code
7319 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7320 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7321 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7322 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7323 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7324 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7325
7326 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7327 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7328 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7329 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7330
7331 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7332 @item show disassembly-flavor
7333 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7334 @end table
7335
7336 @table @code
7337 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7338 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7339 @item set disassemble-next-line
7340 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7341 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7342 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7343 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7344 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7345 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7346 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7347 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7348 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7349 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7350 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7351 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7352 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7353 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7354 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7355 instruction.
7356 @end table
7357
7358
7359 @node Data
7360 @chapter Examining Data
7361
7362 @cindex printing data
7363 @cindex examining data
7364 @kindex print
7365 @kindex inspect
7366 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
7367 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
7368 @c different window or something like that.
7369 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7370 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7371 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7372 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7373 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7374 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7375
7376 @table @code
7377 @item print @var{expr}
7378 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7379 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7380 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7381 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7382 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7383 Formats}.
7384
7385 @item print
7386 @itemx print /@var{f}
7387 @cindex reprint the last value
7388 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7389 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7390 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7391 @end table
7392
7393 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7394 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7395 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7396
7397 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7398 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7399 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7400 Table}.
7401
7402 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7403 @kindex explore
7404 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7405 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7406 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7407 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7408 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7409 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7410 embedded in the higher level data types.
7411
7412 @table @code
7413 @item explore @var{arg}
7414 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7415 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7416 @end table
7417
7418 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7419 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7420 C program as
7421
7422 @smallexample
7423 struct SimpleStruct
7424 @{
7425 int i;
7426 double d;
7427 @};
7428
7429 struct ComplexStruct
7430 @{
7431 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7432 int arr[10];
7433 @};
7434 @end smallexample
7435
7436 @noindent
7437 followed by variable declarations as
7438
7439 @smallexample
7440 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7441 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7442 @end smallexample
7443
7444 @noindent
7445 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7446 @code{explore} command as follows.
7447
7448 @smallexample
7449 (gdb) explore cs
7450 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7451 the following fields:
7452
7453 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7454 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7455
7456 Enter the field number of choice:
7457 @end smallexample
7458
7459 @noindent
7460 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7461 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7462 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7463 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7464 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7465 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7466 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7467 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7468
7469 @smallexample
7470 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7471 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7472 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7473 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7474
7475 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7476 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7477
7478 Press enter to return to parent value:
7479 @end smallexample
7480
7481 @noindent
7482 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7483 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7484 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7485 to explore.
7486
7487 @smallexample
7488 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
7489 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
7490
7491 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
7492
7493 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
7494
7495 Press enter to return to parent value:
7496 @end smallexample
7497
7498 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
7499 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
7500 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
7501 level data structure).
7502
7503 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
7504 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
7505 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
7506 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
7507 same example as above, your can explore the type
7508 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
7509 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
7510
7511 @smallexample
7512 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
7513 @end smallexample
7514
7515 @noindent
7516 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
7517 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
7518 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
7519 example.
7520
7521 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
7522 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
7523 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
7524 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
7525 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
7526
7527 @table @code
7528 @item explore value @var{expr}
7529 @cindex explore value
7530 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
7531 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
7532 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
7533 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
7534 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
7535
7536 @item explore type @var{arg}
7537 @cindex explore type
7538 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
7539 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
7540 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
7541 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
7542 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
7543 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
7544 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
7545 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
7546 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
7547 @end table
7548
7549 @menu
7550 * Expressions:: Expressions
7551 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
7552 * Variables:: Program variables
7553 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
7554 * Output Formats:: Output formats
7555 * Memory:: Examining memory
7556 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
7557 * Print Settings:: Print settings
7558 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
7559 * Value History:: Value history
7560 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
7561 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
7562 * Registers:: Registers
7563 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
7564 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
7565 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
7566 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
7567 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
7568 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
7569 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
7570 character set than GDB does
7571 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
7572 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
7573 @end menu
7574
7575 @node Expressions
7576 @section Expressions
7577
7578 @cindex expressions
7579 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
7580 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
7581 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
7582 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
7583 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
7584 you compiled your program to include this information; see
7585 @ref{Compilation}.
7586
7587 @cindex arrays in expressions
7588 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
7589 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
7590 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
7591 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
7592 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
7593 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
7594
7595 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7596 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7597 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7598 languages.
7599
7600 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7601 expressions regardless of your programming language.
7602
7603 @cindex casts, in expressions
7604 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7605 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7606 at that address in memory.
7607 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7608
7609 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7610 to programming languages:
7611
7612 @table @code
7613 @item @@
7614 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7615 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7616
7617 @item ::
7618 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7619 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7620
7621 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
7622 @cindex type casting memory
7623 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7624 @cindex casts, to view memory
7625 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7626 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7627 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7628 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7629 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7630 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7631 @end table
7632
7633 @node Ambiguous Expressions
7634 @section Ambiguous Expressions
7635 @cindex ambiguous expressions
7636
7637 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7638 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7639 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7640 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7641 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7642 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7643 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7644
7645 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7646 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7647 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7648 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7649 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7650 as well.
7651
7652 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7653 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7654 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7655 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7656 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7657 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7658 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7659 choices.
7660
7661 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7662 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7663 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7664
7665 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7666 @smallexample
7667 @group
7668 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7669 [0] cancel
7670 [1] all
7671 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7672 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7673 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7674 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7675 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7676 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7677 > 2 4 6
7678 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7679 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7680 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7681 Multiple breakpoints were set.
7682 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7683 breakpoints.
7684 (@value{GDBP})
7685 @end group
7686 @end smallexample
7687
7688 @table @code
7689 @kindex set multiple-symbols
7690 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7691 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
7692
7693 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7694 is ambiguous.
7695
7696 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7697 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7698 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7699 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7700 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7701 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7702 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7703 in the use of the menu.
7704
7705 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7706 when an ambiguity is detected.
7707
7708 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7709 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7710
7711 @kindex show multiple-symbols
7712 @item show multiple-symbols
7713 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7714 @end table
7715
7716 @node Variables
7717 @section Program Variables
7718
7719 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7720 in your program.
7721
7722 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7723 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7724
7725 @itemize @bullet
7726 @item
7727 global (or file-static)
7728 @end itemize
7729
7730 @noindent or
7731
7732 @itemize @bullet
7733 @item
7734 visible according to the scope rules of the
7735 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7736 @end itemize
7737
7738 @noindent This means that in the function
7739
7740 @smallexample
7741 foo (a)
7742 int a;
7743 @{
7744 bar (a);
7745 @{
7746 int b = test ();
7747 bar (b);
7748 @}
7749 @}
7750 @end smallexample
7751
7752 @noindent
7753 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7754 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7755 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7756 the block where @code{b} is declared.
7757
7758 @cindex variable name conflict
7759 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7760 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7761 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7762 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
7763 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
7764 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
7765 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
7766
7767 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
7768 @ifnotinfo
7769 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
7770 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
7771 @end ifnotinfo
7772 @smallexample
7773 @var{file}::@var{variable}
7774 @var{function}::@var{variable}
7775 @end smallexample
7776
7777 @noindent
7778 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
7779 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
7780 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
7781 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
7782
7783 @smallexample
7784 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
7785 @end smallexample
7786
7787 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
7788 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
7789 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
7790 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
7791 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
7792
7793 @smallexample
7794 void
7795 foo (int a)
7796 @{
7797 if (a < 10)
7798 bar (a);
7799 else
7800 process (a); /* Stop here */
7801 @}
7802
7803 int
7804 bar (int a)
7805 @{
7806 foo (a + 5);
7807 @}
7808 @end smallexample
7809
7810 @noindent
7811 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
7812 here is what you might see
7813 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
7814
7815 @smallexample
7816 (@value{GDBP}) p a
7817 $1 = 10
7818 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
7819 $2 = 5
7820 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
7821 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
7822 (@value{GDBP}) p a
7823 $3 = 5
7824 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
7825 $4 = 0
7826 @end smallexample
7827
7828 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
7829 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very similar
7830 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
7831 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
7832 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
7833 @c conflict?? --mew
7834
7835 @cindex wrong values
7836 @cindex variable values, wrong
7837 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
7838 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
7839 @quotation
7840 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
7841 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
7842 scope, and just before exit.
7843 @end quotation
7844 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
7845 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
7846 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
7847 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
7848 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
7849 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
7850 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
7851 variable definitions may be gone.
7852
7853 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7854 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7855 when compiling.
7856
7857 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7858 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7859 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7860 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7861 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7862 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7863 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7864
7865 @smallexample
7866 No symbol "foo" in current context.
7867 @end smallexample
7868
7869 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7870 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7871 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
7872 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
7873 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7874
7875 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7876 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7877 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7878 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7879
7880 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
7881 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
7882 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
7883 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
7884 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
7885
7886 @smallexample
7887 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
7888 29 i++;
7889 (gdb) next
7890 30 e (i);
7891 (gdb) print i
7892 $1 = 31
7893 (gdb) print i@@entry
7894 $2 = 30
7895 @end smallexample
7896
7897 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7898 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7899 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7900 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7901 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7902 For program code
7903
7904 @smallexample
7905 char var0[] = "A";
7906 signed char var1[] = "A";
7907 @end smallexample
7908
7909 You get during debugging
7910 @smallexample
7911 (gdb) print var0
7912 $1 = "A"
7913 (gdb) print var1
7914 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7915 @end smallexample
7916
7917 @node Arrays
7918 @section Artificial Arrays
7919
7920 @cindex artificial array
7921 @cindex arrays
7922 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7923 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7924 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7925 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7926 program.
7927
7928 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7929 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7930 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7931 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7932 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7933 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7934 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7935 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7936 example. If a program says
7937
7938 @smallexample
7939 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7940 @end smallexample
7941
7942 @noindent
7943 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7944
7945 @smallexample
7946 p *array@@len
7947 @end smallexample
7948
7949 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7950 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7951 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7952 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7953 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7954
7955 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7956 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7957 The value need not be in memory:
7958 @smallexample
7959 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7960 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7961 @end smallexample
7962
7963 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7964 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7965 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7966 @smallexample
7967 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7968 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7969 @end smallexample
7970
7971 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7972 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7973 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7974 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7975 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7976 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7977 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7978 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7979 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7980 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7981
7982 @smallexample
7983 set $i = 0
7984 p dtab[$i++]->fv
7985 @key{RET}
7986 @key{RET}
7987 @dots{}
7988 @end smallexample
7989
7990 @node Output Formats
7991 @section Output Formats
7992
7993 @cindex formatted output
7994 @cindex output formats
7995 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7996 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7997 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7998 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7999 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
8000
8001 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
8002 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
8003 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
8004 letters supported are:
8005
8006 @table @code
8007 @item x
8008 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
8009 hexadecimal.
8010
8011 @item d
8012 Print as integer in signed decimal.
8013
8014 @item u
8015 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
8016
8017 @item o
8018 Print as integer in octal.
8019
8020 @item t
8021 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
8022 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
8023 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
8024 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
8025
8026 @item a
8027 @cindex unknown address, locating
8028 @cindex locate address
8029 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8030 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8031 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8032
8033 @smallexample
8034 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8035 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8036 @end smallexample
8037
8038 @noindent
8039 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8040 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8041
8042 @item c
8043 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8044 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8045 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8046 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8047
8048 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8049 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8050 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8051 data.
8052
8053 @item f
8054 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8055 using typical floating point syntax.
8056
8057 @item s
8058 @cindex printing strings
8059 @cindex printing byte arrays
8060 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8061 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8062 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8063 natural types.
8064
8065 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8066 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8067 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8068 array.
8069
8070 @item r
8071 @cindex raw printing
8072 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8073 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8074 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8075 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8076 pretty-printer which might exist.
8077 @end table
8078
8079 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8080
8081 @smallexample
8082 p/x $pc
8083 @end smallexample
8084
8085 @noindent
8086 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8087 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8088
8089 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8090 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8091 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8092
8093 @node Memory
8094 @section Examining Memory
8095
8096 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8097 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8098
8099 @cindex examining memory
8100 @table @code
8101 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8102 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8103 @itemx x @var{addr}
8104 @itemx x
8105 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8106 @end table
8107
8108 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8109 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8110 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8111 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8112 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8113
8114 @table @r
8115 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8116 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8117 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8118 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8119 @c 4.1.2.
8120
8121 @item @var{f}, the display format
8122 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8123 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8124 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8125 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8126 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8127
8128 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8129 The unit size is any of
8130
8131 @table @code
8132 @item b
8133 Bytes.
8134 @item h
8135 Halfwords (two bytes).
8136 @item w
8137 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8138 @item g
8139 Giant words (eight bytes).
8140 @end table
8141
8142 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8143 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8144 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8145 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8146 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8147 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8148 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8149 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8150 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8151 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8152 be altered.
8153
8154 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8155 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8156 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8157 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8158 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8159 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8160 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8161 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8162 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8163 a value from memory).
8164 @end table
8165
8166 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8167 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8168 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8169 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8170 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8171
8172 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8173 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8174 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8175 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8176 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8177
8178 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8179 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8180 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8181 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8182 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8183 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8184 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8185 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8186 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8187
8188 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8189 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8190 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8191 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8192 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8193 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8194 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8195
8196 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8197 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8198
8199 @smallexample
8200 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8201 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8202 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8203 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8204 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8205 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8206 @end smallexample
8207
8208 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8209 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8210 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8211 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8212 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8213 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8214 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8215 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8216 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8217
8218 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8219 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8220 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8221
8222 @cindex remote memory comparison
8223 @cindex verify remote memory image
8224 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8225 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8226 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8227 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8228 situations.
8229
8230 @table @code
8231 @kindex compare-sections
8232 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8233 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8234 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8235 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8236 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8237 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8238 remote request.
8239 @end table
8240
8241 @node Auto Display
8242 @section Automatic Display
8243 @cindex automatic display
8244 @cindex display of expressions
8245
8246 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8247 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8248 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8249 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8250 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8251 The automatic display looks like this:
8252
8253 @smallexample
8254 2: foo = 38
8255 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8256 @end smallexample
8257
8258 @noindent
8259 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8260 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8261 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8262 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8263 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8264 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8265
8266 @table @code
8267 @kindex display
8268 @item display @var{expr}
8269 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8270 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8271
8272 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8273
8274 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8275 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8276 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8277 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8278 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8279
8280 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8281 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8282 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8283 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8284 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8285 @end table
8286
8287 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8288 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8289 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8290
8291 @table @code
8292 @kindex delete display
8293 @kindex undisplay
8294 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8295 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8296 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8297 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8298 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8299 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8300 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8301
8302 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8303 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8304
8305 @kindex disable display
8306 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8307 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8308 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8309 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8310 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8311 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8312 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8313 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8314
8315 @kindex enable display
8316 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8317 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8318 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8319 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8320 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8321 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8322 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8323
8324 @item display
8325 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8326 done when your program stops.
8327
8328 @kindex info display
8329 @item info display
8330 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8331 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8332 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8333 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8334 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8335 @end table
8336
8337 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8338 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8339 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8340 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8341 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8342 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8343 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8344 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8345 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8346 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8347 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8348
8349 @node Print Settings
8350 @section Print Settings
8351
8352 @cindex format options
8353 @cindex print settings
8354 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8355 and symbols are printed.
8356
8357 @noindent
8358 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8359
8360 @table @code
8361 @kindex set print
8362 @item set print address
8363 @itemx set print address on
8364 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8365 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8366 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8367 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8368 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8369 @code{set print address on}:
8370
8371 @smallexample
8372 @group
8373 (@value{GDBP}) f
8374 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8375 at input.c:530
8376 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8377 @end group
8378 @end smallexample
8379
8380 @item set print address off
8381 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8382 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8383
8384 @smallexample
8385 @group
8386 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8387 (@value{GDBP}) f
8388 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8389 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8390 @end group
8391 @end smallexample
8392
8393 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8394 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8395 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8396 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8397
8398 @kindex show print
8399 @item show print address
8400 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8401 @end table
8402
8403 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8404 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8405 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8406 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8407 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8408 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8409 it prints a symbolic address:
8410
8411 @table @code
8412 @item set print symbol-filename on
8413 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8414 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8415 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8416 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8417
8418 @item set print symbol-filename off
8419 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8420 default.
8421
8422 @item show print symbol-filename
8423 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8424 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8425 @end table
8426
8427 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8428 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8429 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8430
8431 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8432 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8433
8434 @table @code
8435 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8436 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8437 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8438 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8439 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
8440 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
8441
8442 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8443 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8444 symbolic address.
8445 @end table
8446
8447 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8448 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8449 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8450 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8451 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8452 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8453 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8454 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8455
8456 @smallexample
8457 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8458 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8459 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8460 @end smallexample
8461
8462 @quotation
8463 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8464 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8465 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8466 @end quotation
8467
8468 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
8469 @samp{set print symbol on}:
8470
8471 @table @code
8472 @item set print symbol on
8473 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
8474 one exists.
8475
8476 @item set print symbol off
8477 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
8478 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
8479 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
8480
8481 @item show print symbol
8482 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
8483 address.
8484 @end table
8485
8486 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
8487
8488 @table @code
8489 @item set print array
8490 @itemx set print array on
8491 @cindex pretty print arrays
8492 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
8493 but uses more space. The default is off.
8494
8495 @item set print array off
8496 Return to compressed format for arrays.
8497
8498 @item show print array
8499 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
8500 arrays.
8501
8502 @cindex print array indexes
8503 @item set print array-indexes
8504 @itemx set print array-indexes on
8505 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
8506 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
8507 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
8508
8509 @item set print array-indexes off
8510 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
8511
8512 @item show print array-indexes
8513 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
8514 arrays.
8515
8516 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
8517 @cindex number of array elements to print
8518 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
8519 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
8520 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
8521 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
8522 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
8523 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
8524 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
8525
8526 @item show print elements
8527 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
8528 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
8529
8530 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
8531 @kindex set print frame-arguments
8532 @cindex printing frame argument values
8533 @cindex print all frame argument values
8534 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
8535 @cindex do not print frame argument values
8536 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
8537 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
8538 values are:
8539
8540 @table @code
8541 @item all
8542 The values of all arguments are printed.
8543
8544 @item scalars
8545 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
8546 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
8547 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
8548 only scalar arguments are shown:
8549
8550 @smallexample
8551 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
8552 at frame-args.c:23
8553 @end smallexample
8554
8555 @item none
8556 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
8557 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
8558
8559 @smallexample
8560 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
8561 at frame-args.c:23
8562 @end smallexample
8563 @end table
8564
8565 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
8566 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
8567 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
8568 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
8569 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
8570 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
8571 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
8572 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
8573 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
8574 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
8575
8576 @item show print frame-arguments
8577 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
8578
8579 @anchor{set print entry-values}
8580 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
8581 @kindex set print entry-values
8582 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
8583 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
8584 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
8585 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
8586 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
8587
8588 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
8589 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
8590 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
8591 @code{no} setting.
8592
8593 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
8594 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
8595 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
8596 this information.
8597
8598 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
8599
8600 @table @code
8601 @item no
8602 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
8603 point.
8604 @smallexample
8605 #0 equal (val=5)
8606 #0 different (val=6)
8607 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
8608 #0 born (val=10)
8609 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8610 @end smallexample
8611
8612 @item only
8613 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
8614 values are never printed.
8615 @smallexample
8616 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8617 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8618 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8619 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8620 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8621 @end smallexample
8622
8623 @item preferred
8624 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
8625 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
8626 value for such parameter.
8627 @smallexample
8628 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
8629 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
8630 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8631 #0 born (val=10)
8632 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8633 @end smallexample
8634
8635 @item if-needed
8636 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
8637 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
8638 parameter.
8639 @smallexample
8640 #0 equal (val=5)
8641 #0 different (val=6)
8642 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8643 #0 born (val=10)
8644 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8645 @end smallexample
8646
8647 @item both
8648 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
8649 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
8650 optimizations.
8651 @smallexample
8652 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
8653 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8654 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8655 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8656 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
8657 @end smallexample
8658
8659 @item compact
8660 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
8661 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
8662 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
8663 values are known and identical, print the shortened
8664 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8665 @smallexample
8666 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8667 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8668 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
8669 #0 born (val=10)
8670 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8671 @end smallexample
8672
8673 @item default
8674 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
8675 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
8676 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
8677 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
8678 @smallexample
8679 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
8680 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
8681 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
8682 #0 born (val=10)
8683 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
8684 @end smallexample
8685 @end table
8686
8687 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
8688 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
8689
8690 @item show print entry-values
8691 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
8692 entry.
8693
8694 @item set print repeats
8695 @cindex repeated array elements
8696 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
8697 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
8698 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
8699 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
8700 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
8701 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
8702 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
8703
8704 @item show print repeats
8705 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
8706 elements.
8707
8708 @item set print null-stop
8709 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
8710 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
8711 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
8712 contain only short strings.
8713 The default is off.
8714
8715 @item show print null-stop
8716 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
8717 @sc{null} character.
8718
8719 @item set print pretty on
8720 @cindex print structures in indented form
8721 @cindex indentation in structure display
8722 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
8723 per line, like this:
8724
8725 @smallexample
8726 @group
8727 $1 = @{
8728 next = 0x0,
8729 flags = @{
8730 sweet = 1,
8731 sour = 1
8732 @},
8733 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
8734 @}
8735 @end group
8736 @end smallexample
8737
8738 @item set print pretty off
8739 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
8740
8741 @smallexample
8742 @group
8743 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
8744 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
8745 @end group
8746 @end smallexample
8747
8748 @noindent
8749 This is the default format.
8750
8751 @item show print pretty
8752 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
8753
8754 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
8755 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
8756 @cindex octal escapes in strings
8757 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
8758 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
8759 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
8760 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
8761 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
8762
8763 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
8764 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
8765 international character sets, and is the default.
8766
8767 @item show print sevenbit-strings
8768 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
8769
8770 @item set print union on
8771 @cindex unions in structures, printing
8772 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
8773 and other unions. This is the default setting.
8774
8775 @item set print union off
8776 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
8777 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
8778 instead.
8779
8780 @item show print union
8781 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
8782 structures and other unions.
8783
8784 For example, given the declarations
8785
8786 @smallexample
8787 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
8788 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
8789 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
8790 Bug_forms;
8791
8792 struct thing @{
8793 Species it;
8794 union @{
8795 Tree_forms tree;
8796 Bug_forms bug;
8797 @} form;
8798 @};
8799
8800 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
8801 @end smallexample
8802
8803 @noindent
8804 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
8805
8806 @smallexample
8807 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
8808 @end smallexample
8809
8810 @noindent
8811 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
8812
8813 @smallexample
8814 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
8815 @end smallexample
8816
8817 @noindent
8818 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
8819 and in Pascal.
8820 @end table
8821
8822 @need 1000
8823 @noindent
8824 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
8825
8826 @table @code
8827 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
8828 @item set print demangle
8829 @itemx set print demangle on
8830 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
8831 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
8832 linkage. The default is on.
8833
8834 @item show print demangle
8835 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
8836
8837 @item set print asm-demangle
8838 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
8839 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
8840 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
8841 The default is off.
8842
8843 @item show print asm-demangle
8844 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
8845 or demangled form.
8846
8847 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
8848 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
8849 @kindex set demangle-style
8850 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
8851 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
8852 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
8853
8854 @table @code
8855 @item auto
8856 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
8857
8858 @item gnu
8859 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
8860 This is the default.
8861
8862 @item hp
8863 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
8864
8865 @item lucid
8866 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
8867
8868 @item arm
8869 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
8870 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
8871 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
8872 require further enhancement to permit that.
8873
8874 @end table
8875 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
8876
8877 @item show demangle-style
8878 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
8879
8880 @item set print object
8881 @itemx set print object on
8882 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
8883 @cindex display derived types
8884 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
8885 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
8886 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
8887 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
8888 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
8889 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
8890 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
8891
8892 @item set print object off
8893 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
8894 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
8895
8896 @item show print object
8897 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
8898
8899 @item set print static-members
8900 @itemx set print static-members on
8901 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
8902 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
8903
8904 @item set print static-members off
8905 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
8906
8907 @item show print static-members
8908 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
8909
8910 @item set print pascal_static-members
8911 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
8912 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
8913 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
8914 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
8915
8916 @item set print pascal_static-members off
8917 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
8918
8919 @item show print pascal_static-members
8920 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
8921
8922 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
8923 @item set print vtbl
8924 @itemx set print vtbl on
8925 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
8926 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
8927 @cindex VTBL display
8928 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
8929 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
8930 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
8931
8932 @item set print vtbl off
8933 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
8934
8935 @item show print vtbl
8936 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
8937 @end table
8938
8939 @node Pretty Printing
8940 @section Pretty Printing
8941
8942 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
8943 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
8944 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
8945
8946 @menu
8947 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
8948 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
8949 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
8950 @end menu
8951
8952 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
8953 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
8954
8955 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
8956 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
8957 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
8958
8959 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
8960 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
8961 pretty-printers with their names.
8962 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
8963 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
8964 Each such subprinter has its own name.
8965 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
8966
8967 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
8968 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
8969 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
8970 do anything special.
8971
8972 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
8973
8974 @itemize @bullet
8975 @item
8976 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
8977 all inferiors.
8978
8979 @item
8980 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
8981 when debugging that program.
8982 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
8983
8984 @item
8985 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
8986 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
8987 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
8988 @end itemize
8989
8990 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
8991 pretty-printers are selected,
8992
8993 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
8994 for new types.
8995
8996 @node Pretty-Printer Example
8997 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
8998
8999 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
9000
9001 @smallexample
9002 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9003 $1 = @{
9004 static npos = 4294967295,
9005 _M_dataplus = @{
9006 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
9007 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
9008 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
9009 @},
9010 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
9011 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
9012 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
9013 @}
9014 @}
9015 @end smallexample
9016
9017 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
9018
9019 @smallexample
9020 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9021 $2 = "abcd"
9022 @end smallexample
9023
9024 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
9025 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
9026 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9027
9028 @table @code
9029 @kindex info pretty-printer
9030 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9031 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9032 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9033
9034 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9035 whose pretty-printers to list.
9036 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9037 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9038 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9039 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9040 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9041
9042 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9043 to list.
9044
9045 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9046 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9047 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9048 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9049
9050 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9051 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9052 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9053 @end table
9054
9055 Example:
9056
9057 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9058 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9059 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9060 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9061
9062 @smallexample
9063 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9064 library1.so:
9065 foo
9066 library2.so:
9067 bar
9068 bar1
9069 bar2
9070 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9071 library2.so:
9072 bar
9073 bar1
9074 bar2
9075 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9076 1 printer disabled
9077 2 of 3 printers enabled
9078 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9079 library1.so:
9080 foo [disabled]
9081 library2.so:
9082 bar
9083 bar1
9084 bar2
9085 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9086 1 printer disabled
9087 1 of 3 printers enabled
9088 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9089 library1.so:
9090 foo [disabled]
9091 library2.so:
9092 bar
9093 bar1 [disabled]
9094 bar2
9095 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9096 1 printer disabled
9097 0 of 3 printers enabled
9098 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9099 library1.so:
9100 foo [disabled]
9101 library2.so:
9102 bar [disabled]
9103 bar1 [disabled]
9104 bar2
9105 @end smallexample
9106
9107 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9108 as can each individual subprinter.
9109
9110 @node Value History
9111 @section Value History
9112
9113 @cindex value history
9114 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9115 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9116 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9117 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9118 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9119 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9120 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9121 symbol table.
9122
9123 @cindex @code{$}
9124 @cindex @code{$$}
9125 @cindex history number
9126 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9127 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9128 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9129 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9130 history number.
9131
9132 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9133 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9134 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9135 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9136 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9137 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9138 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9139
9140 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9141 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9142
9143 @smallexample
9144 p *$
9145 @end smallexample
9146
9147 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9148 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9149
9150 @smallexample
9151 p *$.next
9152 @end smallexample
9153
9154 @noindent
9155 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9156 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9157
9158 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9159 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9160
9161 @smallexample
9162 print x
9163 set x=5
9164 @end smallexample
9165
9166 @noindent
9167 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9168 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9169
9170 @table @code
9171 @kindex show values
9172 @item show values
9173 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9174 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9175 values} does not change the history.
9176
9177 @item show values @var{n}
9178 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9179
9180 @item show values +
9181 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9182 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9183 @end table
9184
9185 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9186 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9187
9188 @node Convenience Vars
9189 @section Convenience Variables
9190
9191 @cindex convenience variables
9192 @cindex user-defined variables
9193 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9194 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9195 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9196 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9197 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9198
9199 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9200 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9201 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9202 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9203 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9204
9205 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9206 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9207 For example:
9208
9209 @smallexample
9210 set $foo = *object_ptr
9211 @end smallexample
9212
9213 @noindent
9214 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9215 @code{object_ptr}.
9216
9217 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9218 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9219 value with another assignment at any time.
9220
9221 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9222 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9223 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9224 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9225
9226 @table @code
9227 @kindex show convenience
9228 @cindex show all user variables and functions
9229 @item show convenience
9230 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
9231 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
9232 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9233
9234 @kindex init-if-undefined
9235 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9236 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9237 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9238 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9239 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9240 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9241 override default values used in a command script.
9242
9243 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9244 any side-effects do not occur.
9245 @end table
9246
9247 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9248 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9249 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9250
9251 @smallexample
9252 set $i = 0
9253 print bar[$i++]->contents
9254 @end smallexample
9255
9256 @noindent
9257 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9258
9259 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9260 values likely to be useful.
9261
9262 @table @code
9263 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9264 @item $_
9265 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9266 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9267 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9268 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9269 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9270 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9271 to the type of @code{$__}.
9272
9273 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9274 @item $__
9275 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9276 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9277 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9278
9279 @item $_exitcode
9280 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9281 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
9282 the program being debugged terminates.
9283
9284 @item $_probe_argc
9285 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9286 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9287
9288 @item $_sdata
9289 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9290 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9291 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9292 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9293 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9294
9295 @item $_siginfo
9296 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9297 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9298 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9299 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9300 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9301
9302 @item $_tlb
9303 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9304 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9305 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9306 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9307 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9308 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9309
9310 @end table
9311
9312 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9313 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9314 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9315
9316 @node Convenience Funs
9317 @section Convenience Functions
9318
9319 @cindex convenience functions
9320 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9321 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9322 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9323 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9324 @value{GDBN}.
9325
9326 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9327 @code{Python} support.
9328
9329 @table @code
9330
9331 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
9332 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
9333 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
9334 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
9335 Otherwise it returns zero.
9336
9337 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
9338 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
9339 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
9340 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
9341 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
9342 regular expression support.
9343
9344 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
9345 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
9346 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
9347 Otherwise it returns zero.
9348
9349 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
9350 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
9351 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
9352
9353 @end table
9354
9355 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
9356 convenience functions.
9357
9358 @table @code
9359 @item help function
9360 @kindex help function
9361 @cindex show all convenience functions
9362 Print a list of all convenience functions.
9363 @end table
9364
9365 @node Registers
9366 @section Registers
9367
9368 @cindex registers
9369 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
9370 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
9371 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
9372 your machine.
9373
9374 @table @code
9375 @kindex info registers
9376 @item info registers
9377 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
9378 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9379
9380 @kindex info all-registers
9381 @cindex floating point registers
9382 @item info all-registers
9383 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
9384 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9385
9386 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
9387 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
9388 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
9389 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
9390 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
9391 @end table
9392
9393 @cindex stack pointer register
9394 @cindex program counter register
9395 @cindex process status register
9396 @cindex frame pointer register
9397 @cindex standard registers
9398 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
9399 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
9400 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
9401 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
9402 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
9403 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
9404 register that contains the processor status. For example,
9405 you could print the program counter in hex with
9406
9407 @smallexample
9408 p/x $pc
9409 @end smallexample
9410
9411 @noindent
9412 or print the instruction to be executed next with
9413
9414 @smallexample
9415 x/i $pc
9416 @end smallexample
9417
9418 @noindent
9419 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
9420 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
9421 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
9422 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
9423 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
9424 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
9425 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
9426
9427 @smallexample
9428 set $sp += 4
9429 @end smallexample
9430
9431 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
9432 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
9433 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
9434 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
9435 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
9436 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
9437 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
9438
9439 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
9440 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
9441 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
9442 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
9443 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
9444 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
9445 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
9446
9447 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
9448 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
9449 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
9450 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
9451 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
9452 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
9453 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
9454 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
9455 prints the data in both formats.
9456
9457 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
9458 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
9459 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
9460 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
9461 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
9462 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
9463 registers in @code{struct} notation:
9464
9465 @smallexample
9466 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
9467 $1 = @{
9468 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
9469 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
9470 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
9471 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
9472 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
9473 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
9474 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
9475 @}
9476 @end smallexample
9477
9478 @noindent
9479 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
9480 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
9481 value to a @code{struct} member:
9482
9483 @smallexample
9484 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
9485 @end smallexample
9486
9487 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
9488 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
9489 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
9490 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
9491 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
9492 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
9493
9494 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
9495 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
9496 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
9497 frame makes no difference.
9498
9499 @node Floating Point Hardware
9500 @section Floating Point Hardware
9501 @cindex floating point
9502
9503 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
9504 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
9505
9506 @table @code
9507 @kindex info float
9508 @item info float
9509 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
9510 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
9511 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
9512 the ARM and x86 machines.
9513 @end table
9514
9515 @node Vector Unit
9516 @section Vector Unit
9517 @cindex vector unit
9518
9519 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
9520 more information about the status of the vector unit.
9521
9522 @table @code
9523 @kindex info vector
9524 @item info vector
9525 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
9526 layout vary depending on the hardware.
9527 @end table
9528
9529 @node OS Information
9530 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
9531 @cindex OS information
9532
9533 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
9534 you debug your program.
9535
9536 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
9537 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
9538 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
9539 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
9540 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
9541 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
9542 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
9543 structure.
9544
9545 @table @code
9546 @item info udot
9547 @kindex info udot
9548 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
9549 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
9550 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
9551 the @code{examine} command.
9552 @end table
9553
9554 @cindex auxiliary vector
9555 @cindex vector, auxiliary
9556 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
9557 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
9558 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
9559 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
9560 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
9561 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
9562 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
9563 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
9564 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
9565 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
9566 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
9567
9568 @table @code
9569 @kindex info auxv
9570 @item info auxv
9571 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
9572 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
9573 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
9574 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
9575 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
9576 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
9577 an unrecognized tag.
9578 @end table
9579
9580 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
9581 information and show it to you. The types of information available
9582 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
9583 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
9584 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
9585 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
9586 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
9587
9588 @table @code
9589 @kindex info os
9590 @item info os @var{infotype}
9591
9592 Display OS information of the requested type.
9593
9594 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
9595
9596 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
9597 @table @code
9598 @kindex info os processes
9599 @item processes
9600 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
9601 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
9602 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
9603 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
9604 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
9605 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
9606
9607 @kindex info os procgroups
9608 @item procgroups
9609 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
9610 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
9611 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
9612 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
9613 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
9614 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
9615 and the process group leader is listed first.
9616
9617 @kindex info os threads
9618 @item threads
9619 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
9620 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
9621 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
9622 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
9623 process is not listed.
9624
9625 @kindex info os files
9626 @item files
9627 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
9628 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
9629 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
9630 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
9631
9632 @kindex info os sockets
9633 @item sockets
9634 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
9635 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
9636 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
9637 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
9638 connection.
9639
9640 @kindex info os shm
9641 @item shm
9642 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
9643 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
9644 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
9645 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
9646 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
9647 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
9648 attached to, detach from, and changed.
9649
9650 @kindex info os semaphores
9651 @item semaphores
9652 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
9653 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
9654 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
9655 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
9656 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
9657
9658 @kindex info os msg
9659 @item msg
9660 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
9661 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
9662 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
9663 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
9664 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
9665 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
9666 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
9667 the message queue was last changed.
9668
9669 @kindex info os modules
9670 @item modules
9671 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
9672 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
9673 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
9674 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
9675 in memory.
9676 @end table
9677
9678 @item info os
9679 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
9680 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
9681 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
9682 types, this command will report an error.
9683 @end table
9684
9685 @node Memory Region Attributes
9686 @section Memory Region Attributes
9687 @cindex memory region attributes
9688
9689 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
9690 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
9691 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
9692 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
9693 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
9694 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
9695 user can override the fetched regions.
9696
9697 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
9698 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
9699 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
9700 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
9701 all memory.
9702
9703 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
9704 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
9705
9706 @table @code
9707 @kindex mem
9708 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
9709 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
9710 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
9711 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
9712 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
9713 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
9714
9715 @item mem auto
9716 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
9717 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
9718
9719 @kindex delete mem
9720 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9721 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
9722 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
9723
9724 @kindex disable mem
9725 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9726 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9727 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
9728 It may be enabled again later.
9729
9730 @kindex enable mem
9731 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
9732 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
9733
9734 @kindex info mem
9735 @item info mem
9736 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
9737 for each region:
9738
9739 @table @emph
9740 @item Memory Region Number
9741 @item Enabled or Disabled.
9742 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
9743 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
9744
9745 @item Lo Address
9746 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
9747
9748 @item Hi Address
9749 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
9750
9751 @item Attributes
9752 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
9753 @end table
9754 @end table
9755
9756
9757 @subsection Attributes
9758
9759 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
9760 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
9761 write accesses to a memory region.
9762
9763 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
9764 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
9765 etc.@: from accessing memory.
9766
9767 @table @code
9768 @item ro
9769 Memory is read only.
9770 @item wo
9771 Memory is write only.
9772 @item rw
9773 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
9774 @end table
9775
9776 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
9777 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
9778 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
9779 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
9780 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
9781
9782 @table @code
9783 @item 8
9784 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
9785 @item 16
9786 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
9787 @item 32
9788 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
9789 @item 64
9790 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
9791 @end table
9792
9793 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
9794 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
9795 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
9796 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
9797 @c
9798 @c @table @code
9799 @c @item hwbreak
9800 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
9801 @c @item swbreak (default)
9802 @c @end table
9803
9804 @subsubsection Data Cache
9805 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
9806 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
9807 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
9808 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
9809 registers.
9810
9811 @table @code
9812 @item cache
9813 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
9814 @item nocache
9815 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
9816 @end table
9817
9818 @subsection Memory Access Checking
9819 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
9820 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
9821 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
9822 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
9823
9824 @table @code
9825 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
9826 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
9827 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
9828 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
9829 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
9830 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
9831 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
9832 The default value is @code{on}.
9833 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
9834 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
9835 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
9836 @end table
9837
9838
9839 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
9840 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
9841 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
9842 @c
9843 @c @table @code
9844 @c @item verify
9845 @c @item noverify (default)
9846 @c @end table
9847
9848 @node Dump/Restore Files
9849 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
9850 @cindex dump/restore files
9851 @cindex append data to a file
9852 @cindex dump data to a file
9853 @cindex restore data from a file
9854
9855 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
9856 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
9857 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
9858 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
9859 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
9860 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
9861 files.
9862
9863 @table @code
9864
9865 @kindex dump
9866 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9867 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9868 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9869 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
9870
9871 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
9872 @table @code
9873 @item binary
9874 Raw binary form.
9875 @item ihex
9876 Intel hex format.
9877 @item srec
9878 Motorola S-record format.
9879 @item tekhex
9880 Tektronix Hex format.
9881 @end table
9882
9883 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
9884 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
9885 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
9886 form.
9887
9888 @kindex append
9889 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9890 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9891 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9892 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
9893 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
9894
9895 @kindex restore
9896 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
9897 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
9898 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
9899 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
9900 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
9901
9902 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
9903 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
9904 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
9905 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
9906 from that location.
9907
9908 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
9909 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
9910 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
9911 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
9912
9913 @end table
9914
9915 @node Core File Generation
9916 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
9917 @cindex dump core from inferior
9918
9919 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
9920 image of a running process and its process status (register values
9921 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
9922 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
9923 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
9924 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
9925 the post-mortem debugging mode.
9926
9927 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
9928 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
9929 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
9930
9931 @table @code
9932 @kindex gcore
9933 @kindex generate-core-file
9934 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
9935 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
9936 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
9937 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
9938 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
9939 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
9940
9941 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
9942 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
9943 @end table
9944
9945 @node Character Sets
9946 @section Character Sets
9947 @cindex character sets
9948 @cindex charset
9949 @cindex translating between character sets
9950 @cindex host character set
9951 @cindex target character set
9952
9953 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
9954 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
9955 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
9956 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
9957 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
9958 @dfn{target character set}.
9959
9960 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
9961 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
9962 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
9963 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
9964 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
9965 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
9966 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
9967 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
9968 character and string literals in expressions.
9969
9970 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
9971 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
9972 target-charset} command, described below.
9973
9974 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
9975 support:
9976
9977 @table @code
9978 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
9979 @kindex set target-charset
9980 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
9981 list of supported target character sets, type
9982 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9983
9984 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
9985 @kindex set host-charset
9986 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
9987
9988 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
9989 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
9990 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
9991 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
9992 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
9993
9994 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
9995 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9996 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
9997
9998 @item set charset @var{charset}
9999 @kindex set charset
10000 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
10001 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10002 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
10003 for both host and target.
10004
10005 @item show charset
10006 @kindex show charset
10007 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
10008
10009 @item show host-charset
10010 @kindex show host-charset
10011 Show the name of the current host character set.
10012
10013 @item show target-charset
10014 @kindex show target-charset
10015 Show the name of the current target character set.
10016
10017 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
10018 @kindex set target-wide-charset
10019 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
10020 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
10021 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
10022 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10023
10024 @item show target-wide-charset
10025 @kindex show target-wide-charset
10026 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
10027 @end table
10028
10029 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
10030 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
10031 @file{charset-test.c}:
10032
10033 @smallexample
10034 #include <stdio.h>
10035
10036 char ascii_hello[]
10037 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
10038 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
10039 char ibm1047_hello[]
10040 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
10041 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
10042
10043 main ()
10044 @{
10045 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10046 @}
10047 @end smallexample
10048
10049 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
10050 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
10051 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
10052
10053 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
10054
10055 @smallexample
10056 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
10057 $ gdb -nw charset-test
10058 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
10059 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10060 @dots{}
10061 (@value{GDBP})
10062 @end smallexample
10063
10064 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10065 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10066 strings:
10067
10068 @smallexample
10069 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10070 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10071 (@value{GDBP})
10072 @end smallexample
10073
10074 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10075 initial character set:
10076 @smallexample
10077 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10078 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10079 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10080 (@value{GDBP})
10081 @end smallexample
10082
10083 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10084 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10085 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10086 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10087 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10088
10089 @smallexample
10090 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10091 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10092 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10093 $2 = 72 'H'
10094 (@value{GDBP})
10095 @end smallexample
10096
10097 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10098 literals you use in expressions:
10099
10100 @smallexample
10101 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10102 $3 = 43 '+'
10103 (@value{GDBP})
10104 @end smallexample
10105
10106 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10107 character.
10108
10109 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10110 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10111 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10112
10113 @smallexample
10114 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10115 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10116 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10117 $5 = 200 '\310'
10118 (@value{GDBP})
10119 @end smallexample
10120
10121 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10122 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10123
10124 @smallexample
10125 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10126 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10127 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10128 @end smallexample
10129
10130 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10131 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10132 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10133 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10134 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10135
10136 @smallexample
10137 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10138 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10139 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10140 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10141 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10142 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10143 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10144 $7 = 72 '\110'
10145 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10146 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10147 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10148 $9 = 200 'H'
10149 (@value{GDBP})
10150 @end smallexample
10151
10152 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10153 string literals you use in expressions:
10154
10155 @smallexample
10156 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10157 $10 = 78 '+'
10158 (@value{GDBP})
10159 @end smallexample
10160
10161 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10162 character.
10163
10164 @node Caching Remote Data
10165 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
10166 @cindex caching data of remote targets
10167
10168 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
10169 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
10170 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
10171 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
10172 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
10173 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
10174 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
10175 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
10176 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10177 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10178 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10179 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10180 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
10181 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10182 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10183
10184 @table @code
10185 @kindex set remotecache
10186 @item set remotecache on
10187 @itemx set remotecache off
10188 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10189 with old scripts.
10190
10191 @kindex show remotecache
10192 @item show remotecache
10193 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10194
10195 @kindex set stack-cache
10196 @item set stack-cache on
10197 @itemx set stack-cache off
10198 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
10199 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
10200
10201 @kindex show stack-cache
10202 @item show stack-cache
10203 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10204
10205 @kindex info dcache
10206 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10207 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
10208 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
10209 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
10210 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
10211 operation.
10212
10213 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10214 printed in hex.
10215
10216 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10217 @cindex dcache size
10218 @kindex set dcache size
10219 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10220
10221 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10222 @cindex dcache line-size
10223 @kindex set dcache line-size
10224 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10225 Must be a power of 2.
10226
10227 @item show dcache size
10228 @kindex show dcache size
10229 Show maximum number of dcache entries. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10230
10231 @item show dcache line-size
10232 @kindex show dcache line-size
10233 Show default size of dcache lines. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10234
10235 @end table
10236
10237 @node Searching Memory
10238 @section Search Memory
10239 @cindex searching memory
10240
10241 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10242 @code{find} command.
10243
10244 @table @code
10245 @kindex find
10246 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10247 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10248 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10249 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10250 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10251 @end table
10252
10253 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10254 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10255
10256 @table @r
10257 @item @var{s}, search query size
10258 The size of each search query value.
10259
10260 @table @code
10261 @item b
10262 bytes
10263 @item h
10264 halfwords (two bytes)
10265 @item w
10266 words (four bytes)
10267 @item g
10268 giant words (eight bytes)
10269 @end table
10270
10271 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10272 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10273 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10274
10275 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10276 value's type in the current language.
10277 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10278 pattern as a mixture of types.
10279 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10280 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10281 which is typically four bytes.
10282
10283 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10284 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10285 @end table
10286
10287 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10288 (@code{"}).
10289 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10290 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10291
10292 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10293 number of matches found.
10294
10295 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10296 @samp{$_}.
10297 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10298
10299 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10300
10301 @smallexample
10302 void
10303 hello ()
10304 @{
10305 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10306 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
10307 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
10308 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
10309 printf ("%s\n", hello);
10310 @}
10311 @end smallexample
10312
10313 @noindent
10314 you get during debugging:
10315
10316 @smallexample
10317 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
10318 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10319 1 pattern found
10320 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
10321 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10322 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10323 2 patterns found
10324 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
10325 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10326 1 pattern found
10327 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
10328 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
10329 1 pattern found
10330 (gdb) print $numfound
10331 $1 = 1
10332 (gdb) print $_
10333 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
10334 @end smallexample
10335
10336 @node Optimized Code
10337 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
10338 @cindex optimized code, debugging
10339 @cindex debugging optimized code
10340
10341 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
10342 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
10343 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
10344 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
10345 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
10346 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
10347 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
10348
10349 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
10350 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
10351 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
10352 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
10353
10354 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
10355 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
10356 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
10357 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
10358 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
10359 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
10360
10361 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
10362 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
10363 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
10364 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
10365 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
10366
10367 @menu
10368 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
10369 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
10370 @end menu
10371
10372 @node Inline Functions
10373 @section Inline Functions
10374 @cindex inline functions, debugging
10375
10376 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
10377 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
10378 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
10379 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
10380 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
10381 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
10382 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
10383 @code{info frame} command.
10384
10385 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
10386 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
10387 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
10388 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
10389 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
10390 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
10391 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
10392 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
10393 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
10394 local variables in the caller.
10395
10396 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
10397 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
10398 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
10399 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
10400 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
10401 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
10402 instructions are executed.
10403
10404 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
10405 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
10406 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
10407 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
10408
10409 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
10410 function calls are the same as normal calls:
10411
10412 @itemize @bullet
10413 @item
10414 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
10415 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
10416 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
10417 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
10418 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
10419 or inside the inlined function instead.
10420
10421 @item
10422 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
10423 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
10424 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
10425 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
10426
10427 @end itemize
10428
10429 @node Tail Call Frames
10430 @section Tail Call Frames
10431 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
10432
10433 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
10434 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
10435 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
10436 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
10437 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
10438
10439 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
10440 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
10441 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
10442 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
10443 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
10444 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
10445 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
10446
10447 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10448 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
10449 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10450 this information.
10451
10452 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
10453 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
10454
10455 @smallexample
10456 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
10457 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
10458 (gdb) info frame
10459 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
10460 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
10461 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
10462 source language c++.
10463 Arglist at unknown address.
10464 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
10465 @end smallexample
10466
10467 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
10468 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
10469 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
10470 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
10471 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
10472 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
10473
10474 @table @code
10475 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
10476 @item set debug entry-values
10477 @kindex set debug entry-values
10478 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
10479 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
10480 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
10481 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
10482 result.
10483
10484 @item show debug entry-values
10485 @kindex show debug entry-values
10486 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
10487 values at function entry and tail calls.
10488 @end table
10489
10490 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
10491 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
10492 reference by variable @code{x}):
10493
10494 @smallexample
10495 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
10496 void (*x) (void) = c;
10497 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10498 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
10499 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
10500
10501 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
10502 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
10503 a () at t.c:3
10504 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
10505 (gdb) bt
10506 #0 a () at t.c:3
10507 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
10508 @end smallexample
10509
10510 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
10511
10512 @smallexample
10513 int i;
10514 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
10515 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
10516 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
10517 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
10518 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
10519 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
10520 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
10521 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
10522
10523 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
10524 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
10525 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
10526 (gdb) bt
10527 #0 f () at t.c:2
10528 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
10529 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
10530 @end smallexample
10531
10532 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
10533 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
10534
10535 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
10536 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10537 @set ARROW @click{}
10538 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
10539 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
10540 @end ifset
10541 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
10542 @set ARROW ->
10543 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
10544 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
10545 @end ifclear
10546
10547 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
10548 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
10549 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
10550
10551 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
10552 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
10553 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
10554 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
10555 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
10556 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
10557
10558 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
10559 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
10560 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
10561 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
10562 omitted.
10563
10564 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
10565 entry may fail:
10566
10567 @smallexample
10568 int v;
10569 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
10570 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
10571 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
10572 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
10573 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
10574 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
10575
10576 (gdb) bt
10577 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
10578 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
10579 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
10580 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
10581 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
10582 @end smallexample
10583
10584 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
10585 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
10586 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
10587 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
10588 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
10589
10590 @node Macros
10591 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
10592
10593 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
10594 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
10595 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
10596 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
10597 where it was defined.
10598
10599 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
10600 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
10601 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
10602 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
10603
10604 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
10605 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
10606 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
10607 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
10608 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
10609 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
10610 see @ref{List}.
10611
10612 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
10613 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
10614 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
10615
10616 @table @code
10617
10618 @kindex macro expand
10619 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
10620 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
10621 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
10622 @item macro expand @var{expression}
10623 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
10624 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
10625 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
10626 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
10627 it can be any string of tokens.
10628
10629 @kindex macro exp1
10630 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
10631 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
10632 @cindex expand macro once
10633 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
10634 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
10635 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
10636 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
10637 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
10638 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
10639 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
10640 can be any string of tokens.
10641
10642 @kindex info macro
10643 @cindex macro definition, showing
10644 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
10645 @cindex macros, from debug info
10646 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
10647 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
10648 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
10649 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
10650 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
10651 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
10652
10653 @kindex info macros
10654 @item info macros @var{linespec}
10655 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
10656 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
10657 command-line where those definitions were established.
10658
10659 @kindex macro define
10660 @cindex user-defined macros
10661 @cindex defining macros interactively
10662 @cindex macros, user-defined
10663 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
10664 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
10665 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
10666 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
10667 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
10668 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
10669 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
10670 @var{arglist}.
10671
10672 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
10673 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
10674 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
10675 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
10676 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
10677
10678 @kindex macro undef
10679 @item macro undef @var{macro}
10680 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
10681 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
10682 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
10683 in the program being debugged.
10684
10685 @kindex macro list
10686 @item macro list
10687 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
10688 @end table
10689
10690 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
10691 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
10692 show our source files:
10693
10694 @smallexample
10695 $ cat sample.c
10696 #include <stdio.h>
10697 #include "sample.h"
10698
10699 #define M 42
10700 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10701
10702 main ()
10703 @{
10704 #define N 28
10705 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10706 #undef N
10707 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10708 #define N 1729
10709 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
10710 @}
10711 $ cat sample.h
10712 #define Q <
10713 $
10714 @end smallexample
10715
10716 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
10717 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
10718 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
10719 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
10720 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
10721 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
10722 information.
10723
10724 @smallexample
10725 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
10726 $
10727 @end smallexample
10728
10729 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
10730
10731 @smallexample
10732 $ gdb -nw sample
10733 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
10734 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10735 GDB is free software, @dots{}
10736 (@value{GDBP})
10737 @end smallexample
10738
10739 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
10740 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
10741 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
10742
10743 @smallexample
10744 (@value{GDBP}) list main
10745 3
10746 4 #define M 42
10747 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10748 6
10749 7 main ()
10750 8 @{
10751 9 #define N 28
10752 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10753 11 #undef N
10754 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10755 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
10756 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
10757 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
10758 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
10759 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
10760 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
10761 #define Q <
10762 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
10763 expands to: (42 + 1)
10764 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
10765 expands to: once (M + 1)
10766 (@value{GDBP})
10767 @end smallexample
10768
10769 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
10770 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
10771 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
10772 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
10773
10774 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
10775 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
10776
10777 @smallexample
10778 (@value{GDBP}) break main
10779 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
10780 (@value{GDBP}) run
10781 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
10782
10783 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
10784 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10785 (@value{GDBP})
10786 @end smallexample
10787
10788 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
10789
10790 @smallexample
10791 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10792 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
10793 #define N 28
10794 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
10795 expands to: 28 < 42
10796 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
10797 $1 = 1
10798 (@value{GDBP})
10799 @end smallexample
10800
10801 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
10802 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
10803 thereof) in force at each point:
10804
10805 @smallexample
10806 (@value{GDBP}) next
10807 Hello, world!
10808 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
10809 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10810 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
10811 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
10812 (@value{GDBP}) next
10813 We're so creative.
10814 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
10815 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
10816 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
10817 #define N 1729
10818 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
10819 expands to: 1729 < 42
10820 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
10821 $2 = 0
10822 (@value{GDBP})
10823 @end smallexample
10824
10825 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
10826 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
10827 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
10828 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
10829
10830 @smallexample
10831 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
10832 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
10833 -D__STDC__=1
10834 (@value{GDBP})
10835 @end smallexample
10836
10837
10838 @node Tracepoints
10839 @chapter Tracepoints
10840 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
10841 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
10842
10843 @cindex tracepoints
10844 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
10845 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
10846 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
10847 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
10848 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
10849 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
10850 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
10851
10852 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
10853 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
10854 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
10855 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
10856 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
10857 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
10858 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
10859 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
10860 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
10861 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
10862 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
10863
10864 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
10865 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
10866 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
10867 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
10868 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
10869 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
10870 Packets}.
10871
10872 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
10873 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
10874 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
10875
10876 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
10877
10878 @menu
10879 * Set Tracepoints::
10880 * Analyze Collected Data::
10881 * Tracepoint Variables::
10882 * Trace Files::
10883 @end menu
10884
10885 @node Set Tracepoints
10886 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
10887
10888 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
10889 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
10890 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
10891 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
10892 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
10893 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
10894 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
10895
10896 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
10897 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
10898 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
10899 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
10900 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
10901 tracepoint was hit.
10902
10903 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
10904 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
10905 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
10906 either.
10907
10908 @cindex fast tracepoints
10909 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
10910 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
10911 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
10912
10913 @cindex static tracepoints
10914 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
10915 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
10916 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
10917 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
10918 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
10919 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
10920 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
10921 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
10922 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
10923 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
10924 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
10925 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
10926 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
10927 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
10928 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
10929 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
10930 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
10931 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
10932 static tracepoint marker.
10933
10934 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
10935 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
10936
10937 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
10938 conditions and actions.
10939
10940 @menu
10941 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
10942 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
10943 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
10944 * Tracepoint Conditions::
10945 * Trace State Variables::
10946 * Tracepoint Actions::
10947 * Listing Tracepoints::
10948 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
10949 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
10950 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
10951 @end menu
10952
10953 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
10954 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
10955
10956 @table @code
10957 @cindex set tracepoint
10958 @kindex trace
10959 @item trace @var{location}
10960 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
10961 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
10962 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
10963 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
10964 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
10965 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
10966 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
10967 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
10968 in tracing}).
10969 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
10970 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
10971 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
10972 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
10973 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
10974 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
10975 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
10976 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
10977 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
10978 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
10979 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
10980 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
10981
10982 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
10983
10984 @smallexample
10985 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
10986
10987 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
10988
10989 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
10990
10991 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
10992
10993 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
10994 @end smallexample
10995
10996 @noindent
10997 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
10998
10999 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
11000 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
11001 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
11002 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
11003 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
11004 information on tracepoint conditions.
11005
11006 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11007 @cindex set fast tracepoint
11008 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
11009 @kindex ftrace
11010 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
11011 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
11012 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
11013 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
11014 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
11015 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
11016 message.
11017
11018 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
11019 @code{trace}.
11020
11021 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
11022 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
11023 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
11024 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
11025 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
11026 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
11027 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
11028 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
11029
11030 @example
11031 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
11032 @end example
11033
11034 @noindent
11035 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
11036 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
11037
11038 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11039 @cindex set static tracepoint
11040 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
11041 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
11042 @kindex strace
11043 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
11044 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
11045 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
11046 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
11047 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
11048
11049 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
11050 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
11051 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
11052 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
11053 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
11054 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
11055 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
11056 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
11057 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
11058 tracing engine:
11059
11060 @smallexample
11061 main ()
11062 @{
11063 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11064 @}
11065 @end smallexample
11066
11067 @noindent
11068 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11069 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11070
11071 @smallexample
11072 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11073 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11074 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11075 Data: "str %s"
11076 [etc...]
11077 @end smallexample
11078
11079 @noindent
11080 so you may probe the marker above with:
11081
11082 @smallexample
11083 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11084 @end smallexample
11085
11086 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11087 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11088 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11089 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11090 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11091 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11092 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11093 the @samp{Data:} field.
11094
11095 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11096 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11097 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11098
11099 @vindex $tpnum
11100 @cindex last tracepoint number
11101 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11102 @cindex tracepoint number
11103 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11104 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11105
11106 @kindex delete tracepoint
11107 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11108 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11109 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11110 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11111 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11112
11113 Examples:
11114
11115 @smallexample
11116 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11117
11118 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11119 @end smallexample
11120
11121 @noindent
11122 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11123 @end table
11124
11125 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11126 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11127
11128 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11129
11130 @table @code
11131 @kindex disable tracepoint
11132 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11133 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11134 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11135 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11136 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11137 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11138 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11139 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11140 next trace experiment.
11141
11142 @kindex enable tracepoint
11143 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11144 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11145 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11146 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11147 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11148 next time a trace experiment is run.
11149 @end table
11150
11151 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11152 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11153
11154 @table @code
11155 @kindex passcount
11156 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11157 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11158 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11159 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11160 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11161 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11162 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11163 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11164 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11165 user.
11166
11167 Examples:
11168
11169 @smallexample
11170 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11171 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11172
11173 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11174 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11175 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11176 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11177 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11178 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11179 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11180 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11181 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11182 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11183 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11184 @end smallexample
11185 @end table
11186
11187 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11188 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11189 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11190 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11191
11192 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11193 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11194 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11195 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11196 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11197 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11198 is true.
11199
11200 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11201 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11202 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11203 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11204 just as with breakpoints.
11205
11206 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11207 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11208 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11209 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11210 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11211 accesses, and so forth.
11212
11213 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11214 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11215 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11216 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11217 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11218 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11219 search through.
11220
11221 @smallexample
11222 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11223 @end smallexample
11224
11225 @node Trace State Variables
11226 @subsection Trace State Variables
11227 @cindex trace state variables
11228
11229 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11230 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11231 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11232 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11233 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11234 integers.
11235
11236 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11237 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11238 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11239 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11240
11241 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11242 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11243 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11244 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11245 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11246 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11247 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11248 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11249 variable with the same name.
11250
11251 @table @code
11252
11253 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11254 @kindex tvariable
11255 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11256 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11257 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11258 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11259 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11260 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11261 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11262 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11263 value. The default initial value is 0.
11264
11265 @item info tvariables
11266 @kindex info tvariables
11267 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11268 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11269 currently running.
11270
11271 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11272 @kindex delete tvariable
11273 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11274 are specified.
11275
11276 @end table
11277
11278 @node Tracepoint Actions
11279 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11280
11281 @table @code
11282 @kindex actions
11283 @cindex tracepoint actions
11284 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11285 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11286 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11287 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11288 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11289 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11290 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11291 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11292 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11293 @code{while-stepping}.
11294
11295 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11296 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11297 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11298
11299 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11300 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11301 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11302
11303 @smallexample
11304 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11305
11306 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
11307
11308 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
11309 @end smallexample
11310
11311 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
11312 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
11313 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
11314 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
11315 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
11316 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
11317 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
11318 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
11319
11320 @smallexample
11321 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11322 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11323 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
11324 > collect bar,baz
11325 > collect $regs
11326 > while-stepping 12
11327 > collect $pc, arr[i]
11328 > end
11329 end
11330 @end smallexample
11331
11332 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
11333 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11334 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
11335 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
11336 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
11337 special arguments are supported:
11338
11339 @table @code
11340 @item $regs
11341 Collect all registers.
11342
11343 @item $args
11344 Collect all function arguments.
11345
11346 @item $locals
11347 Collect all local variables.
11348
11349 @item $_ret
11350 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
11351 of a backtrace.
11352
11353 @item $_probe_argc
11354 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
11355 tracepoint is located.
11356 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11357
11358 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
11359 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
11360 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
11361 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11362
11363 @item $_sdata
11364 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
11365 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
11366 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
11367 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
11368 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
11369 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
11370 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
11371 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
11372 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
11373
11374 @smallexample
11375 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
11376 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
11377 @end smallexample
11378
11379 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
11380 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
11381 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
11382 @value{GDBN}.
11383 @end table
11384
11385 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
11386 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
11387 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
11388
11389 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
11390 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
11391 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
11392 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
11393 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
11394 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
11395 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
11396 @samp{mystr}.
11397
11398 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
11399 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
11400
11401 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
11402 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11403 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
11404 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
11405 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
11406 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
11407 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
11408 action were used.
11409
11410 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
11411 @item while-stepping @var{n}
11412 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
11413 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
11414 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
11415 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
11416
11417 @smallexample
11418 > while-stepping 12
11419 > collect $regs, myglobal
11420 > end
11421 >
11422 @end smallexample
11423
11424 @noindent
11425 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
11426 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
11427 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
11428 @code{stepping}.
11429
11430 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11431 @kindex set default-collect
11432 @cindex default collection action
11433 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
11434 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
11435 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
11436 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
11437 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
11438 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
11439
11440 @item show default-collect
11441 @kindex show default-collect
11442 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
11443 tracepoint hit.
11444
11445 @end table
11446
11447 @node Listing Tracepoints
11448 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
11449
11450 @table @code
11451 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11452 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11453 @cindex information about tracepoints
11454 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
11455 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
11456 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
11457 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
11458 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
11459 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
11460
11461 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
11462 tracing:
11463
11464 @itemize @bullet
11465 @item
11466 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
11467 @end itemize
11468
11469 @smallexample
11470 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
11471 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
11472 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
11473 while-stepping 20
11474 collect globfoo, $regs
11475 end
11476 collect globfoo2
11477 end
11478 pass count 1200
11479 (@value{GDBP})
11480 @end smallexample
11481
11482 @noindent
11483 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
11484 @end table
11485
11486 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11487 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
11488
11489 @table @code
11490 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
11491 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
11492 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
11493 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
11494 program.
11495
11496 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
11497
11498 @table @emph
11499 @item Count
11500 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
11501 stable identifier.
11502 @item ID
11503 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
11504 @item Enabled or Disabled
11505 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
11506 that are not enabled.
11507 @item Address
11508 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
11509 @item What
11510 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
11511 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
11512 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
11513 will be left blank.
11514 @end table
11515
11516 @noindent
11517 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
11518
11519 @table @emph
11520 @item Data
11521 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
11522 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
11523 marker call.
11524 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
11525 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
11526 @end table
11527
11528 @smallexample
11529 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11530 Cnt ID Enb Address What
11531 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
11532 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
11533 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
11534 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
11535 Data: str %s
11536 (@value{GDBP})
11537 @end smallexample
11538 @end table
11539
11540 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11541 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
11542
11543 @table @code
11544 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
11545 @cindex start a new trace experiment
11546 @cindex collected data discarded
11547 @item tstart
11548 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
11549 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
11550 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
11551 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
11552 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
11553 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
11554 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
11555 information, and so forth.
11556
11557 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
11558 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
11559 @item tstop
11560 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
11561 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
11562 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
11563 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
11564 needs to be stopped quickly.
11565
11566 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
11567 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
11568 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
11569
11570 @kindex tstatus
11571 @cindex status of trace data collection
11572 @cindex trace experiment, status of
11573 @item tstatus
11574 This command displays the status of the current trace data
11575 collection.
11576 @end table
11577
11578 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
11579
11580 @smallexample
11581 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
11582 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11583 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
11584 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
11585 > while-stepping 11
11586 > collect $regs
11587 > end
11588 > end
11589 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
11590 [time passes @dots{}]
11591 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
11592 @end smallexample
11593
11594 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
11595 @cindex disconnected tracing
11596 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
11597 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
11598 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
11599 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
11600 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
11601 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
11602 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
11603 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
11604
11605 @table @code
11606 @item set disconnected-tracing on
11607 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
11608 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
11609 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
11610 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
11611 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
11612 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
11613 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
11614
11615 @item show disconnected-tracing
11616 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
11617 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
11618
11619 @end table
11620
11621 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
11622 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
11623 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
11624 it will continue after reconnection.
11625
11626 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
11627 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
11628 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
11629 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
11630 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
11631 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
11632 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
11633 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
11634 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
11635 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
11636
11637 @cindex circular trace buffer
11638 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
11639 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
11640 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
11641 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
11642 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
11643 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
11644 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
11645 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
11646 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
11647 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
11648 the next run.
11649
11650 @table @code
11651 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
11652 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
11653 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
11654 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
11655 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
11656 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
11657 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
11658
11659 @item show circular-trace-buffer
11660 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
11661 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
11662 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
11663 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
11664 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
11665
11666 @end table
11667
11668 @table @code
11669 @item set trace-user @var{text}
11670 @kindex set trace-user
11671
11672 @item show trace-user
11673 @kindex show trace-user
11674
11675 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
11676 @kindex set trace-notes
11677 Set the trace run's notes.
11678
11679 @item show trace-notes
11680 @kindex show trace-notes
11681 Show the trace run's notes.
11682
11683 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
11684 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
11685 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
11686 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
11687 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
11688
11689 @item show trace-stop-notes
11690 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
11691 Show the trace run's stop notes.
11692
11693 @end table
11694
11695 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
11696 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
11697
11698 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
11699 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
11700 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
11701 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
11702 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
11703 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
11704 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
11705 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
11706 mentioned here.
11707
11708 @itemize @bullet
11709
11710 @item
11711 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
11712 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
11713 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
11714 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
11715 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
11716 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
11717 cannot be collected either.
11718
11719 @item
11720 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
11721 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
11722 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
11723 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
11724 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
11725 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
11726 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
11727 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
11728 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
11729 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
11730
11731 @item
11732 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
11733 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
11734 in a misleading way.
11735
11736 @item
11737 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
11738 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
11739 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
11740 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
11741 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
11742 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
11743 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
11744 by @code{ptr}.
11745
11746 @item
11747 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
11748 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
11749 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
11750 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
11751 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
11752 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
11753 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
11754 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
11755 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
11756 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
11757 invalid address.
11758
11759 @item
11760 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
11761 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
11762 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
11763 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
11764 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
11765 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
11766 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
11767 it to zero.
11768
11769 @end itemize
11770
11771 @node Analyze Collected Data
11772 @section Using the Collected Data
11773
11774 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
11775 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
11776 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
11777 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
11778 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
11779 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
11780 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
11781 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
11782 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
11783 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
11784 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
11785 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
11786 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
11787 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
11788 the buffer will fail.
11789
11790 @menu
11791 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
11792 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
11793 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
11794 @end menu
11795
11796 @node tfind
11797 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
11798
11799 @kindex tfind
11800 @cindex select trace snapshot
11801 @cindex find trace snapshot
11802 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
11803 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
11804 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
11805 snapshot is selected.
11806
11807 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
11808
11809 @table @code
11810 @item tfind start
11811 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
11812 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
11813
11814 @item tfind none
11815 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
11816
11817 @item tfind end
11818 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
11819
11820 @item tfind
11821 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
11822
11823 @item tfind -
11824 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
11825 retracing earlier steps.
11826
11827 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
11828 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
11829 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
11830 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
11831 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
11832
11833 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
11834 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
11835 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
11836 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
11837 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
11838
11839 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
11840 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
11841 addresses (exclusive).
11842
11843 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
11844 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
11845 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
11846
11847 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
11848 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
11849 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
11850 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
11851 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
11852 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
11853 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
11854 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
11855 @end table
11856
11857 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
11858 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
11859 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
11860 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
11861 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
11862 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
11863 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
11864 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
11865 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
11866 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
11867 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
11868 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
11869 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
11870 tracepoint as the current one.
11871
11872 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
11873 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
11874 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
11875 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
11876 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
11877
11878 @smallexample
11879 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
11880 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
11881 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
11882 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
11883 > tfind
11884 > end
11885
11886 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
11887 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
11888 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
11889 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
11890 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
11891 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
11892 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
11893 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
11894 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
11895 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
11896 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
11897 @end smallexample
11898
11899 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
11900 the buffer:
11901
11902 @smallexample
11903 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
11904 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
11905 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
11906 > tfind line
11907 > end
11908
11909 Frame 0, X = 1
11910 Frame 7, X = 2
11911 Frame 13, X = 255
11912 @end smallexample
11913
11914 @node tdump
11915 @subsection @code{tdump}
11916 @kindex tdump
11917 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
11918 @cindex tracepoint data, display
11919
11920 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
11921 the current trace snapshot.
11922
11923 @smallexample
11924 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
11925 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11926 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
11927 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
11928 > end
11929
11930 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
11931
11932 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
11933 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
11934 at gdb_test.c:444
11935 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
11936
11937 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
11938 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
11939 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
11940 d1 0x18 24
11941 d2 0x80 128
11942 d3 0x33 51
11943 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
11944 d5 0x22 34
11945 d6 0xe0 224
11946 d7 0x380035 3670069
11947 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
11948 a1 0x3000668 50333288
11949 a2 0x100 256
11950 a3 0x322000 3284992
11951 a4 0x3000698 50333336
11952 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
11953 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
11954 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
11955 ps 0x0 0
11956 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
11957 fpcontrol 0x0 0
11958 fpstatus 0x0 0
11959 fpiaddr 0x0 0
11960 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
11961 p1 = (void *) 0x11
11962 p2 = (void *) 0x22
11963 p3 = (void *) 0x33
11964 p4 = (void *) 0x44
11965 p5 = (void *) 0x55
11966 p6 = (void *) 0x66
11967 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
11968
11969 (@value{GDBP})
11970 @end smallexample
11971
11972 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
11973 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
11974 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
11975 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
11976
11977 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
11978 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
11979 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
11980 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
11981 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
11982 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
11983 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
11984 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
11985 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
11986 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
11987
11988 @node save tracepoints
11989 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
11990 @kindex save tracepoints
11991 @kindex save-tracepoints
11992 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
11993
11994 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
11995 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
11996 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
11997 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
11998 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
11999 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
12000
12001 @node Tracepoint Variables
12002 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
12003 @cindex tracepoint variables
12004 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
12005
12006 @table @code
12007 @vindex $trace_frame
12008 @item (int) $trace_frame
12009 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
12010 snapshot is selected.
12011
12012 @vindex $tracepoint
12013 @item (int) $tracepoint
12014 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
12015
12016 @vindex $trace_line
12017 @item (int) $trace_line
12018 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
12019
12020 @vindex $trace_file
12021 @item (char []) $trace_file
12022 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
12023
12024 @vindex $trace_func
12025 @item (char []) $trace_func
12026 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
12027 @end table
12028
12029 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
12030 use @code{output} instead.
12031
12032 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
12033 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
12034 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
12035 which are managed by the target.
12036
12037 @smallexample
12038 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12039
12040 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
12041 > output $trace_file
12042 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
12043 > tfind
12044 > end
12045 @end smallexample
12046
12047 @node Trace Files
12048 @section Using Trace Files
12049 @cindex trace files
12050
12051 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
12052 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
12053 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
12054 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
12055 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
12056
12057 @table @code
12058
12059 @kindex tsave
12060 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
12061 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
12062 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12063 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12064 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12065 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12066 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12067 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12068 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12069
12070 @kindex target tfile
12071 @kindex tfile
12072 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12073 Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
12074 that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
12075 possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
12076 the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
12077 as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
12078 on a filesystem accessible to the host.
12079
12080 @end table
12081
12082 @node Overlays
12083 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12084 @cindex overlays
12085
12086 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12087 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12088 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12089 use overlays.
12090
12091 @menu
12092 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12093 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12094 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12095 mapped by asking the inferior.
12096 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12097 @end menu
12098
12099 @node How Overlays Work
12100 @section How Overlays Work
12101 @cindex mapped overlays
12102 @cindex unmapped overlays
12103 @cindex load address, overlay's
12104 @cindex mapped address
12105 @cindex overlay area
12106
12107 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12108 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12109 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12110 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12111 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12112
12113 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12114 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12115 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12116 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12117 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12118 largest overlay as well.
12119
12120 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12121 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12122 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12123 there.
12124
12125 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12126 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12127 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12128
12129 @smallexample
12130 @group
12131 Data Instruction Larger
12132 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12133 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12134 | | | | | |
12135 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12136 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12137 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12138 | and heap | | | | | |
12139 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12140 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12141 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12142 | | | | | |
12143 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12144 address | | | | | |
12145 | overlay | <-' | | |
12146 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12147 | | <---. | | load address
12148 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12149 | | | |
12150 +-----------+ | |
12151 +-----------+
12152 | |
12153 +-----------+
12154
12155 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12156 @end group
12157 @end smallexample
12158
12159 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12160 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12161 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12162 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12163 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12164 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12165 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12166 program and the overlay area.
12167
12168 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12169 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12170 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12171 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12172 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12173 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12174 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12175
12176 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12177 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12178 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12179
12180 @itemize @bullet
12181
12182 @item
12183 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12184 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12185 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12186 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12187
12188 @item
12189 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12190 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12191 your program's performance.
12192
12193 @item
12194 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12195 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12196 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12197 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12198 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12199 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12200 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12201
12202 @item
12203 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12204 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12205 instruction and data spaces.
12206
12207 @end itemize
12208
12209 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12210 improved in many ways:
12211
12212 @itemize @bullet
12213
12214 @item
12215 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12216 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12217 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12218 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12219 area in the usual way.
12220
12221 @item
12222 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12223 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12224
12225 @item
12226 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12227 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12228 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12229 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12230 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12231 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12232 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12233
12234 @end itemize
12235
12236
12237 @node Overlay Commands
12238 @section Overlay Commands
12239
12240 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12241 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12242 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12243 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12244 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12245 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12246
12247 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12248 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
12249
12250 @table @code
12251 @item overlay off
12252 @kindex overlay
12253 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
12254 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
12255 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
12256 overlay support is disabled.
12257
12258 @item overlay manual
12259 @cindex manual overlay debugging
12260 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12261 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
12262 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
12263 commands described below.
12264
12265 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
12266 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
12267 @cindex map an overlay
12268 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
12269 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
12270 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
12271 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
12272 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
12273 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
12274
12275 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
12276 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
12277 @cindex unmap an overlay
12278 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
12279 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
12280 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
12281 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
12282
12283 @item overlay auto
12284 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12285 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
12286 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
12287 Overlay Debugging}.
12288
12289 @item overlay load-target
12290 @itemx overlay load
12291 @cindex reloading the overlay table
12292 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
12293 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
12294 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
12295 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
12296 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
12297
12298 @item overlay list-overlays
12299 @itemx overlay list
12300 @cindex listing mapped overlays
12301 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
12302 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
12303
12304 @end table
12305
12306 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
12307 of the function the address falls in:
12308
12309 @smallexample
12310 (@value{GDBP}) print main
12311 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
12312 @end smallexample
12313 @noindent
12314 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
12315 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
12316 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
12317 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
12318
12319 @smallexample
12320 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12321 No sections are mapped.
12322 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12323 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
12324 @end smallexample
12325 @noindent
12326 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
12327 name normally:
12328
12329 @smallexample
12330 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12331 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
12332 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
12333 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12334 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
12335 @end smallexample
12336
12337 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
12338 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
12339 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
12340 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
12341 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
12342
12343 @itemize @bullet
12344 @item
12345 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
12346 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
12347 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
12348 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
12349 @item
12350 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
12351 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
12352 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
12353 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
12354 breakpoints properly.
12355 @end itemize
12356
12357
12358 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
12359 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
12360 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
12361
12362 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
12363 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
12364 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
12365 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
12366 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
12367 current state of the overlays.
12368
12369 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
12370 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
12371
12372 @table @asis
12373
12374 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
12375 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
12376
12377 @smallexample
12378 struct
12379 @{
12380 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
12381 unsigned long vma;
12382
12383 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
12384 unsigned long size;
12385
12386 /* The overlay's load address. */
12387 unsigned long lma;
12388
12389 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
12390 zero otherwise. */
12391 unsigned long mapped;
12392 @}
12393 @end smallexample
12394
12395 @item @code{_novlys}:
12396 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
12397 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
12398
12399 @end table
12400
12401 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
12402 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
12403 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
12404 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
12405 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
12406 currently mapped.
12407
12408 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
12409 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
12410 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
12411 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
12412 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
12413 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
12414 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
12415 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
12416 are not being executed.
12417
12418 @node Overlay Sample Program
12419 @section Overlay Sample Program
12420 @cindex overlay example program
12421
12422 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
12423 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
12424 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
12425 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
12426 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
12427 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
12428 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
12429
12430 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
12431 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
12432 suite. The program consists of the following files from
12433 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
12434
12435 @table @file
12436 @item overlays.c
12437 The main program file.
12438 @item ovlymgr.c
12439 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
12440 @item foo.c
12441 @itemx bar.c
12442 @itemx baz.c
12443 @itemx grbx.c
12444 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
12445 @item d10v.ld
12446 @itemx m32r.ld
12447 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
12448 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
12449 @end table
12450
12451 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
12452 cross-compiler like this:
12453
12454 @smallexample
12455 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
12456 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
12457 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
12458 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
12459 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
12460 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
12461 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
12462 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
12463 @end smallexample
12464
12465 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
12466 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
12467 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
12468
12469
12470 @node Languages
12471 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
12472 @cindex languages
12473
12474 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
12475 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
12476 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
12477 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
12478 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
12479 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
12480
12481 @cindex working language
12482 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
12483 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
12484 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
12485 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
12486 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
12487 language}.
12488
12489 @menu
12490 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
12491 * Show:: Displaying the language
12492 * Checks:: Type and range checks
12493 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
12494 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
12495 @end menu
12496
12497 @node Setting
12498 @section Switching Between Source Languages
12499
12500 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
12501 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
12502 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
12503 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
12504 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
12505 are printed, etc.
12506
12507 In addition to the working language, every source file that
12508 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
12509 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
12510 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
12511 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
12512 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
12513 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
12514 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
12515 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
12516 Displaying the Language}.
12517
12518 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
12519 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
12520 another language. In that case, make the
12521 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
12522 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
12523 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
12524
12525 @menu
12526 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
12527 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
12528 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
12529 @end menu
12530
12531 @node Filenames
12532 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
12533
12534 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
12535 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
12536
12537 @table @file
12538 @item .ada
12539 @itemx .ads
12540 @itemx .adb
12541 @itemx .a
12542 Ada source file.
12543
12544 @item .c
12545 C source file
12546
12547 @item .C
12548 @itemx .cc
12549 @itemx .cp
12550 @itemx .cpp
12551 @itemx .cxx
12552 @itemx .c++
12553 C@t{++} source file
12554
12555 @item .d
12556 D source file
12557
12558 @item .m
12559 Objective-C source file
12560
12561 @item .f
12562 @itemx .F
12563 Fortran source file
12564
12565 @item .mod
12566 Modula-2 source file
12567
12568 @item .s
12569 @itemx .S
12570 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
12571 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
12572 @end table
12573
12574 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
12575 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
12576
12577 @node Manually
12578 @subsection Setting the Working Language
12579
12580 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
12581 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
12582 your program.
12583
12584 @kindex set language
12585 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
12586 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
12587 a language, such as
12588 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
12589 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
12590
12591 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
12592 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
12593 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
12594 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
12595 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
12596 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
12597 command such as:
12598
12599 @smallexample
12600 print a = b + c
12601 @end smallexample
12602
12603 @noindent
12604 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
12605 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
12606 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
12607 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
12608
12609 @node Automatically
12610 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
12611
12612 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
12613 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
12614 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
12615 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
12616 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
12617 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
12618 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
12619 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
12620 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
12621
12622 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
12623 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
12624 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
12625 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
12626 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
12627
12628 @node Show
12629 @section Displaying the Language
12630
12631 The following commands help you find out which language is the
12632 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
12633
12634 @table @code
12635 @item show language
12636 @kindex show language
12637 Display the current working language. This is the
12638 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
12639 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
12640
12641 @item info frame
12642 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
12643 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
12644 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
12645 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
12646 information listed here.
12647
12648 @item info source
12649 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
12650 Display the source language of this source file.
12651 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
12652 information listed here.
12653 @end table
12654
12655 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
12656 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
12657 with a language explicitly:
12658
12659 @table @code
12660 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
12661 @kindex set extension-language
12662 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
12663 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
12664
12665 @item info extensions
12666 @kindex info extensions
12667 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
12668 @end table
12669
12670 @node Checks
12671 @section Type and Range Checking
12672
12673 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
12674 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
12675 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
12676 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
12677 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
12678 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
12679 errors when your program is running.
12680
12681 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
12682 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
12683 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
12684 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
12685
12686 @menu
12687 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
12688 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
12689 @end menu
12690
12691 @cindex type checking
12692 @cindex checks, type
12693 @node Type Checking
12694 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
12695
12696 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
12697 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
12698 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
12699 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
12700
12701 @smallexample
12702 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
12703
12704 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
12705 $1 = 2
12706 @exdent but
12707 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
12708 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
12709 @end smallexample
12710
12711 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
12712 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
12713
12714 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
12715 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
12716 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
12717 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
12718 expressions like the second example above.
12719
12720 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
12721 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
12722 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
12723 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
12724 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
12725 little sense to evaluate anyway.
12726
12727 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
12728
12729 @kindex set check type
12730 @kindex show check type
12731 @table @code
12732 @item set check type on
12733 @itemx set check type off
12734 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
12735 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
12736 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
12737
12738 @item show check type
12739 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
12740 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
12741 @end table
12742
12743 @cindex range checking
12744 @cindex checks, range
12745 @node Range Checking
12746 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
12747
12748 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
12749 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
12750 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
12751 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
12752 not exceed the bounds of the array.
12753
12754 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
12755 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
12756 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
12757 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
12758
12759 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
12760 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
12761 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
12762 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
12763 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
12764 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
12765
12766 @smallexample
12767 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
12768 @end smallexample
12769
12770 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
12771 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
12772 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
12773
12774 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
12775
12776 @kindex set check range
12777 @kindex show check range
12778 @table @code
12779 @item set check range auto
12780 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
12781 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
12782 each language.
12783
12784 @item set check range on
12785 @itemx set check range off
12786 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
12787 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
12788 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
12789 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
12790
12791 @item set check range warn
12792 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
12793 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
12794 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
12795 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
12796 systems).
12797
12798 @item show range
12799 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
12800 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
12801 @end table
12802
12803 @node Supported Languages
12804 @section Supported Languages
12805
12806 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
12807 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
12808 @c This is false ...
12809 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
12810 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
12811 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
12812 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
12813 language.
12814
12815 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
12816 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
12817 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
12818 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
12819 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
12820 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
12821 language reference or tutorial.
12822
12823 @menu
12824 * C:: C and C@t{++}
12825 * D:: D
12826 * Go:: Go
12827 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
12828 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
12829 * Fortran:: Fortran
12830 * Pascal:: Pascal
12831 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
12832 * Ada:: Ada
12833 @end menu
12834
12835 @node C
12836 @subsection C and C@t{++}
12837
12838 @cindex C and C@t{++}
12839 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
12840
12841 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
12842 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
12843 together.
12844
12845 @cindex C@t{++}
12846 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
12847 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
12848 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
12849 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
12850 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
12851 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
12852 compiler (@code{aCC}).
12853
12854 @menu
12855 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
12856 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
12857 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
12858 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
12859 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
12860 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
12861 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
12862 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
12863 @end menu
12864
12865 @node C Operators
12866 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
12867
12868 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
12869
12870 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12871 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
12872 often defined on groups of types.
12873
12874 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
12875
12876 @itemize @bullet
12877
12878 @item
12879 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
12880 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
12881
12882 @item
12883 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
12884 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
12885
12886 @item
12887 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
12888
12889 @item
12890 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
12891
12892 @end itemize
12893
12894 @noindent
12895 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
12896 in order of increasing precedence:
12897
12898 @table @code
12899 @item ,
12900 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
12901 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
12902 expression being the last expression evaluated.
12903
12904 @item =
12905 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
12906 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
12907
12908 @item @var{op}=
12909 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
12910 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
12911 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
12912 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
12913 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
12914
12915 @item ?:
12916 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
12917 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
12918 integral type.
12919
12920 @item ||
12921 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
12922
12923 @item &&
12924 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
12925
12926 @item |
12927 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
12928
12929 @item ^
12930 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
12931
12932 @item &
12933 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
12934
12935 @item ==@r{, }!=
12936 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
12937 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
12938
12939 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
12940 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
12941 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
12942 and non-zero for true.
12943
12944 @item <<@r{, }>>
12945 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
12946
12947 @item @@
12948 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
12949
12950 @item +@r{, }-
12951 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
12952 pointer types.
12953
12954 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
12955 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
12956 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
12957 integral types.
12958
12959 @item ++@r{, }--
12960 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
12961 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
12962 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
12963 operation takes place.
12964
12965 @item *
12966 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
12967 @code{++}.
12968
12969 @item &
12970 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
12971
12972 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
12973 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
12974 to examine the address
12975 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
12976 stored.
12977
12978 @item -
12979 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
12980 precedence as @code{++}.
12981
12982 @item !
12983 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
12984 @code{++}.
12985
12986 @item ~
12987 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
12988 @code{++}.
12989
12990
12991 @item .@r{, }->
12992 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
12993 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
12994 pointer based on the stored type information.
12995 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
12996
12997 @item .*@r{, }->*
12998 Dereferences of pointers to members.
12999
13000 @item []
13001 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
13002 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13003
13004 @item ()
13005 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13006
13007 @item ::
13008 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
13009 and @code{class} types.
13010
13011 @item ::
13012 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
13013 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
13014 above.
13015 @end table
13016
13017 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
13018 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
13019 predefined meaning.
13020
13021 @node C Constants
13022 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
13023
13024 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
13025
13026 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
13027 following ways:
13028
13029 @itemize @bullet
13030 @item
13031 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
13032 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
13033 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13034 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13035 @code{long} value.
13036
13037 @item
13038 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13039 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13040 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13041 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13042 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13043 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13044 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13045 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13046 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13047 constant.
13048
13049 @item
13050 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13051 integral equivalents.
13052
13053 @item
13054 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13055 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13056 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13057 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13058 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13059 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13060 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13061 @samp{\n} for newline.
13062
13063 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13064 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13065 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13066 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13067
13068 @item
13069 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13070 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13071 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13072 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13073 characters.
13074
13075 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13076 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13077 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13078
13079 @item
13080 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13081 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13082
13083 @item
13084 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13085 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13086 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13087 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13088 @end itemize
13089
13090 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13091 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13092
13093 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13094 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13095
13096 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13097 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13098 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13099 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13100 @quotation
13101 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13102 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13103 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13104 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13105 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13106 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13107 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13108 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13109 @end quotation
13110
13111 @enumerate
13112
13113 @cindex member functions
13114 @item
13115 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13116
13117 @smallexample
13118 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13119 @end smallexample
13120
13121 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13122 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13123 @item
13124 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13125 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13126 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13127 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13128 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13129
13130 @cindex call overloaded functions
13131 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13132 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13133 @item
13134 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13135 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13136 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13137 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13138 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13139 default arguments.
13140
13141 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13142 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13143 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13144 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13145 number of function arguments.
13146
13147 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13148 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13149 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13150
13151 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13152 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13153 @smallexample
13154 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13155 @end smallexample
13156
13157 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13158 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13159
13160 @cindex reference declarations
13161 @item
13162 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13163 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13164 dereferenced.
13165
13166 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13167 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13168 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13169 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13170 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13171
13172 @item
13173 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13174 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13175 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13176 necessary, for example in an expression like
13177 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13178 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13179 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13180
13181 @item
13182 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13183 specification.
13184 @end enumerate
13185
13186 @node C Defaults
13187 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13188
13189 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13190
13191 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
13192 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13193 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13194 selects the working language.
13195
13196 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13197 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13198 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13199 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13200 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13201 for further details.
13202
13203 @node C Checks
13204 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13205
13206 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13207
13208 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
13209 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
13210 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
13211 constants to pointers.
13212
13213 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13214 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13215 that is not itself an array.
13216
13217 @node Debugging C
13218 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13219
13220 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13221 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13222 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13223 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13224
13225 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13226 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13227 ,Expressions}.
13228
13229 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13230 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13231
13232 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13233
13234 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13235 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13236
13237 @table @code
13238 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13239 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13240 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13241 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13242 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13243 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13244
13245 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13246 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13247 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
13248 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
13249 classes.
13250 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13251
13252 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
13253 @item catch throw
13254 @itemx catch catch
13255 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
13256 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
13257
13258 @cindex inheritance
13259 @item ptype @var{typename}
13260 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
13261 @var{typename}.
13262 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
13263
13264 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
13265 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
13266 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
13267 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
13268 multiple inheritance is in use.
13269
13270 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
13271 @item set print demangle
13272 @itemx show print demangle
13273 @itemx set print asm-demangle
13274 @itemx show print asm-demangle
13275 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
13276 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
13277 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13278
13279 @item set print object
13280 @itemx show print object
13281 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
13282 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13283
13284 @item set print vtbl
13285 @itemx show print vtbl
13286 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
13287 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13288 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
13289 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
13290
13291 @kindex set overload-resolution
13292 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
13293 @item set overload-resolution on
13294 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
13295 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
13296 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
13297 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
13298 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
13299 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
13300
13301 @item set overload-resolution off
13302 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
13303 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13304 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
13305 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
13306 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13307 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
13308 argument types.
13309
13310 @kindex show overload-resolution
13311 @item show overload-resolution
13312 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
13313
13314 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
13315 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
13316 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
13317 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
13318 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
13319 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
13320 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
13321 @end table
13322
13323 @node Decimal Floating Point
13324 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
13325 @cindex decimal floating point format
13326
13327 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
13328 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
13329 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
13330 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
13331
13332 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
13333 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
13334 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
13335 target.
13336
13337 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
13338 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
13339 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
13340
13341 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
13342 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
13343 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
13344
13345 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
13346 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
13347 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
13348
13349 @node D
13350 @subsection D
13351
13352 @cindex D
13353 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
13354 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
13355 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
13356
13357 @node Go
13358 @subsection Go
13359
13360 @cindex Go (programming language)
13361 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
13362 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
13363
13364 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
13365
13366 @table @code
13367 @cindex current Go package
13368 @item The current Go package
13369 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
13370 specifying global variables and functions.
13371
13372 For example, given the program:
13373
13374 @example
13375 package main
13376 var myglob = "Shall we?"
13377 func main () @{
13378 // ...
13379 @}
13380 @end example
13381
13382 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
13383
13384 @example
13385 (gdb) p myglob
13386 (gdb) p main.myglob
13387 @end example
13388
13389 @cindex builtin Go types
13390 @item Builtin Go types
13391 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
13392 as a string.
13393
13394 @cindex builtin Go functions
13395 @item Builtin Go functions
13396 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
13397 function and handles it internally.
13398
13399 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
13400 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
13401 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
13402 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
13403 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
13404 @end table
13405
13406 @node Objective-C
13407 @subsection Objective-C
13408
13409 @cindex Objective-C
13410 This section provides information about some commands and command
13411 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
13412 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
13413 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
13414
13415 @menu
13416 * Method Names in Commands::
13417 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
13418 @end menu
13419
13420 @node Method Names in Commands
13421 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
13422
13423 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
13424 names as line specifications:
13425
13426 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
13427 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
13428 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
13429 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
13430 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
13431 @itemize
13432 @item @code{clear}
13433 @item @code{break}
13434 @item @code{info line}
13435 @item @code{jump}
13436 @item @code{list}
13437 @end itemize
13438
13439 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
13440
13441 @smallexample
13442 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
13443 @end smallexample
13444
13445 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
13446 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
13447 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
13448 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
13449 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
13450 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
13451 debugged, enter:
13452
13453 @smallexample
13454 break -[Fruit create]
13455 @end smallexample
13456
13457 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
13458 enter:
13459
13460 @smallexample
13461 list +[NSText initialize]
13462 @end smallexample
13463
13464 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
13465 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
13466 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
13467 is also possible to specify just a method name:
13468
13469 @smallexample
13470 break create
13471 @end smallexample
13472
13473 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
13474 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
13475 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
13476 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
13477 none apply.
13478
13479 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
13480 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
13481
13482 @smallexample
13483 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
13484 @end smallexample
13485
13486 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
13487 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
13488 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
13489 @kindex print-object
13490 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
13491
13492 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
13493
13494 @smallexample
13495 print -[@var{object} hash]
13496 @end smallexample
13497
13498 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
13499 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
13500 @noindent
13501 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
13502 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
13503 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
13504 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
13505 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
13506 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
13507
13508 @node OpenCL C
13509 @subsection OpenCL C
13510
13511 @cindex OpenCL C
13512 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
13513
13514 @menu
13515 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
13516 * OpenCL C Expressions::
13517 * OpenCL C Operators::
13518 @end menu
13519
13520 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
13521 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
13522
13523 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
13524 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
13525 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
13526 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
13527 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
13528
13529 @node OpenCL C Expressions
13530 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
13531
13532 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
13533 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
13534 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
13535 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
13536
13537 @node OpenCL C Operators
13538 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
13539
13540 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
13541 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
13542 vector data types.
13543
13544 @node Fortran
13545 @subsection Fortran
13546 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
13547
13548 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
13549 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
13550
13551 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
13552 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
13553 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
13554 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
13555 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
13556 underscore.
13557
13558 @menu
13559 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
13560 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
13561 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
13562 @end menu
13563
13564 @node Fortran Operators
13565 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
13566
13567 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
13568
13569 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13570 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
13571 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
13572
13573 @table @code
13574 @item **
13575 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
13576 of the second one.
13577
13578 @item :
13579 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
13580 represent a section of array.
13581
13582 @item %
13583 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
13584 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
13585 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
13586 union type.
13587 @end table
13588
13589 @node Fortran Defaults
13590 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
13591
13592 @cindex Fortran Defaults
13593
13594 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
13595 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
13596 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
13597 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
13598
13599 @node Special Fortran Commands
13600 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
13601
13602 @cindex Special Fortran commands
13603
13604 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
13605 such as displaying common blocks.
13606
13607 @table @code
13608 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
13609 @kindex info common
13610 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
13611 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
13612 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
13613 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
13614 printed.
13615 @end table
13616
13617 @node Pascal
13618 @subsection Pascal
13619
13620 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
13621 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
13622 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
13623 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
13624 syntax.
13625
13626 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
13627 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
13628 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
13629
13630 @node Modula-2
13631 @subsection Modula-2
13632
13633 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
13634
13635 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
13636 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
13637 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
13638 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13639 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
13640 table.
13641
13642 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
13643 @menu
13644 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
13645 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
13646 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
13647 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
13648 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
13649 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
13650 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
13651 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
13652 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13653 @end menu
13654
13655 @node M2 Operators
13656 @subsubsection Operators
13657 @cindex Modula-2 operators
13658
13659 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13660 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13661 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
13662 following definitions hold:
13663
13664 @itemize @bullet
13665
13666 @item
13667 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
13668 their subranges.
13669
13670 @item
13671 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
13672
13673 @item
13674 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
13675
13676 @item
13677 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
13678 @var{type}}.
13679
13680 @item
13681 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
13682
13683 @item
13684 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
13685
13686 @item
13687 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
13688 @end itemize
13689
13690 @noindent
13691 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
13692 increasing precedence:
13693
13694 @table @code
13695 @item ,
13696 Function argument or array index separator.
13697
13698 @item :=
13699 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
13700 @var{value}.
13701
13702 @item <@r{, }>
13703 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
13704 types.
13705
13706 @item <=@r{, }>=
13707 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
13708 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
13709 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
13710
13711 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
13712 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
13713 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
13714 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
13715 comment character.
13716
13717 @item IN
13718 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
13719 Same precedence as @code{<}.
13720
13721 @item OR
13722 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
13723
13724 @item AND@r{, }&
13725 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
13726
13727 @item @@
13728 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13729
13730 @item +@r{, }-
13731 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
13732 and difference on set types.
13733
13734 @item *
13735 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
13736 on set types.
13737
13738 @item /
13739 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
13740 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
13741
13742 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
13743 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
13744 precedence as @code{*}.
13745
13746 @item -
13747 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
13748
13749 @item ^
13750 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
13751
13752 @item NOT
13753 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
13754 @code{^}.
13755
13756 @item .
13757 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
13758 precedence as @code{^}.
13759
13760 @item []
13761 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
13762
13763 @item ()
13764 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
13765 as @code{^}.
13766
13767 @item ::@r{, }.
13768 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
13769 @end table
13770
13771 @quotation
13772 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
13773 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
13774 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
13775 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
13776 @end quotation
13777
13778
13779 @node Built-In Func/Proc
13780 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
13781 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
13782
13783 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
13784 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
13785
13786 @table @var
13787
13788 @item a
13789 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
13790
13791 @item c
13792 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
13793
13794 @item i
13795 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
13796
13797 @item m
13798 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
13799 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
13800 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
13801
13802 @item n
13803 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
13804
13805 @item r
13806 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
13807
13808 @item t
13809 represents a type.
13810
13811 @item v
13812 represents a variable.
13813
13814 @item x
13815 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
13816 explanation of the function for details.
13817 @end table
13818
13819 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
13820
13821 @table @code
13822 @item ABS(@var{n})
13823 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
13824
13825 @item CAP(@var{c})
13826 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
13827 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
13828
13829 @item CHR(@var{i})
13830 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
13831
13832 @item DEC(@var{v})
13833 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
13834
13835 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
13836 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
13837 new value.
13838
13839 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
13840 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
13841 set.
13842
13843 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
13844 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
13845
13846 @item HIGH(@var{a})
13847 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
13848
13849 @item INC(@var{v})
13850 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
13851
13852 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
13853 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
13854 new value.
13855
13856 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
13857 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
13858 there. Returns the new set.
13859
13860 @item MAX(@var{t})
13861 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
13862
13863 @item MIN(@var{t})
13864 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
13865
13866 @item ODD(@var{i})
13867 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
13868
13869 @item ORD(@var{x})
13870 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
13871 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
13872 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
13873 integral, character and enumerated types.
13874
13875 @item SIZE(@var{x})
13876 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
13877
13878 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
13879 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
13880
13881 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
13882 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
13883
13884 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
13885 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
13886 @end table
13887
13888 @quotation
13889 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
13890 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
13891 an error.
13892 @end quotation
13893
13894 @cindex Modula-2 constants
13895 @node M2 Constants
13896 @subsubsection Constants
13897
13898 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
13899 ways:
13900
13901 @itemize @bullet
13902
13903 @item
13904 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
13905 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
13906 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
13907 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
13908
13909 @item
13910 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
13911 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
13912 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
13913 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
13914 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
13915 digits.
13916
13917 @item
13918 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
13919 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
13920 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
13921 followed by a @samp{C}.
13922
13923 @item
13924 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
13925 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
13926 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
13927 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
13928 sequences.
13929
13930 @item
13931 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
13932
13933 @item
13934 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
13935 @code{FALSE}.
13936
13937 @item
13938 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
13939
13940 @item
13941 Set constants are not yet supported.
13942 @end itemize
13943
13944 @node M2 Types
13945 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
13946 @cindex Modula-2 types
13947
13948 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
13949 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
13950 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
13951 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
13952 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
13953 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
13954
13955 The first example contains the following section of code:
13956
13957 @smallexample
13958 VAR
13959 s: SET OF CHAR ;
13960 r: [20..40] ;
13961 @end smallexample
13962
13963 @noindent
13964 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
13965 @code{r} and @code{s}.
13966
13967 @smallexample
13968 (@value{GDBP}) print s
13969 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
13970 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
13971 SET OF CHAR
13972 (@value{GDBP}) print r
13973 21
13974 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
13975 [20..40]
13976 @end smallexample
13977
13978 @noindent
13979 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
13980
13981 @smallexample
13982 VAR
13983 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
13984 @end smallexample
13985
13986 @noindent
13987 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
13988
13989 @smallexample
13990 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
13991 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
13992 @end smallexample
13993
13994 @noindent
13995 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
13996 expressions using the debugger.
13997
13998 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
13999 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
14000
14001 @smallexample
14002 VAR
14003 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
14004 @end smallexample
14005
14006 @smallexample
14007 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14008 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
14009 @end smallexample
14010
14011 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14012 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14013 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14014 above.
14015
14016 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14017
14018 @smallexample
14019 TYPE
14020 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14021 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14022 VAR
14023 s: t ;
14024 BEGIN
14025 s := blue ;
14026 @end smallexample
14027
14028 @noindent
14029 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14030 and value of a variable.
14031
14032 @smallexample
14033 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14034 $1 = blue
14035 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14036 type = [blue..yellow]
14037 @end smallexample
14038
14039 @noindent
14040 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14041 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14042 their @code{C} counterparts.
14043
14044 @smallexample
14045 VAR
14046 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14047 BEGIN
14048 s[1] := 1 ;
14049 @end smallexample
14050
14051 @smallexample
14052 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14053 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14054 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14055 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14056 @end smallexample
14057
14058 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14059 pointer types as shown in this example:
14060
14061 @smallexample
14062 VAR
14063 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14064 BEGIN
14065 NEW(s) ;
14066 s^[1] := 1 ;
14067 @end smallexample
14068
14069 @noindent
14070 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14071
14072 @smallexample
14073 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14074 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14075 @end smallexample
14076
14077 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14078 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14079 types:
14080
14081 @smallexample
14082 TYPE
14083 foo = RECORD
14084 f1: CARDINAL ;
14085 f2: CHAR ;
14086 f3: myarray ;
14087 END ;
14088
14089 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14090 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14091 VAR
14092 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14093 @end smallexample
14094
14095 @noindent
14096 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14097 below.
14098
14099 @smallexample
14100 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14101 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14102 f1 : CARDINAL;
14103 f2 : CHAR;
14104 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14105 END
14106 @end smallexample
14107
14108 @node M2 Defaults
14109 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14110 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14111
14112 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14113 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14114 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14115 selected the working language.
14116
14117 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14118 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14119 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14120 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14121
14122 @node Deviations
14123 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14124 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14125
14126 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14127 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14128
14129 @itemize @bullet
14130 @item
14131 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14132 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14133 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14134 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14135 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14136 returned a pointer.)
14137
14138 @item
14139 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14140 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14141 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14142 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14143
14144 @item
14145 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14146 argument.
14147
14148 @item
14149 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14150 @end itemize
14151
14152 @node M2 Checks
14153 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14154 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14155
14156 @quotation
14157 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14158 range checking.
14159 @end quotation
14160 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14161
14162 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14163
14164 @itemize @bullet
14165 @item
14166 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14167 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14168
14169 @item
14170 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14171 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14172 @end itemize
14173
14174 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14175 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14176
14177 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14178 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14179
14180 @node M2 Scope
14181 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14182 @cindex scope
14183 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14184 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14185 @ifinfo
14186 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14187 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14188 @end ifinfo
14189 @ifnotinfo
14190 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14191 @end ifnotinfo
14192
14193 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14194 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14195 similar syntax:
14196
14197 @smallexample
14198
14199 @var{module} . @var{id}
14200 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14201 @end smallexample
14202
14203 @noindent
14204 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14205 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14206 identifier within your program, except another module.
14207
14208 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14209 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14210 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14211 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14212
14213 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14214 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14215 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14216 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14217 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14218 @var{module}.
14219
14220 @node GDB/M2
14221 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14222
14223 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14224 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14225 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14226 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14227 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14228 analogue in Modula-2.
14229
14230 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14231 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14232 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14233 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14234 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14235 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14236
14237 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14238 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14239 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14240
14241 @node Ada
14242 @subsection Ada
14243 @cindex Ada
14244
14245 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14246 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
14247 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
14248 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14249 to be difficult.
14250
14251
14252 @cindex expressions in Ada
14253 @menu
14254 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
14255 and semantics supported by Ada mode
14256 in @value{GDBN}.
14257 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
14258 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
14259 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
14260 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
14261 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14262 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
14263 Profile
14264 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
14265 @end menu
14266
14267 @node Ada Mode Intro
14268 @subsubsection Introduction
14269 @cindex Ada mode, general
14270
14271 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
14272 syntax, with some extensions.
14273 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
14274
14275 @itemize @bullet
14276 @item
14277 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
14278 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
14279 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
14280 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
14281
14282 @item
14283 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
14284 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14285
14286 @item
14287 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14288 @end itemize
14289
14290 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
14291 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
14292 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
14293 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
14294 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
14295
14296 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
14297 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
14298 was translated from an Ada source file.
14299
14300 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
14301 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
14302 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
14303 middle (to allow based literals).
14304
14305 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
14306 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
14307 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
14308 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
14309 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
14310 functions to procedures elsewhere.
14311
14312 @node Omissions from Ada
14313 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
14314 @cindex Ada, omissions from
14315
14316 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
14317
14318 @itemize @bullet
14319 @item
14320 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
14321
14322 @itemize @minus
14323 @item
14324 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
14325 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
14326
14327 @item
14328 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
14329
14330 @item
14331 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
14332
14333 @item
14334 @t{'Tag}.
14335
14336 @item
14337 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
14338 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
14339
14340 @item
14341 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
14342 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
14343
14344 @item
14345 @t{'Address}.
14346 @end itemize
14347
14348 @item
14349 The names in
14350 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
14351 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
14352 not currently available.
14353
14354 @item
14355 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
14356 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
14357 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
14358 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
14359 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
14360 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
14361 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
14362 indeterminate values.
14363
14364 @item
14365 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
14366 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
14367 are not implemented.
14368
14369 @item
14370 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
14371 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
14372 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
14373 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
14374 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
14375
14376 @smallexample
14377 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
14378 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
14379 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
14380 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
14381 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
14382 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
14383 @end smallexample
14384
14385 Changing a
14386 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
14387 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
14388 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
14389 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
14390 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
14391 declared to have a type such as:
14392
14393 @smallexample
14394 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
14395 Id : Integer;
14396 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
14397 end record;
14398 @end smallexample
14399
14400 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
14401 assignments:
14402
14403 @smallexample
14404 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
14405 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
14406 @end smallexample
14407
14408 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
14409 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
14410 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
14411 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
14412 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
14413 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
14414 redundant component associations, although which component values are
14415 assigned in such cases is not defined.
14416
14417 @item
14418 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
14419
14420 @item
14421 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
14422 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
14423 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
14424 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
14425 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
14426 the proper resolution.
14427
14428 @item
14429 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
14430
14431 @item
14432 Entry calls are not implemented.
14433
14434 @item
14435 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
14436 formats are not supported.
14437
14438 @item
14439 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
14440
14441 @item
14442 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
14443 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
14444 context.
14445 Should your program
14446 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
14447 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
14448 @end itemize
14449
14450 @node Additions to Ada
14451 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
14452 @cindex Ada, deviations from
14453
14454 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
14455 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
14456
14457 @itemize @bullet
14458 @item
14459 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
14460 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
14461 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
14462 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
14463 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
14464 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
14465 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
14466 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
14467
14468 @item
14469 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
14470 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
14471 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
14472
14473 @item
14474 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
14475 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
14476
14477 @item
14478 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
14479 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
14480 @end itemize
14481
14482 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
14483 additions specific to Ada:
14484
14485 @itemize @bullet
14486 @item
14487 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
14488 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
14489
14490 @smallexample
14491 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
14492 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
14493 @end smallexample
14494
14495 @item
14496 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
14497 the value of its right-hand operand.
14498 This allows, for example,
14499 complex conditional breaks:
14500
14501 @smallexample
14502 (@value{GDBP}) break f
14503 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
14504 @end smallexample
14505
14506 @item
14507 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
14508 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
14509 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
14510 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
14511 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
14512 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
14513 in strings. For example,
14514 @smallexample
14515 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
14516 @end smallexample
14517 @noindent
14518 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
14519 after each period.
14520
14521 @item
14522 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
14523 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
14524 to write
14525
14526 @smallexample
14527 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
14528 @end smallexample
14529
14530 @item
14531 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
14532 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
14533 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
14534 of 3 might print as
14535
14536 @smallexample
14537 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
14538 @end smallexample
14539
14540 @noindent
14541 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
14542 clause.
14543
14544 @item
14545 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
14546 multi-character subsequence of
14547 their names (an exact match gets preference).
14548 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
14549 in place of @t{a'length}.
14550
14551 @item
14552 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
14553 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
14554 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
14555 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
14556 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
14557 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
14558 For example,
14559 @smallexample
14560 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
14561 @end smallexample
14562
14563 @item
14564 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
14565 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
14566 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
14567 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
14568 object.
14569
14570 @end itemize
14571
14572 @node Stopping Before Main Program
14573 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
14574
14575 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
14576 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
14577 before reaching the main procedure.
14578 As defined in the Ada Reference
14579 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
14580 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
14581 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
14582 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
14583
14584 @node Ada Tasks
14585 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
14586 @cindex Ada, tasking
14587
14588 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
14589 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
14590
14591 @table @code
14592 @kindex info tasks
14593 @item info tasks
14594 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
14595
14596
14597 @smallexample
14598 @iftex
14599 @leftskip=0.5cm
14600 @end iftex
14601 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14602 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14603 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14604 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
14605 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
14606 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
14607
14608 @end smallexample
14609
14610 @noindent
14611 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
14612 task currently being inspected.
14613
14614 @table @asis
14615 @item ID
14616 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
14617
14618 @item TID
14619 The Ada task ID.
14620
14621 @item P-ID
14622 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
14623
14624 @item Pri
14625 The base priority of the task.
14626
14627 @item State
14628 Current state of the task.
14629
14630 @table @code
14631 @item Unactivated
14632 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
14633 executing.
14634
14635 @item Runnable
14636 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
14637 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
14638
14639 @item Terminated
14640 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
14641 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
14642 terminated themselves.
14643
14644 @item Child Activation Wait
14645 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
14646
14647 @item Accept Statement
14648 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
14649
14650 @item Waiting on entry call
14651 The task is waiting on an entry call.
14652
14653 @item Async Select Wait
14654 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
14655 select statement.
14656
14657 @item Delay Sleep
14658 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
14659 alternative open.
14660
14661 @item Child Termination Wait
14662 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
14663 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
14664 waiting on a terminate Phase.
14665
14666 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
14667 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
14668 finish terminating.
14669
14670 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
14671 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
14672 @end table
14673
14674 @item Name
14675 Name of the task in the program.
14676
14677 @end table
14678
14679 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
14680 @item info task @var{taskno}
14681 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
14682 the following example:
14683 @smallexample
14684 @iftex
14685 @leftskip=0.5cm
14686 @end iftex
14687 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14688 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14689 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14690 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
14691 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
14692 Ada Task: 0x807c468
14693 Name: task_1
14694 Thread: 0x807f378
14695 Parent: 1 (main_task)
14696 Base Priority: 15
14697 State: Runnable
14698 @end smallexample
14699
14700 @item task
14701 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
14702 @cindex current Ada task ID
14703 This command prints the ID of the current task.
14704
14705 @smallexample
14706 @iftex
14707 @leftskip=0.5cm
14708 @end iftex
14709 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14710 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14711 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14712 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
14713 (@value{GDBP}) task
14714 [Current task is 2]
14715 @end smallexample
14716
14717 @item task @var{taskno}
14718 @cindex Ada task switching
14719 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
14720 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
14721 from the current task to the given task.
14722
14723 @smallexample
14724 @iftex
14725 @leftskip=0.5cm
14726 @end iftex
14727 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14728 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14729 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14730 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
14731 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
14732 [Switching to task 1]
14733 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
14734 (@value{GDBP}) bt
14735 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
14736 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
14737 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
14738 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
14739 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
14740 @end smallexample
14741
14742 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
14743 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
14744 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
14745 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
14746 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
14747 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
14748 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
14749 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
14750 in @ref{Specify Location}.
14751
14752 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
14753 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
14754 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
14755 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
14756 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
14757
14758 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
14759 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
14760 program.
14761
14762 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
14763 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
14764 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
14765
14766 For example,
14767
14768 @smallexample
14769 @iftex
14770 @leftskip=0.5cm
14771 @end iftex
14772 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14773 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14774 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14775 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
14776 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
14777 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
14778 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
14779 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
14780 (@value{GDBP}) cont
14781 Continuing.
14782 task # 1 running
14783 task # 2 running
14784
14785 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
14786 15 flush;
14787 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
14788 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
14789 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
14790 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
14791 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
14792 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
14793 @end smallexample
14794 @end table
14795
14796 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
14797 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14798 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
14799
14800 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
14801 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
14802 the platform being used.
14803 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
14804 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
14805 as usual.
14806
14807 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
14808 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
14809 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
14810 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
14811 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
14812 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
14813
14814 @node Ravenscar Profile
14815 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
14816 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
14817
14818 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
14819 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
14820 requirements.
14821
14822 @table @code
14823 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
14824 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
14825 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
14826 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
14827 Profile. This is the default.
14828
14829 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
14830 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
14831 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
14832 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
14833 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
14834 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
14835 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
14836
14837 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
14838 @item show ravenscar task-switching
14839 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
14840 using the Ravenscar Profile.
14841
14842 @end table
14843
14844 @node Ada Glitches
14845 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
14846 @cindex Ada, problems
14847
14848 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
14849 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
14850 @value{GDBN},
14851 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
14852 and the GNU Ada compiler.
14853
14854 @itemize @bullet
14855 @item
14856 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
14857 storage are invisible to the debugger.
14858
14859 @item
14860 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
14861 argument lists are treated as positional).
14862
14863 @item
14864 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
14865
14866 @item
14867 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
14868 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
14869 the host machine.
14870
14871 @item
14872 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
14873 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
14874 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
14875 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
14876 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
14877 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
14878 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
14879 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
14880 you can usually resolve the confusion
14881 by qualifying the problematic names with package
14882 @code{Standard} explicitly.
14883 @end itemize
14884
14885 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
14886 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
14887 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
14888 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
14889 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
14890 enabled.
14891
14892 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
14893 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
14894 @table @code
14895
14896 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
14897 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
14898 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
14899 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
14900 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
14901 This is the default.
14902
14903 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
14904 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
14905 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
14906 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
14907 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
14908 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
14909 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
14910
14911 @end table
14912
14913 @node Unsupported Languages
14914 @section Unsupported Languages
14915
14916 @cindex unsupported languages
14917 @cindex minimal language
14918 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
14919 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
14920 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
14921 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
14922 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
14923 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
14924
14925 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
14926 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
14927 language.
14928
14929 @node Symbols
14930 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
14931
14932 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
14933 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
14934 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
14935 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
14936 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
14937 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
14938 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
14939
14940 @cindex symbol names
14941 @cindex names of symbols
14942 @cindex quoting names
14943 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
14944 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
14945 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
14946 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
14947 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
14948 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
14949 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
14950 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
14951
14952 @smallexample
14953 p 'foo.c'::x
14954 @end smallexample
14955
14956 @noindent
14957 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
14958
14959 @table @code
14960 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
14961 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
14962 @kindex set case-sensitive
14963 @item set case-sensitive on
14964 @itemx set case-sensitive off
14965 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
14966 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
14967 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
14968 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
14969 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
14970 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
14971 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
14972 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
14973 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
14974 case-insensitive matches.
14975
14976 @kindex show case-sensitive
14977 @item show case-sensitive
14978 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
14979 lookups.
14980
14981 @kindex info address
14982 @cindex address of a symbol
14983 @item info address @var{symbol}
14984 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
14985 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
14986 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
14987 is always stored.
14988
14989 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
14990 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
14991 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
14992
14993 @kindex info symbol
14994 @cindex symbol from address
14995 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
14996 @item info symbol @var{addr}
14997 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
14998 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
14999 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
15000
15001 @smallexample
15002 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
15003 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
15004 @end smallexample
15005
15006 @noindent
15007 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
15008 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
15009
15010 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
15011 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15012
15013 @smallexample
15014 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15015 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15016 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15017 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15018 @end smallexample
15019
15020 @kindex whatis
15021 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
15022 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15023 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15024 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15025
15026 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15027 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15028 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15029
15030 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15031 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15032 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15033 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15034 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15035 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15036 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15037 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15038 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15039
15040 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15041 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15042 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15043 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15044 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15045 unroll it.
15046
15047 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15048 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15049 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15050
15051 @kindex ptype
15052 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
15053 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15054 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15055 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15056
15057 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15058 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15059 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15060 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15061 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15062 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15063 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15064 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15065
15066 For example, for this variable declaration:
15067
15068 @smallexample
15069 typedef double real_t;
15070 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15071 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15072 complex_t var;
15073 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15074 @end smallexample
15075
15076 @noindent
15077 the two commands give this output:
15078
15079 @smallexample
15080 @group
15081 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15082 type = complex_t
15083 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15084 type = struct complex @{
15085 real_t real;
15086 double imag;
15087 @}
15088 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15089 type = struct complex
15090 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15091 type = struct complex
15092 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15093 type = struct complex @{
15094 real_t real;
15095 double imag;
15096 @}
15097 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15098 type = real_t *
15099 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15100 type = double *
15101 @end group
15102 @end smallexample
15103
15104 @noindent
15105 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15106 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15107
15108 @cindex incomplete type
15109 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15110 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15111 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15112 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15113 given these declarations:
15114
15115 @smallexample
15116 struct foo;
15117 struct foo *fooptr;
15118 @end smallexample
15119
15120 @noindent
15121 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15122
15123 @smallexample
15124 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15125 $1 = <incomplete type>
15126 @end smallexample
15127
15128 @noindent
15129 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15130 completely specified.
15131
15132 @kindex info types
15133 @item info types @var{regexp}
15134 @itemx info types
15135 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15136 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15137 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15138 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15139 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15140 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15141 name is @code{value}.
15142
15143 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15144 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15145 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15146
15147 @kindex info scope
15148 @cindex local variables
15149 @item info scope @var{location}
15150 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
15151 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
15152 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
15153 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
15154 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
15155
15156 @smallexample
15157 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
15158 Scope for command_line_handler:
15159 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
15160 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
15161 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
15162 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
15163 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
15164 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
15165 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
15166 @end smallexample
15167
15168 @noindent
15169 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
15170 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
15171 collect}.
15172
15173 @kindex info source
15174 @item info source
15175 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
15176 the function containing the current point of execution:
15177 @itemize @bullet
15178 @item
15179 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
15180 @item
15181 the directory it was compiled in,
15182 @item
15183 its length, in lines,
15184 @item
15185 which programming language it is written in,
15186 @item
15187 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
15188 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
15189 @item
15190 whether the debugging information includes information about
15191 preprocessor macros.
15192 @end itemize
15193
15194
15195 @kindex info sources
15196 @item info sources
15197 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
15198 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
15199 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
15200
15201 @kindex info functions
15202 @item info functions
15203 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
15204
15205 @item info functions @var{regexp}
15206 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
15207 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
15208 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
15209 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
15210 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
15211 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
15212 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
15213
15214 @kindex info variables
15215 @item info variables
15216 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
15217 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
15218
15219 @item info variables @var{regexp}
15220 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
15221 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
15222 @var{regexp}.
15223
15224 @kindex info classes
15225 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
15226 @item info classes
15227 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
15228 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
15229 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15230 expression.
15231
15232 @kindex info selectors
15233 @item info selectors
15234 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
15235 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
15236 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15237 expression.
15238
15239 @ignore
15240 This was never implemented.
15241 @kindex info methods
15242 @item info methods
15243 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
15244 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
15245 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
15246 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
15247 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
15248 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
15249 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
15250 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
15251 @end ignore
15252
15253 @cindex opaque data types
15254 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
15255 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
15256 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
15257 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
15258 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
15259 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
15260 another source file. The default is on.
15261
15262 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
15263 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
15264
15265 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
15266 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
15267 is printed as follows:
15268 @smallexample
15269 @{<no data fields>@}
15270 @end smallexample
15271
15272 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
15273 @item show opaque-type-resolution
15274 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
15275
15276 @kindex maint print symbols
15277 @cindex symbol dump
15278 @kindex maint print psymbols
15279 @cindex partial symbol dump
15280 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
15281 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
15282 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
15283 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
15284 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
15285 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
15286 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
15287 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
15288 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
15289 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
15290 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
15291 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
15292 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
15293 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
15294 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
15295 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
15296 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
15297
15298 @kindex maint info symtabs
15299 @kindex maint info psymtabs
15300 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
15301 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15302 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15303 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15304 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15305 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15306
15307 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
15308 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
15309 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
15310 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
15311 structure in more detail. For example:
15312
15313 @smallexample
15314 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
15315 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15316 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15317 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15318 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
15319 readin no
15320 fullname (null)
15321 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
15322 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
15323 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
15324 dependencies (none)
15325 @}
15326 @}
15327 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15328 (@value{GDBP})
15329 @end smallexample
15330 @noindent
15331 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
15332 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
15333 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
15334 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
15335 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
15336
15337 @smallexample
15338 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
15339 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
15340 line 1574.
15341 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
15342 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
15343 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
15344 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
15345 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
15346 dirname (null)
15347 fullname (null)
15348 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
15349 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
15350 debugformat DWARF 2
15351 @}
15352 @}
15353 (@value{GDBP})
15354 @end smallexample
15355 @end table
15356
15357
15358 @node Altering
15359 @chapter Altering Execution
15360
15361 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
15362 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
15363 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
15364 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
15365 program.
15366
15367 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
15368 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
15369 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
15370
15371 @menu
15372 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
15373 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
15374 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
15375 * Returning:: Returning from a function
15376 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
15377 * Patching:: Patching your program
15378 @end menu
15379
15380 @node Assignment
15381 @section Assignment to Variables
15382
15383 @cindex assignment
15384 @cindex setting variables
15385 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
15386 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
15387
15388 @smallexample
15389 print x=4
15390 @end smallexample
15391
15392 @noindent
15393 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
15394 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
15395 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
15396 information on operators in supported languages.
15397
15398 @kindex set variable
15399 @cindex variables, setting
15400 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
15401 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
15402 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
15403 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
15404 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
15405
15406 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
15407 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
15408 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
15409 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
15410 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
15411 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
15412 command @code{set width}:
15413
15414 @smallexample
15415 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
15416 type = double
15417 (@value{GDBP}) p width
15418 $4 = 13
15419 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
15420 Invalid syntax in expression.
15421 @end smallexample
15422
15423 @noindent
15424 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
15425 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
15426
15427 @smallexample
15428 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
15429 @end smallexample
15430
15431 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
15432 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
15433 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
15434 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
15435 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
15436 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
15437
15438 @smallexample
15439 @group
15440 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
15441 type = double
15442 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15443 $1 = 1
15444 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
15445 (@value{GDBP}) p g
15446 $2 = 1
15447 (@value{GDBP}) r
15448 The program being debugged has been started already.
15449 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
15450 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
15451 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
15452 Invalid bfd target.
15453 (@value{GDBP}) show g
15454 The current BFD target is "=4".
15455 @end group
15456 @end smallexample
15457
15458 @noindent
15459 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
15460 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
15461 @code{g}, use
15462
15463 @smallexample
15464 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
15465 @end smallexample
15466
15467 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
15468 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
15469 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
15470 same length or shorter.
15471 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
15472 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
15473
15474 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
15475 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
15476 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
15477 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
15478 and representation in memory), and
15479
15480 @smallexample
15481 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
15482 @end smallexample
15483
15484 @noindent
15485 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
15486
15487 @node Jumping
15488 @section Continuing at a Different Address
15489
15490 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
15491 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
15492 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
15493
15494 @table @code
15495 @kindex jump
15496 @item jump @var{linespec}
15497 @itemx jump @var{location}
15498 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
15499 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
15500 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
15501 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
15502 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
15503 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15504
15505 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
15506 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
15507 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
15508 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
15509 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
15510 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
15511 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
15512 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
15513 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
15514 @end table
15515
15516 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
15517 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
15518 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
15519 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
15520 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
15521 example,
15522
15523 @smallexample
15524 set $pc = 0x485
15525 @end smallexample
15526
15527 @noindent
15528 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
15529 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
15530 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
15531
15532 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
15533 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
15534 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
15535 detail.
15536
15537 @c @group
15538 @node Signaling
15539 @section Giving your Program a Signal
15540 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
15541
15542 @table @code
15543 @kindex signal
15544 @item signal @var{signal}
15545 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
15546 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
15547 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
15548 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
15549
15550 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
15551 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
15552 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
15553 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
15554 signal.
15555
15556 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
15557 after executing the command.
15558 @end table
15559 @c @end group
15560
15561 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
15562 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
15563 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
15564 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
15565 passes the signal directly to your program.
15566
15567
15568 @node Returning
15569 @section Returning from a Function
15570
15571 @table @code
15572 @cindex returning from a function
15573 @kindex return
15574 @item return
15575 @itemx return @var{expression}
15576 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
15577 command. If you give an
15578 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
15579 value.
15580 @end table
15581
15582 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
15583 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
15584 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
15585 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
15586
15587 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
15588 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
15589 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
15590 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
15591 of functions.
15592
15593 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
15594 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
15595 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
15596 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
15597 selected stack frame returns naturally.
15598
15599 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
15600 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
15601 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
15602 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
15603 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
15604 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
15605 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
15606 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
15607 assignment into the right register(s).
15608
15609 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
15610 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
15611 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
15612 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
15613 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
15614 into a @code{long long int}:
15615
15616 @smallexample
15617 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
15618 29 return 31;
15619 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
15620 Make func return now? (y or n) y
15621 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
15622 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
15623 (@value{GDBP})
15624 @end smallexample
15625
15626 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
15627 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
15628 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
15629 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
15630 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
15631 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
15632 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
15633 an appropriate cast explicitly:
15634
15635 @smallexample
15636 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
15637 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
15638 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
15639 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
15640 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
15641 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
15642 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
15643 (@value{GDBP})
15644 @end smallexample
15645
15646 @node Calling
15647 @section Calling Program Functions
15648
15649 @table @code
15650 @cindex calling functions
15651 @cindex inferior functions, calling
15652 @item print @var{expr}
15653 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
15654 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
15655 debugged.
15656
15657 @kindex call
15658 @item call @var{expr}
15659 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
15660 returned values.
15661
15662 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
15663 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
15664 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
15665 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
15666 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
15667 value history.
15668 @end table
15669
15670 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
15671 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
15672 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
15673 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
15674
15675 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
15676 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
15677 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
15678 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
15679 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
15680 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
15681 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
15682 in that case is controlled by the
15683 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
15684
15685 @table @code
15686 @item set unwindonsignal
15687 @kindex set unwindonsignal
15688 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
15689 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
15690 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
15691 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
15692 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
15693 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
15694 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
15695 received.
15696
15697 @item show unwindonsignal
15698 @kindex show unwindonsignal
15699 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
15700 @value{GDBN}.
15701
15702 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
15703 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
15704 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
15705 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
15706 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
15707 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
15708 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
15709 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
15710 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
15711 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
15712
15713 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
15714 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
15715 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
15716 @value{GDBN}.
15717
15718 @end table
15719
15720 @cindex weak alias functions
15721 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
15722 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
15723 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
15724 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
15725 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
15726 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
15727 function instead.
15728
15729 @node Patching
15730 @section Patching Programs
15731
15732 @cindex patching binaries
15733 @cindex writing into executables
15734 @cindex writing into corefiles
15735
15736 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
15737 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
15738 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
15739 patching your program's binary.
15740
15741 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
15742 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
15743 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
15744 repairs.
15745
15746 @table @code
15747 @kindex set write
15748 @item set write on
15749 @itemx set write off
15750 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
15751 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
15752 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
15753
15754 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
15755 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
15756 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
15757
15758 @item show write
15759 @kindex show write
15760 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
15761 as well as reading.
15762 @end table
15763
15764 @node GDB Files
15765 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
15766
15767 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
15768 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
15769 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
15770 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
15771
15772 @menu
15773 * Files:: Commands to specify files
15774 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
15775 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
15776 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
15777 * Data Files:: GDB data files
15778 @end menu
15779
15780 @node Files
15781 @section Commands to Specify Files
15782
15783 @cindex symbol table
15784 @cindex core dump file
15785
15786 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
15787 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
15788 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
15789 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
15790
15791 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
15792 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
15793 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
15794 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
15795 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
15796 new files are useful.
15797
15798 @table @code
15799 @cindex executable file
15800 @kindex file
15801 @item file @var{filename}
15802 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
15803 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
15804 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
15805 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
15806 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
15807 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
15808 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
15809 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
15810
15811 @cindex unlinked object files
15812 @cindex patching object files
15813 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
15814 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
15815 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
15816 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
15817 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
15818 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
15819 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
15820 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
15821
15822 @item file
15823 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
15824 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
15825
15826 @kindex exec-file
15827 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
15828 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
15829 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
15830 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
15831 discard information on the executable file.
15832
15833 @kindex symbol-file
15834 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
15835 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
15836 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
15837 table and program to run from the same file.
15838
15839 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
15840 program's symbol table.
15841
15842 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
15843 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
15844 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
15845 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
15846 @value{GDBN}.
15847
15848 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
15849 executing it once.
15850
15851 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
15852 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
15853 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
15854 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
15855 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
15856 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
15857 optimized code.
15858
15859 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
15860 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
15861 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
15862 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
15863 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
15864
15865 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
15866 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
15867 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
15868 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
15869 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
15870 Warnings and Messages}.)
15871
15872 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
15873 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
15874 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
15875 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
15876 in stabs format.
15877
15878 @kindex readnow
15879 @cindex reading symbols immediately
15880 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
15881 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
15882 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
15883 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
15884 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
15885 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
15886 entire symbol table available.
15887
15888 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
15889 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
15890 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
15891 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
15892 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
15893 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
15894 @c files.
15895
15896 @kindex core-file
15897 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
15898 @itemx core
15899 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
15900 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
15901 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
15902 executable file itself for other parts.
15903
15904 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
15905 to be used.
15906
15907 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
15908 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
15909 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
15910 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
15911 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
15912
15913 @kindex add-symbol-file
15914 @cindex dynamic linking
15915 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
15916 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
15917 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
15918 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
15919 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
15920 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
15921 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
15922 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
15923 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
15924 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
15925 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
15926 @var{address} as an expression.
15927
15928 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
15929 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
15930 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
15931 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
15932 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
15933
15934 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
15935 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
15936 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
15937 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
15938 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
15939 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
15940 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
15941 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
15942 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
15943
15944 @itemize @bullet
15945 @item
15946 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
15947 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
15948 @item
15949 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
15950 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
15951 @item
15952 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
15953 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
15954 @end itemize
15955
15956 @noindent
15957 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
15958 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
15959 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
15960 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
15961 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
15962 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
15963 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
15964 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
15965 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
15966 way.
15967
15968 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
15969
15970 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
15971 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
15972 @cindex load symbols from memory
15973 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
15974 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
15975 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
15976 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
15977 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
15978 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
15979 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
15980 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
15981 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
15982
15983 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
15984 @kindex assf
15985 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
15986 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
15987 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
15988 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
15989 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
15990 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
15991 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
15992 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
15993 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
15994 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
15995
15996 @kindex section
15997 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
15998 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
15999 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
16000 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
16001 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
16002 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
16003 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
16004 their addresses.
16005
16006 @kindex info files
16007 @kindex info target
16008 @item info files
16009 @itemx info target
16010 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
16011 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16012 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16013 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16014 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16015 current ones.
16016
16017 @kindex maint info sections
16018 @item maint info sections
16019 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16020 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16021 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16022 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16023 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16024 may be arbitrarily combined):
16025
16026 @table @code
16027 @item ALLOBJ
16028 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16029 @item @var{sections}
16030 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16031 @item @var{section-flags}
16032 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16033 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16034 @table @code
16035 @item ALLOC
16036 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16037 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16038 @item LOAD
16039 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16040 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16041 @item RELOC
16042 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16043 @item READONLY
16044 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16045 @item CODE
16046 Section contains executable code only.
16047 @item DATA
16048 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16049 @item ROM
16050 Section will reside in ROM.
16051 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16052 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16053 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16054 Section is not empty.
16055 @item NEVER_LOAD
16056 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16057 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16058 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16059 COFF shared library information.
16060 @item IS_COMMON
16061 Section contains common symbols.
16062 @end table
16063 @end table
16064 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16065 @cindex read-only sections
16066 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16067 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16068 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16069 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16070 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16071 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16072 enhancement to debugging performance.
16073
16074 The default is off.
16075
16076 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16077 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16078 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16079 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16080
16081 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16082 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16083 @end table
16084
16085 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16086 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16087 name and remembers it that way.
16088
16089 @cindex shared libraries
16090 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16091 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16092 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16093
16094 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16095 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16096
16097 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16098 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16099 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16100 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16101 debugging a core file).
16102
16103 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
16104 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
16105
16106 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
16107 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
16108 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
16109
16110 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
16111 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
16112 particularly large or there are many of them.
16113
16114 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
16115 commands:
16116
16117 @table @code
16118 @kindex set auto-solib-add
16119 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
16120 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
16121 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
16122 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
16123 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
16124 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
16125 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
16126
16127 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
16128 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
16129 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
16130 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
16131 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
16132 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
16133 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
16134 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
16135 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
16136
16137 @kindex show auto-solib-add
16138 @item show auto-solib-add
16139 Display the current autoloading mode.
16140 @end table
16141
16142 @cindex load shared library
16143 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
16144 command:
16145
16146 @table @code
16147 @kindex info sharedlibrary
16148 @kindex info share
16149 @item info share @var{regex}
16150 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16151 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
16152 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
16153 all shared libraries that are loaded.
16154
16155 @kindex sharedlibrary
16156 @kindex share
16157 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16158 @itemx share @var{regex}
16159 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
16160 Unix regular expression.
16161 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
16162 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
16163 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
16164 loaded.
16165
16166 @item nosharedlibrary
16167 @kindex nosharedlibrary
16168 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
16169 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
16170 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
16171 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
16172 discarded.
16173 @end table
16174
16175 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
16176 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
16177 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
16178 Catchpoints}).
16179
16180 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
16181 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
16182 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
16183 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
16184
16185 @table @code
16186 @item set stop-on-solib-events
16187 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
16188 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
16189 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
16190 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
16191 shared library.
16192
16193 @item show stop-on-solib-events
16194 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
16195 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
16196 library events happen.
16197 @end table
16198
16199 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
16200 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
16201 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
16202 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
16203 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
16204 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
16205 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
16206 not.
16207
16208 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
16209 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
16210 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
16211 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
16212 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
16213
16214 @table @code
16215 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
16216 @cindex system root, alternate
16217 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
16218 @kindex set sysroot
16219 @item set sysroot @var{path}
16220 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
16221 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
16222 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
16223 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
16224 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
16225 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
16226 under @var{path}.
16227
16228 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
16229 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
16230 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
16231 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
16232 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
16233 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
16234 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
16235 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
16236 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
16237
16238 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
16239 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
16240 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
16241 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
16242 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
16243
16244 @smallexample
16245 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
16246 @end smallexample
16247
16248 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
16249 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
16250 system:
16251
16252 @smallexample
16253 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
16254 @end smallexample
16255
16256 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
16257 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
16258 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
16259 colons:
16260
16261 @smallexample
16262 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
16263 @end smallexample
16264
16265 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
16266 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
16267 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
16268 @samp{z}):
16269
16270 @smallexample
16271 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
16272 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16273 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16274 @end smallexample
16275
16276 @noindent
16277 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
16278 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
16279 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
16280
16281 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
16282 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
16283
16284 @smallexample
16285 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
16286 @end smallexample
16287
16288 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
16289 if you don't want or need to.
16290
16291 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
16292 sysroot}.
16293
16294 @cindex default system root
16295 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
16296 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
16297 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
16298 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16299 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
16300 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16301 location.
16302
16303 @kindex show sysroot
16304 @item show sysroot
16305 Display the current shared library prefix.
16306
16307 @kindex set solib-search-path
16308 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
16309 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16310 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
16311 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
16312 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
16313 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
16314 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
16315 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
16316 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
16317 of shared library symbols.
16318
16319 @kindex show solib-search-path
16320 @item show solib-search-path
16321 Display the current shared library search path.
16322
16323 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
16324 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
16325 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
16326 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
16327 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
16328
16329 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
16330 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
16331 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
16332 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
16333 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
16334 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
16335 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
16336 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
16337 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
16338 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
16339 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
16340 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
16341 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
16342 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
16343 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
16344 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
16345 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
16346 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
16347 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
16348 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
16349 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
16350 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
16351
16352 @table @code
16353 @item unix
16354 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
16355 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
16356 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
16357 the forward slash.
16358
16359 @item dos-based
16360 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
16361 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
16362 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
16363 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
16364 considered directory separators.
16365
16366 @item auto
16367 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
16368 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
16369 This is the default.
16370 @end table
16371 @end table
16372
16373 @cindex file name canonicalization
16374 @cindex base name differences
16375 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
16376 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
16377 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
16378 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
16379 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
16380 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
16381 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
16382 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
16383 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
16384 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
16385 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
16386 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
16387 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
16388 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
16389 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
16390
16391 @table @code
16392 @item set basenames-may-differ
16393 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
16394 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16395
16396 @item show basenames-may-differ
16397 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
16398 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
16399 @end table
16400
16401 @node Separate Debug Files
16402 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
16403 @cindex separate debugging information files
16404 @cindex debugging information in separate files
16405 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
16406 @cindex debugging information directory, global
16407 @cindex global debugging information directories
16408 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
16409 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
16410
16411 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
16412 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
16413 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
16414 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
16415 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
16416 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
16417 install only when they need to debug a problem.
16418
16419 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
16420 file:
16421
16422 @itemize @bullet
16423 @item
16424 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
16425 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
16426 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
16427 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
16428 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
16429 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
16430 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
16431 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
16432
16433 @item
16434 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
16435 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
16436 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
16437 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
16438 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
16439 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
16440 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
16441 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
16442 below.
16443 @end itemize
16444
16445 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
16446 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
16447
16448 @itemize @bullet
16449 @item
16450 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
16451 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
16452 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
16453 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
16454 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
16455
16456 @item
16457 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
16458 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
16459 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
16460 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
16461 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
16462 hex characters, not 10.)
16463 @end itemize
16464
16465 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
16466 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
16467 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
16468 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
16469 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
16470 debug information files, in the indicated order:
16471
16472 @itemize @minus
16473 @item
16474 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
16475 @item
16476 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
16477 @item
16478 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
16479 @item
16480 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
16481 @end itemize
16482
16483 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
16484 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
16485 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
16486 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
16487 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
16488
16489 @table @code
16490
16491 @kindex set debug-file-directory
16492 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
16493 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16494 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
16495 concatenating them by a path separator.
16496
16497 @kindex show debug-file-directory
16498 @item show debug-file-directory
16499 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
16500 information files.
16501
16502 @end table
16503
16504 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
16505 @cindex debug link sections
16506 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
16507 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
16508
16509 @itemize
16510 @item
16511 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
16512 a zero byte,
16513 @item
16514 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
16515 boundary within the section, and
16516 @item
16517 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
16518 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
16519 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
16520 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
16521 @end itemize
16522
16523 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
16524 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
16525 described above.
16526
16527 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
16528 @cindex build ID sections
16529 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
16530 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
16531 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
16532 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
16533 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
16534 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
16535 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
16536 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
16537 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
16538
16539 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
16540 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
16541 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
16542 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
16543 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
16544 in an ordinary executable.
16545
16546 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
16547 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
16548 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
16549 following commands:
16550
16551 @smallexample
16552 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
16553 @kbd{strip -g foo}
16554 @end smallexample
16555
16556 @noindent
16557 These commands remove the debugging
16558 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
16559 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
16560 two files:
16561
16562 @itemize @bullet
16563 @item
16564 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
16565 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
16566
16567 @smallexample
16568 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
16569 @end smallexample
16570
16571 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
16572 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
16573 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
16574 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
16575
16576 @item
16577 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
16578 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
16579 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
16580 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
16581 @end itemize
16582
16583 @noindent
16584
16585 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
16586 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
16587 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
16588
16589 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
16590 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
16591 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
16592 @c different ways!
16593 @ifhtml
16594 @display
16595 @html
16596 <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>
16597 + <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
16598 @end html
16599 @end display
16600 @end ifhtml
16601 @ifnothtml
16602 @display
16603 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
16604 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
16605 @end display
16606 @end ifnothtml
16607
16608 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
16609 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
16610 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
16611 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
16612 CRC.
16613
16614 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
16615 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
16616 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
16617 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
16618 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
16619 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
16620
16621 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
16622 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
16623 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
16624 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
16625 @code{0xffffffff}.
16626
16627 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
16628 @smallexample
16629 unsigned long
16630 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
16631 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
16632 @{
16633 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
16634 @{
16635 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
16636 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
16637 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
16638 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
16639 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
16640 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
16641 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
16642 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
16643 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
16644 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
16645 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
16646 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
16647 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
16648 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
16649 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
16650 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
16651 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
16652 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
16653 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
16654 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
16655 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
16656 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
16657 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
16658 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
16659 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
16660 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
16661 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
16662 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
16663 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
16664 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
16665 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
16666 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
16667 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
16668 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
16669 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
16670 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
16671 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
16672 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
16673 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
16674 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
16675 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
16676 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
16677 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
16678 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
16679 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
16680 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
16681 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
16682 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
16683 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
16684 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
16685 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
16686 0x2d02ef8d
16687 @};
16688 unsigned char *end;
16689
16690 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
16691 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
16692 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
16693 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
16694 @}
16695 @end smallexample
16696
16697 @noindent
16698 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
16699
16700
16701 @node Index Files
16702 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
16703 @cindex index files
16704 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
16705
16706 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
16707 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
16708 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
16709 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
16710 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
16711 startup.
16712
16713 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
16714 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
16715 using @command{objcopy}.
16716
16717 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
16718
16719 @table @code
16720 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
16721 @kindex save gdb-index
16722 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
16723 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
16724 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
16725 @var{directory}.
16726 @end table
16727
16728 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
16729 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
16730
16731 @smallexample
16732 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
16733 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
16734 @end smallexample
16735
16736 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
16737 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
16738 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
16739 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
16740 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
16741 The default is @code{off}.
16742 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
16743 @xref{Index Section Format}.
16744
16745 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
16746 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
16747
16748 @smallexample
16749 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
16750 @end smallexample
16751
16752 Instead you must do, for example,
16753
16754 @smallexample
16755 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
16756 @end smallexample
16757
16758 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
16759 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
16760 currently work for programs using Ada.
16761
16762 @node Symbol Errors
16763 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
16764
16765 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
16766 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
16767 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
16768 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
16769 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
16770 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
16771 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
16772 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
16773 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
16774 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
16775 Messages}).
16776
16777 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
16778
16779 @table @code
16780 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
16781
16782 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
16783 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
16784 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
16785 in its outer scope blocks.
16786
16787 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
16788 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
16789 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
16790 function.
16791
16792 @item block at @var{address} out of order
16793
16794 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
16795 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
16796 do so.
16797
16798 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
16799 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
16800 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
16801 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
16802 Messages}.)
16803
16804 @item bad block start address patched
16805
16806 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
16807 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
16808 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
16809
16810 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
16811 starting on the previous source line.
16812
16813 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
16814
16815 @cindex foo
16816 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
16817 larger than the size of the string table.
16818
16819 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
16820 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
16821 with this name.
16822
16823 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
16824
16825 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
16826 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
16827 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
16828
16829 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
16830 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
16831 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
16832 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
16833 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
16834 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
16835
16836 @item stub type has NULL name
16837
16838 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
16839
16840 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
16841 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
16842 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
16843 it.
16844
16845 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
16846
16847 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
16848
16849 @end table
16850
16851 @node Data Files
16852 @section GDB Data Files
16853
16854 @cindex prefix for data files
16855 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
16856 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
16857
16858 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
16859 is currently using.
16860
16861 @table @code
16862 @kindex set data-directory
16863 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
16864 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
16865 to @var{directory}.
16866
16867 @kindex show data-directory
16868 @item show data-directory
16869 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
16870 @end table
16871
16872 @cindex default data directory
16873 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
16874 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
16875 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
16876 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16877 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
16878 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16879 location.
16880
16881 The data directory may also be specified with the
16882 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
16883 @xref{Mode Options}.
16884
16885 @node Targets
16886 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
16887
16888 @cindex debugging target
16889 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
16890
16891 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
16892 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
16893 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
16894 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
16895 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
16896 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
16897 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
16898 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
16899
16900 @cindex target architecture
16901 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
16902 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
16903 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
16904 command.
16905
16906 @table @code
16907 @kindex set architecture
16908 @kindex show architecture
16909 @item set architecture @var{arch}
16910 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
16911 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
16912 supported architectures.
16913
16914 @item show architecture
16915 Show the current target architecture.
16916
16917 @item set processor
16918 @itemx processor
16919 @kindex set processor
16920 @kindex show processor
16921 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
16922 and @code{show architecture}.
16923 @end table
16924
16925 @menu
16926 * Active Targets:: Active targets
16927 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
16928 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
16929 @end menu
16930
16931 @node Active Targets
16932 @section Active Targets
16933
16934 @cindex stacking targets
16935 @cindex active targets
16936 @cindex multiple targets
16937
16938 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
16939 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
16940 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
16941 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
16942 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
16943 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
16944 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
16945 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
16946 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
16947
16948 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
16949 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
16950 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
16951 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
16952
16953 @node Target Commands
16954 @section Commands for Managing Targets
16955
16956 @table @code
16957 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
16958 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
16959 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
16960 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
16961 protocol of the target machine.
16962
16963 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
16964 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
16965 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
16966
16967 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
16968 after executing the command.
16969
16970 @kindex help target
16971 @item help target
16972 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
16973 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
16974 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
16975
16976 @item help target @var{name}
16977 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
16978 select it.
16979
16980 @kindex set gnutarget
16981 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
16982 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
16983 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
16984 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
16985 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
16986 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
16987
16988 @quotation
16989 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
16990 you must know the actual BFD name.
16991 @end quotation
16992
16993 @noindent
16994 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
16995
16996 @kindex show gnutarget
16997 @item show gnutarget
16998 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
16999 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
17000 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
17001 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
17002 @end table
17003
17004 @cindex common targets
17005 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
17006 configuration):
17007
17008 @table @code
17009 @kindex target
17010 @item target exec @var{program}
17011 @cindex executable file target
17012 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
17013 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
17014
17015 @item target core @var{filename}
17016 @cindex core dump file target
17017 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
17018 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
17019
17020 @item target remote @var{medium}
17021 @cindex remote target
17022 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
17023 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
17024 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
17025
17026 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
17027 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
17028
17029 @smallexample
17030 target remote /dev/ttya
17031 @end smallexample
17032
17033 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17034 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17035 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17036 clobbered by the download.
17037
17038 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17039 @cindex built-in simulator target
17040 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17041 In general,
17042 @smallexample
17043 target sim
17044 load
17045 run
17046 @end smallexample
17047 @noindent
17048 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
17049 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
17050 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
17051 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
17052 Processors}.
17053
17054 @end table
17055
17056 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
17057
17058 @table @code
17059
17060 @item target nrom @var{dev}
17061 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
17062 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
17063
17064 @end table
17065
17066 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
17067 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
17068
17069 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
17070 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
17071 various aspects of this process.
17072
17073 @table @code
17074
17075 @item set hash
17076 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17077 @cindex hash mark while downloading
17078 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
17079 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
17080 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
17081 monitor.
17082
17083 @item show hash
17084 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17085 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
17086
17087 @item set debug monitor
17088 @kindex set debug monitor
17089 @cindex display remote monitor communications
17090 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
17091 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17092
17093 @item show debug monitor
17094 @kindex show debug monitor
17095 Show the current status of displaying communications between
17096 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17097 @end table
17098
17099 @table @code
17100
17101 @kindex load @var{filename}
17102 @item load @var{filename}
17103 @anchor{load}
17104 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
17105 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
17106 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
17107 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
17108 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
17109 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
17110
17111 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
17112 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
17113 target is @dots{}}''
17114
17115 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
17116 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
17117 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
17118 specifies a fixed address.
17119 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
17120
17121 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
17122 load programs into flash memory.
17123
17124 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
17125 @end table
17126
17127 @node Byte Order
17128 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
17129
17130 @cindex choosing target byte order
17131 @cindex target byte order
17132
17133 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
17134 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
17135 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
17136 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
17137 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
17138 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
17139
17140 @table @code
17141 @kindex set endian
17142 @item set endian big
17143 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
17144
17145 @item set endian little
17146 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
17147
17148 @item set endian auto
17149 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
17150 executable.
17151
17152 @item show endian
17153 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
17154
17155 @end table
17156
17157 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
17158 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
17159 target system.
17160
17161
17162 @node Remote Debugging
17163 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
17164 @cindex remote debugging
17165
17166 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
17167 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
17168 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
17169 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
17170 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
17171
17172 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
17173 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
17174 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
17175 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
17176 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
17177 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
17178
17179 Other remote targets may be available in your
17180 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
17181
17182 @menu
17183 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
17184 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
17185 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
17186 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
17187 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
17188 @end menu
17189
17190 @node Connecting
17191 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
17192
17193 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
17194 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
17195 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
17196 program as the first argument.
17197
17198 @cindex @code{target remote}
17199 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
17200 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
17201 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
17202 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
17203 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
17204 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
17205
17206 @table @code
17207
17208 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
17209 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
17210 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
17211 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
17212
17213 @smallexample
17214 target remote /dev/ttyb
17215 @end smallexample
17216
17217 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
17218 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
17219 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
17220 @code{target} command.
17221
17222 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
17223 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17224 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
17225 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
17226 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
17227 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
17228 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
17229 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
17230 target.
17231
17232 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
17233 @code{manyfarms}:
17234
17235 @smallexample
17236 target remote manyfarms:2828
17237 @end smallexample
17238
17239 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
17240 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
17241 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
17242 port 1234 on your local machine:
17243
17244 @smallexample
17245 target remote :1234
17246 @end smallexample
17247 @noindent
17248
17249 Note that the colon is still required here.
17250
17251 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17252 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
17253 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
17254 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
17255
17256 @smallexample
17257 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
17258 @end smallexample
17259
17260 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
17261 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
17262 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
17263 cause havoc with your debugging session.
17264
17265 @item target remote | @var{command}
17266 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
17267 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
17268 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
17269 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
17270 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
17271 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
17272 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
17273 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
17274
17275 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
17276 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
17277 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
17278
17279 @end table
17280
17281 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
17282 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
17283 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
17284 need to use @kbd{run}.
17285
17286 @cindex interrupting remote programs
17287 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
17288 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
17289 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
17290 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
17291 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
17292 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
17293
17294 @smallexample
17295 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
17296 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
17297 @end smallexample
17298
17299 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
17300 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
17301 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
17302 goes back to waiting.
17303
17304 @table @code
17305 @kindex detach (remote)
17306 @item detach
17307 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
17308 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
17309 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
17310 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
17311 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
17312
17313 @kindex disconnect
17314 @item disconnect
17315 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
17316 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
17317 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
17318 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
17319 another target.
17320
17321 @cindex send command to remote monitor
17322 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
17323 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
17324 @kindex monitor
17325 @item monitor @var{cmd}
17326 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
17327 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
17328 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
17329 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
17330 and implement.
17331 @end table
17332
17333 @node File Transfer
17334 @section Sending files to a remote system
17335 @cindex remote target, file transfer
17336 @cindex file transfer
17337 @cindex sending files to remote systems
17338
17339 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
17340 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
17341 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
17342 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
17343 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
17344 the only way to upload or download files.
17345
17346 Not all remote targets support these commands.
17347
17348 @table @code
17349 @kindex remote put
17350 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
17351 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
17352 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
17353
17354 @kindex remote get
17355 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
17356 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
17357 on the host system.
17358
17359 @kindex remote delete
17360 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
17361 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
17362
17363 @end table
17364
17365 @node Server
17366 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
17367
17368 @kindex gdbserver
17369 @cindex remote connection without stubs
17370 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
17371 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
17372 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
17373
17374 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
17375 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
17376 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
17377 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
17378 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
17379 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
17380 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
17381 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
17382 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
17383 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
17384 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
17385 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
17386 choice for debugging.
17387
17388 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
17389 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
17390 protocol.
17391
17392 @quotation
17393 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
17394 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
17395 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
17396 target system with the same privileges as the user running
17397 @code{gdbserver}.
17398 @end quotation
17399
17400 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
17401 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
17402 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
17403
17404 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
17405 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
17406 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
17407 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
17408 system does all the symbol handling.
17409
17410 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
17411 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
17412 syntax is:
17413
17414 @smallexample
17415 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
17416 @end smallexample
17417
17418 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
17419 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
17420 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
17421 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
17422 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
17423 @file{/dev/com1}:
17424
17425 @smallexample
17426 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
17427 @end smallexample
17428
17429 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
17430 with it.
17431
17432 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
17433
17434 @smallexample
17435 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
17436 @end smallexample
17437
17438 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
17439 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
17440 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
17441 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
17442 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
17443 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
17444 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
17445 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
17446 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
17447 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
17448 @code{target remote} command.
17449
17450 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
17451 with ssh:
17452
17453 @smallexample
17454 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
17455 @end smallexample
17456
17457 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
17458 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
17459 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
17460 You could elide it if you want to.
17461
17462 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
17463 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
17464 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
17465 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
17466
17467 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
17468 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
17469 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
17470
17471 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
17472 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
17473
17474 @smallexample
17475 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
17476 @end smallexample
17477
17478 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
17479 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
17480
17481 @pindex pidof
17482 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
17483 @code{pidof} utility:
17484
17485 @smallexample
17486 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
17487 @end smallexample
17488
17489 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
17490 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
17491 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
17492
17493 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
17494 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
17495 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
17496
17497 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
17498 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
17499 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
17500 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
17501
17502 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
17503 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
17504 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
17505 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
17506 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
17507 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
17508 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
17509 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
17510 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
17511
17512 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
17513 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
17514 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
17515 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
17516 the program you want to debug.
17517
17518 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
17519 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
17520 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
17521 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
17522 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
17523 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
17524
17525 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
17526
17527 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
17528
17529 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
17530 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
17531 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
17532 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
17533 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
17534 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
17535 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
17536 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
17537
17538 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
17539 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
17540 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
17541
17542 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
17543 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
17544 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
17545 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
17546 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
17547 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
17548 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
17549 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
17550 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
17551 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
17552 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
17553 instance closes its port after the first connection.
17554
17555 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
17556
17557 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17558 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
17559 status information about the debugging process.
17560 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
17561 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
17562 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
17563 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
17564
17565 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
17566 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
17567 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
17568 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
17569 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
17570
17571 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
17572 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
17573 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
17574 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
17575
17576 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
17577 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
17578 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
17579 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
17580
17581 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
17582 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
17583 environment:
17584
17585 @smallexample
17586 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
17587 @end smallexample
17588
17589 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
17590
17591 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
17592
17593 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
17594 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
17595 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
17596 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
17597
17598 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
17599 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
17600 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
17601 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
17602 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
17603 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
17604 programs.
17605
17606 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
17607 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
17608 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
17609 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
17610 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
17611 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
17612 already on the target.
17613
17614 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
17615 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
17616 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
17617
17618 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
17619 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
17620 Here are the available commands.
17621
17622 @table @code
17623 @item monitor help
17624 List the available monitor commands.
17625
17626 @item monitor set debug 0
17627 @itemx monitor set debug 1
17628 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
17629
17630 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
17631 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
17632 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
17633 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
17634
17635 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
17636 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
17637 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
17638 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
17639 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
17640 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
17641
17642 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
17643 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
17644
17645 @item monitor exit
17646 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
17647 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
17648 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
17649 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
17650 of a multi-process mode debug session.
17651
17652 @end table
17653
17654 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
17655 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
17656
17657 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
17658 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
17659
17660 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
17661 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
17662 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
17663 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
17664 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
17665 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
17666 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
17667 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
17668 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
17669 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
17670 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
17671 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
17672
17673 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
17674
17675 @table @code
17676 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
17677
17678 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
17679 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
17680 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
17681
17682 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
17683
17684 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
17685 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
17686 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
17687 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
17688 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
17689 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
17690
17691 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
17692
17693 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
17694 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
17695 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
17696 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
17697 command for that. For example:
17698
17699 @smallexample
17700 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
17701 @end smallexample
17702
17703 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
17704 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
17705 @end table
17706
17707 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
17708 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
17709 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
17710 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
17711 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
17712 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
17713 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
17714 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
17715 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
17716 @code{gdbserver} like so:
17717
17718 @smallexample
17719 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
17720 @end smallexample
17721
17722 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
17723
17724 @smallexample
17725 $ gdb myprogram
17726 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
17727 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
17728 (@value{GDBP}) b main
17729 (@value{GDBP}) continue
17730 @end smallexample
17731
17732 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
17733 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
17734 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
17735 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
17736 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
17737 tracing.
17738
17739 @node Remote Configuration
17740 @section Remote Configuration
17741
17742 @kindex set remote
17743 @kindex show remote
17744 This section documents the configuration options available when
17745 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
17746 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
17747 system-call-allowed}.
17748
17749 @table @code
17750 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
17751 @cindex address size for remote targets
17752 @cindex bits in remote address
17753 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
17754 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
17755 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
17756 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
17757
17758 @item show remoteaddresssize
17759 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
17760
17761 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
17762 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
17763 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
17764 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
17765 remote targets.
17766
17767 @item show remotebaud
17768 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
17769
17770 @item set remotebreak
17771 @cindex interrupt remote programs
17772 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
17773 @anchor{set remotebreak}
17774 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
17775 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
17776 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
17777 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
17778 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
17779
17780 @item show remotebreak
17781 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
17782 interrupt the remote program.
17783
17784 @item set remoteflow on
17785 @itemx set remoteflow off
17786 @kindex set remoteflow
17787 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
17788 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
17789
17790 @item show remoteflow
17791 @kindex show remoteflow
17792 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
17793
17794 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
17795 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
17796 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
17797 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
17798 @code{ascii}.
17799
17800 @item show remotelogbase
17801 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
17802 protocol.
17803
17804 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
17805 @cindex record serial communications on file
17806 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
17807 default is not to record at all.
17808
17809 @item show remotelogfile.
17810 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
17811 serial communications.
17812
17813 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
17814 @cindex timeout for serial communications
17815 @cindex remote timeout
17816 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
17817 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
17818
17819 @item show remotetimeout
17820 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
17821 responses.
17822
17823 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
17824 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
17825 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
17826 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
17827 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
17828 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
17829 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
17830 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
17831
17832 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
17833 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
17834 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
17835 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
17836 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
17837 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
17838 as unlimited.
17839
17840 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
17841 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
17842 a remote hardware watchpoint.
17843
17844 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
17845 @itemx show remote exec-file
17846 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
17847 @cindex executable file, for remote target
17848 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
17849 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
17850 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
17851 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
17852
17853 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
17854 @cindex interrupt remote programs
17855 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
17856 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
17857 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
17858 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
17859 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
17860 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
17861 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
17862 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
17863
17864 @item show interrupt-sequence
17865 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
17866 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
17867 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
17868 also known as Magic SysRq g.
17869
17870 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
17871 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
17872 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
17873 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
17874 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
17875 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
17876
17877 @item show interrupt-on-connect
17878 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
17879 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
17880
17881 @kindex set tcp
17882 @kindex show tcp
17883 @item set tcp auto-retry on
17884 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
17885 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
17886 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
17887 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
17888 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
17889 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
17890 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
17891 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
17892
17893 @item set tcp auto-retry off
17894 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
17895
17896 @item show tcp auto-retry
17897 Show the current auto-retry setting.
17898
17899 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
17900 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
17901 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
17902 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
17903 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
17904 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
17905 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
17906 value.
17907
17908 @item show tcp connect-timeout
17909 Show the current connection timeout setting.
17910 @end table
17911
17912 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
17913 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
17914 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
17915 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
17916 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
17917 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
17918 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
17919 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
17920 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
17921
17922 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
17923 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
17924 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
17925 @value{GDBN} developers.
17926
17927 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
17928 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
17929 are:
17930
17931 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
17932 @item Command Name
17933 @tab Remote Packet
17934 @tab Related Features
17935
17936 @item @code{fetch-register}
17937 @tab @code{p}
17938 @tab @code{info registers}
17939
17940 @item @code{set-register}
17941 @tab @code{P}
17942 @tab @code{set}
17943
17944 @item @code{binary-download}
17945 @tab @code{X}
17946 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
17947
17948 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
17949 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
17950 @tab @code{info auxv}
17951
17952 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
17953 @tab @code{qSymbol}
17954 @tab Detecting multiple threads
17955
17956 @item @code{attach}
17957 @tab @code{vAttach}
17958 @tab @code{attach}
17959
17960 @item @code{verbose-resume}
17961 @tab @code{vCont}
17962 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
17963
17964 @item @code{run}
17965 @tab @code{vRun}
17966 @tab @code{run}
17967
17968 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
17969 @tab @code{Z0}
17970 @tab @code{break}
17971
17972 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
17973 @tab @code{Z1}
17974 @tab @code{hbreak}
17975
17976 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
17977 @tab @code{Z2}
17978 @tab @code{watch}
17979
17980 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
17981 @tab @code{Z3}
17982 @tab @code{rwatch}
17983
17984 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
17985 @tab @code{Z4}
17986 @tab @code{awatch}
17987
17988 @item @code{target-features}
17989 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
17990 @tab @code{set architecture}
17991
17992 @item @code{library-info}
17993 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
17994 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
17995
17996 @item @code{memory-map}
17997 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
17998 @tab @code{info mem}
17999
18000 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
18001 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
18002 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
18003
18004 @item @code{read-spu-object}
18005 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
18006 @tab @code{info spu}
18007
18008 @item @code{write-spu-object}
18009 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
18010 @tab @code{info spu}
18011
18012 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
18013 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
18014 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
18015
18016 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
18017 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
18018 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
18019
18020 @item @code{threads}
18021 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
18022 @tab @code{info threads}
18023
18024 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
18025 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
18026 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
18027
18028 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
18029 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
18030 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
18031
18032 @item @code{search-memory}
18033 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18034 @tab @code{find}
18035
18036 @item @code{supported-packets}
18037 @tab @code{qSupported}
18038 @tab Remote communications parameters
18039
18040 @item @code{pass-signals}
18041 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18042 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18043
18044 @item @code{program-signals}
18045 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18046 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18047
18048 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18049 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18050 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18051
18052 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18053 @tab @code{vFile:open}
18054 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18055
18056 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
18057 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
18058 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18059
18060 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
18061 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
18062 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18063
18064 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
18065 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
18066 @tab @code{remote delete}
18067
18068 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
18069 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
18070 @tab Host I/O
18071
18072 @item @code{noack-packet}
18073 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
18074 @tab Packet acknowledgment
18075
18076 @item @code{osdata}
18077 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
18078 @tab @code{info os}
18079
18080 @item @code{query-attached}
18081 @tab @code{qAttached}
18082 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
18083
18084 @item @code{traceframe-info}
18085 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
18086 @tab Traceframe info
18087
18088 @item @code{install-in-trace}
18089 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
18090 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
18091
18092 @item @code{disable-randomization}
18093 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
18094 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
18095
18096 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
18097 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
18098 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
18099 @end multitable
18100
18101 @node Remote Stub
18102 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
18103
18104 @cindex debugging stub, example
18105 @cindex remote stub, example
18106 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
18107 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
18108 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
18109 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
18110 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
18111 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
18112 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
18113 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
18114
18115 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
18116 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
18117 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
18118 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
18119 program, you need:
18120
18121 @enumerate
18122 @item
18123 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
18124 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
18125 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
18126
18127 @item
18128 A C subroutine library to support your program's
18129 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
18130
18131 @item
18132 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
18133 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
18134 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
18135 documentation.
18136 @end enumerate
18137
18138 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
18139 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
18140 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
18141
18142 @table @emph
18143 @item On the host,
18144 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
18145 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
18146 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18147
18148 @item On the target,
18149 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
18150 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
18151 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
18152
18153 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
18154 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
18155 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
18156 @end table
18157
18158 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
18159 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
18160 @sc{sparc} boards.
18161
18162 @cindex remote serial stub list
18163 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
18164
18165 @table @code
18166
18167 @item i386-stub.c
18168 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
18169 @cindex Intel
18170 @cindex i386
18171 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
18172
18173 @item m68k-stub.c
18174 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
18175 @cindex Motorola 680x0
18176 @cindex m680x0
18177 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
18178
18179 @item sh-stub.c
18180 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
18181 @cindex Renesas
18182 @cindex SH
18183 For Renesas SH architectures.
18184
18185 @item sparc-stub.c
18186 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
18187 @cindex Sparc
18188 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
18189
18190 @item sparcl-stub.c
18191 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
18192 @cindex Fujitsu
18193 @cindex SparcLite
18194 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
18195
18196 @end table
18197
18198 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
18199 recently added stubs.
18200
18201 @menu
18202 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
18203 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
18204 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
18205 @end menu
18206
18207 @node Stub Contents
18208 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
18209
18210 @cindex remote serial stub
18211 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
18212 subroutines:
18213
18214 @table @code
18215 @item set_debug_traps
18216 @findex set_debug_traps
18217 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
18218 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
18219 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
18220 program's startup code.
18221
18222 @item handle_exception
18223 @findex handle_exception
18224 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
18225 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
18226 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
18227 run when a trap is triggered.
18228
18229 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
18230 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
18231 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
18232 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
18233 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
18234 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
18235 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
18236 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
18237 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
18238 machine.
18239
18240 @item breakpoint
18241 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
18242 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
18243 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
18244 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
18245 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
18246 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
18247 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
18248 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
18249 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
18250 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
18251 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
18252
18253 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
18254 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
18255 start of your debugging session.
18256 @end table
18257
18258 @node Bootstrapping
18259 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
18260
18261 @cindex remote stub, support routines
18262 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
18263 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
18264 debugging target machine.
18265
18266 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
18267 serial port.
18268
18269 @table @code
18270 @item int getDebugChar()
18271 @findex getDebugChar
18272 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
18273 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
18274 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18275
18276 @item void putDebugChar(int)
18277 @findex putDebugChar
18278 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
18279 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
18280 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
18281 @end table
18282
18283 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
18284 @cindex interrupting remote targets
18285 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
18286 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
18287 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
18288 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
18289 remote system to stop.
18290
18291 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
18292 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
18293 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
18294 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
18295
18296 Other routines you need to supply are:
18297
18298 @table @code
18299 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
18300 @findex exceptionHandler
18301 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
18302 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
18303 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
18304 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
18305 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
18306 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
18307 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
18308 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
18309 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
18310 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
18311 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
18312 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
18313 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
18314
18315 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
18316 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
18317 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
18318 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
18319 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
18320
18321 @item void flush_i_cache()
18322 @findex flush_i_cache
18323 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
18324 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
18325 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
18326
18327 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
18328 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
18329 @end table
18330
18331 @noindent
18332 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
18333
18334 @table @code
18335 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
18336 @findex memset
18337 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
18338 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
18339 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
18340 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
18341 @end table
18342
18343 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
18344 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
18345 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
18346 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
18347
18348
18349 @node Debug Session
18350 @subsection Putting it All Together
18351
18352 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
18353 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
18354 steps.
18355
18356 @enumerate
18357 @item
18358 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
18359 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
18360 @display
18361 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
18362 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
18363 @end display
18364
18365 @item
18366 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
18367 procedure is called:
18368
18369 @smallexample
18370 set_debug_traps();
18371 breakpoint();
18372 @end smallexample
18373
18374 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
18375 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
18376 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
18377 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
18378 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
18379 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
18380 progress.
18381
18382 @item
18383 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
18384 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
18385
18386 @smallexample
18387 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
18388 @end smallexample
18389
18390 @noindent
18391 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
18392 function in your program, that function is called when
18393 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
18394 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
18395 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
18396
18397 @item
18398 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
18399 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
18400
18401 @item
18402 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
18403 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
18404
18405 @item
18406 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
18407 @c document that. FIXME.
18408 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
18409 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
18410
18411 @item
18412 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
18413 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18414
18415 @end enumerate
18416
18417 @node Configurations
18418 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
18419
18420 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
18421 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
18422 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
18423
18424 There are three major categories of configurations: native
18425 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
18426 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
18427 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
18428 are quite different from each other.
18429
18430 @menu
18431 * Native::
18432 * Embedded OS::
18433 * Embedded Processors::
18434 * Architectures::
18435 @end menu
18436
18437 @node Native
18438 @section Native
18439
18440 This section describes details specific to particular native
18441 configurations.
18442
18443 @menu
18444 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
18445 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
18446 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
18447 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
18448 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
18449 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
18450 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
18451 @end menu
18452
18453 @node HP-UX
18454 @subsection HP-UX
18455
18456 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
18457 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
18458 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
18459
18460
18461 @node BSD libkvm Interface
18462 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
18463
18464 @cindex libkvm
18465 @cindex kernel memory image
18466 @cindex kernel crash dump
18467
18468 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
18469 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
18470 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
18471 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
18472 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
18473 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
18474 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
18475 @code{kvm} target:
18476
18477 @smallexample
18478 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
18479 @end smallexample
18480
18481 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
18482 argument:
18483
18484 @smallexample
18485 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
18486 @end smallexample
18487
18488 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
18489 available:
18490
18491 @table @code
18492 @kindex kvm
18493 @item kvm pcb
18494 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
18495
18496 @item kvm proc
18497 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
18498 modern FreeBSD systems.
18499 @end table
18500
18501 @node SVR4 Process Information
18502 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
18503 @cindex /proc
18504 @cindex examine process image
18505 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
18506
18507 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
18508 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
18509 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
18510 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
18511 proc} is available to report information about the process running
18512 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
18513 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
18514 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
18515 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
18516
18517 @table @code
18518 @kindex info proc
18519 @cindex process ID
18520 @item info proc
18521 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
18522 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
18523 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
18524 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
18525 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
18526 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
18527 executable file's absolute file name.
18528
18529 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
18530 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
18531 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
18532 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
18533 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
18534 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
18535
18536 @item info proc mappings
18537 @cindex memory address space mappings
18538 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
18539 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
18540 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
18541 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
18542 memory access rights to that range.
18543
18544 @item info proc stat
18545 @itemx info proc status
18546 @cindex process detailed status information
18547 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
18548 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
18549 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
18550 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
18551 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
18552 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
18553 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
18554
18555 @item info proc all
18556 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
18557 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
18558
18559 @ignore
18560 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
18561 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
18562 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
18563 @kindex info proc times
18564 @item info proc times
18565 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
18566 its children.
18567
18568 @kindex info proc id
18569 @item info proc id
18570 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
18571 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
18572 @end ignore
18573
18574 @item set procfs-trace
18575 @kindex set procfs-trace
18576 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
18577 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
18578
18579 @item show procfs-trace
18580 @kindex show procfs-trace
18581 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
18582
18583 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
18584 @kindex set procfs-file
18585 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
18586 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
18587 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
18588 standard output.
18589
18590 @item show procfs-file
18591 @kindex show procfs-file
18592 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
18593
18594 @item proc-trace-entry
18595 @itemx proc-trace-exit
18596 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
18597 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
18598 @kindex proc-trace-entry
18599 @kindex proc-trace-exit
18600 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
18601 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
18602 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
18603 from the @code{syscall} interface.
18604
18605 @item info pidlist
18606 @kindex info pidlist
18607 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
18608 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
18609 processes and all the threads within each process.
18610
18611 @item info meminfo
18612 @kindex info meminfo
18613 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
18614 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
18615 @end table
18616
18617 @node DJGPP Native
18618 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
18619 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
18620 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
18621 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
18622
18623 @cindex DPMI
18624 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
18625 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
18626 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
18627 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
18628
18629 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
18630 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
18631 subsection describes those commands.
18632
18633 @table @code
18634 @kindex info dos
18635 @item info dos
18636 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
18637 information about the target system and important OS structures.
18638
18639 @kindex sysinfo
18640 @cindex MS-DOS system info
18641 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
18642 @item info dos sysinfo
18643 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
18644 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
18645 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
18646
18647 @cindex GDT
18648 @cindex LDT
18649 @cindex IDT
18650 @cindex segment descriptor tables
18651 @cindex descriptor tables display
18652 @item info dos gdt
18653 @itemx info dos ldt
18654 @itemx info dos idt
18655 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
18656 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
18657 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
18658 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
18659 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
18660 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
18661 rights.
18662
18663 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
18664 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
18665 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
18666 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
18667 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
18668
18669 @cindex garbled pointers
18670 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
18671 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
18672 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
18673 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
18674 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
18675 debugged program's data segment:
18676
18677 @smallexample
18678 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
18679 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
18680 @end smallexample
18681
18682 @noindent
18683 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
18684 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
18685
18686 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
18687 @item info dos pde
18688 @itemx info dos pte
18689 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
18690 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
18691 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
18692 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
18693 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
18694 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
18695 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
18696 that is currently in use.
18697
18698 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
18699 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
18700 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
18701 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
18702 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
18703 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
18704 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
18705
18706 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
18707 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
18708 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
18709 controller.
18710
18711 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
18712
18713 @cindex physical address from linear address
18714 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
18715 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
18716 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
18717 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
18718 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
18719 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
18720 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
18721
18722 @smallexample
18723 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
18724 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
18725 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
18726 @end smallexample
18727
18728 @noindent
18729 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
18730 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
18731 attributes of that page.
18732
18733 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
18734 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
18735 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
18736 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
18737 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
18738 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
18739
18740 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
18741 transfer buffer:
18742
18743 @smallexample
18744 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
18745 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
18746 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
18747 @end smallexample
18748
18749 @noindent
18750 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
18751 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
18752 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
18753 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
18754 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
18755
18756 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
18757 @end table
18758
18759 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
18760 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
18761 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
18762 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
18763
18764 @table @code
18765 @kindex set com1base
18766 @kindex set com1irq
18767 @kindex set com2base
18768 @kindex set com2irq
18769 @kindex set com3base
18770 @kindex set com3irq
18771 @kindex set com4base
18772 @kindex set com4irq
18773 @item set com1base @var{addr}
18774 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
18775 port.
18776
18777 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
18778 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
18779 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
18780
18781 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
18782 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
18783 other 3 COM ports.
18784
18785 @kindex show com1base
18786 @kindex show com1irq
18787 @kindex show com2base
18788 @kindex show com2irq
18789 @kindex show com3base
18790 @kindex show com3irq
18791 @kindex show com4base
18792 @kindex show com4irq
18793 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
18794 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
18795 lines used by the COM ports.
18796
18797 @item info serial
18798 @kindex info serial
18799 @cindex DOS serial port status
18800 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
18801 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
18802 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
18803 counts of various errors encountered so far.
18804 @end table
18805
18806
18807 @node Cygwin Native
18808 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
18809 @cindex MS Windows debugging
18810 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
18811 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
18812
18813 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
18814 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
18815
18816 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
18817 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
18818 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
18819 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
18820 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
18821 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
18822 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
18823 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
18824
18825 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
18826 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
18827 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
18828
18829 @table @code
18830 @kindex info w32
18831 @item info w32
18832 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
18833 information about the target system and important OS structures.
18834
18835 @item info w32 selector
18836 This command displays information returned by
18837 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
18838 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
18839 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
18840 Without argument, this command displays information
18841 about the six segment registers.
18842
18843 @item info w32 thread-information-block
18844 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
18845 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
18846 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
18847
18848 @kindex info dll
18849 @item info dll
18850 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
18851
18852 @kindex dll-symbols
18853 @item dll-symbols
18854 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
18855 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
18856
18857 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
18858 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
18859 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
18860 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
18861 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
18862 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
18863 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
18864 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
18865 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
18866 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
18867 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
18868
18869 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
18870 @item show cygwin-exceptions
18871 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
18872 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
18873
18874 @kindex set new-console
18875 @item set new-console @var{mode}
18876 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
18877 be started in a new console on next start.
18878 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
18879 be started in the same console as the debugger.
18880
18881 @kindex show new-console
18882 @item show new-console
18883 Displays whether a new console is used
18884 when the debuggee is started.
18885
18886 @kindex set new-group
18887 @item set new-group @var{mode}
18888 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
18889 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
18890 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
18891 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
18892
18893 @kindex show new-group
18894 @item show new-group
18895 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
18896
18897 @kindex set debugevents
18898 @item set debugevents
18899 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
18900 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
18901 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
18902 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
18903 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
18904
18905 @kindex set debugexec
18906 @item set debugexec
18907 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
18908 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
18909
18910 @kindex set debugexceptions
18911 @item set debugexceptions
18912 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
18913 debuggee seen by the debugger.
18914
18915 @kindex set debugmemory
18916 @item set debugmemory
18917 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
18918 and writes by the debugger.
18919
18920 @kindex set shell
18921 @item set shell
18922 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
18923 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
18924
18925 @kindex show shell
18926 @item show shell
18927 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
18928
18929 @end table
18930
18931 @menu
18932 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
18933 @end menu
18934
18935 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
18936 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
18937 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
18938 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
18939
18940 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
18941 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
18942 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
18943 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
18944 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
18945 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
18946 ``minimal symbols''.
18947
18948 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
18949 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
18950 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
18951 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
18952 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
18953 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
18954 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
18955 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
18956 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
18957 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
18958
18959 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
18960
18961 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
18962 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
18963 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
18964 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
18965 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
18966 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
18967 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
18968 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
18969 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
18970
18971 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
18972 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
18973 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
18974 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
18975 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
18976 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
18977
18978 @smallexample
18979 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
18980 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
18981
18982 Non-debugging symbols:
18983 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
18984 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
18985 @end smallexample
18986
18987 @smallexample
18988 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
18989 All functions matching regular expression "!":
18990
18991 Non-debugging symbols:
18992 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
18993 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
18994 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
18995 [etc...]
18996 @end smallexample
18997
18998 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
18999
19000 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
19001 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
19002 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
19003 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
19004 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
19005 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
19006 a function within a DLL without a running program.
19007
19008 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
19009 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
19010 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
19011 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
19012 problem:
19013
19014 @smallexample
19015 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
19016 $1 = 268572168
19017 @end smallexample
19018
19019 @smallexample
19020 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
19021 0x10021610: "\230y\""
19022 @end smallexample
19023
19024 And two possible solutions:
19025
19026 @smallexample
19027 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
19028 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19029 @end smallexample
19030
19031 @smallexample
19032 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
19033 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
19034 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
19035 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
19036 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
19037 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19038 @end smallexample
19039
19040 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
19041 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
19042 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
19043 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
19044 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
19045
19046 @smallexample
19047 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
19048 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
19049 @end smallexample
19050
19051 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
19052 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
19053 safe.
19054
19055 @node Hurd Native
19056 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
19057 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
19058
19059 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
19060 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
19061
19062 @table @code
19063 @item set signals
19064 @itemx set sigs
19065 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
19066 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19067 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
19068 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
19069 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
19070 @code{signals}.
19071
19072 @item show signals
19073 @itemx show sigs
19074 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
19075 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19076 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
19077
19078 @item set signal-thread
19079 @itemx set sigthread
19080 @kindex set signal-thread
19081 @kindex set sigthread
19082 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
19083 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
19084 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
19085 signal-thread}.
19086
19087 @item show signal-thread
19088 @itemx show sigthread
19089 @kindex show signal-thread
19090 @kindex show sigthread
19091 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
19092 delivered a signal.
19093
19094 @item set stopped
19095 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19096 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
19097 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
19098 continued by delivering a signal to it.
19099
19100 @item show stopped
19101 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19102 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
19103 stopped.
19104
19105 @item set exceptions
19106 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19107 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
19108 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
19109 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
19110 trapping on.
19111
19112 @item show exceptions
19113 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19114 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
19115
19116 @item set task pause
19117 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
19118 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19119 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19120 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
19121 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
19122 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
19123 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
19124 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
19125 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
19126
19127 @item show task pause
19128 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
19129 Show the current state of task suspension.
19130
19131 @item set task detach-suspend-count
19132 @cindex task suspend count
19133 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19134 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
19135 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
19136
19137 @item show task detach-suspend-count
19138 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
19139
19140 @item set task exception-port
19141 @itemx set task excp
19142 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19143 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
19144 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
19145 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
19146
19147 @item set noninvasive
19148 @cindex noninvasive task options
19149 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
19150 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
19151 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
19152 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
19153
19154 @item info send-rights
19155 @itemx info receive-rights
19156 @itemx info port-rights
19157 @itemx info port-sets
19158 @itemx info dead-names
19159 @itemx info ports
19160 @itemx info psets
19161 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19162 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19163 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19164 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19165 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19166 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
19167 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
19168 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
19169 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
19170
19171 @item set thread pause
19172 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
19173 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19174 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19175 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
19176 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
19177 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
19178 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
19179 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
19180 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
19181 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
19182 only the current thread.
19183
19184 @item show thread pause
19185 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
19186 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
19187
19188 @item set thread run
19189 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19190
19191 @item show thread run
19192 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19193
19194 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
19195 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19196 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19197 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
19198 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
19199 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
19200 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
19201
19202 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
19203 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
19204 detaching.
19205
19206 @item set thread exception-port
19207 @itemx set thread excp
19208 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
19209 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
19210 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
19211
19212 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
19213 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
19214 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
19215 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
19216
19217 @item set thread default
19218 @itemx show thread default
19219 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19220 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
19221 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
19222 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
19223 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
19224 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
19225 the non-default commands.
19226 @end table
19227
19228 @node Darwin
19229 @subsection Darwin
19230 @cindex Darwin
19231
19232 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
19233
19234 @table @code
19235 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
19236 @kindex set debug darwin
19237 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
19238 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
19239
19240 @item show debug darwin
19241 @kindex show debug darwin
19242 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
19243
19244 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
19245 @kindex set debug mach-o
19246 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
19247 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
19248 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
19249 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
19250 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
19251 usage.
19252
19253 @item show debug mach-o
19254 @kindex show debug mach-o
19255 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
19256
19257 @item set mach-exceptions on
19258 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
19259 @kindex set mach-exceptions
19260 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
19261 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
19262 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
19263 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
19264
19265 @item show mach-exceptions
19266 @kindex show mach-exceptions
19267 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
19268 @end table
19269
19270
19271 @node Embedded OS
19272 @section Embedded Operating Systems
19273
19274 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
19275 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
19276 architectures.
19277
19278 @menu
19279 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19280 @end menu
19281
19282 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
19283 various real-time operating systems.
19284
19285 @node VxWorks
19286 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
19287
19288 @cindex VxWorks
19289
19290 @table @code
19291
19292 @kindex target vxworks
19293 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
19294 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
19295 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
19296
19297 @end table
19298
19299 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
19300 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
19301
19302 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
19303 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
19304 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
19305 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
19306 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
19307 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
19308 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
19309
19310 @table @code
19311 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
19312 @kindex vxworks-timeout
19313 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
19314 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
19315 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
19316 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
19317 of a thin network line.
19318 @end table
19319
19320 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
19321 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
19322 procedures.
19323
19324 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
19325 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
19326 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
19327 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
19328 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
19329 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
19330 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
19331 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
19332 manual.
19333 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
19334
19335 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
19336 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
19337 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
19338 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
19339
19340 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
19341
19342 @smallexample
19343 (vxgdb)
19344 @end smallexample
19345
19346 @menu
19347 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
19348 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
19349 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
19350 @end menu
19351
19352 @node VxWorks Connection
19353 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
19354
19355 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
19356 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
19357
19358 @smallexample
19359 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
19360 @end smallexample
19361
19362 @need 750
19363 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
19364
19365 @smallexample
19366 Attaching remote machine across net...
19367 Connected to tt.
19368 @end smallexample
19369
19370 @need 1000
19371 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
19372 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
19373 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
19374 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
19375 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
19376
19377 @smallexample
19378 prog.o: No such file or directory.
19379 @end smallexample
19380
19381 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
19382 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
19383 command again.
19384
19385 @node VxWorks Download
19386 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
19387
19388 @cindex download to VxWorks
19389 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
19390 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
19391 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
19392 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
19393 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
19394 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
19395 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
19396 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
19397 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
19398 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
19399 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
19400 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
19401 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
19402 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
19403 program, type this on VxWorks:
19404
19405 @smallexample
19406 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
19407 @end smallexample
19408
19409 @noindent
19410 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
19411
19412 @smallexample
19413 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
19414 (vxgdb) load prog.o
19415 @end smallexample
19416
19417 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
19418
19419 @smallexample
19420 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
19421 @end smallexample
19422
19423 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
19424 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
19425 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
19426 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
19427 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
19428 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
19429 table.)
19430
19431 @node VxWorks Attach
19432 @subsubsection Running Tasks
19433
19434 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
19435 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
19436 follows:
19437
19438 @smallexample
19439 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
19440 @end smallexample
19441
19442 @noindent
19443 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
19444 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
19445 the time of attachment.
19446
19447 @node Embedded Processors
19448 @section Embedded Processors
19449
19450 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
19451 configurations.
19452
19453 @cindex send command to simulator
19454 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
19455 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
19456
19457 @table @code
19458 @item sim @var{command}
19459 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
19460 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
19461 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
19462 acceptable commands.
19463 @end table
19464
19465
19466 @menu
19467 * ARM:: ARM RDI
19468 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
19469 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
19470 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
19471 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
19472 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
19473 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
19474 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
19475 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
19476 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
19477 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
19478 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
19479 * CRIS:: CRIS
19480 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
19481 @end menu
19482
19483 @node ARM
19484 @subsection ARM
19485 @cindex ARM RDI
19486
19487 @table @code
19488 @kindex target rdi
19489 @item target rdi @var{dev}
19490 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
19491 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
19492 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
19493
19494 @kindex target rdp
19495 @item target rdp @var{dev}
19496 ARM Demon monitor.
19497
19498 @end table
19499
19500 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
19501
19502 @table @code
19503 @item set arm disassembler
19504 @kindex set arm
19505 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
19506 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
19507
19508 @item show arm disassembler
19509 @kindex show arm
19510 Show the current disassembly style.
19511
19512 @item set arm apcs32
19513 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
19514 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
19515
19516 @item show arm apcs32
19517 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
19518
19519 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
19520 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
19521 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
19522
19523 @table @code
19524 @item auto
19525 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
19526 @item softfpa
19527 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
19528 processors.
19529 @item fpa
19530 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
19531 @item softvfp
19532 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
19533 @item vfp
19534 VFP co-processor.
19535 @end table
19536
19537 @item show arm fpu
19538 Show the current type of the FPU.
19539
19540 @item set arm abi
19541 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
19542
19543 @item show arm abi
19544 Show the currently used ABI.
19545
19546 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
19547 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
19548 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
19549 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
19550 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
19551 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
19552 register).
19553
19554 @item show arm fallback-mode
19555 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
19556
19557 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
19558 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
19559 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
19560 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
19561 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
19562
19563 @item show arm force-mode
19564 Show the current forced instruction mode.
19565
19566 @item set debug arm
19567 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
19568 target support subsystem.
19569
19570 @item show debug arm
19571 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
19572 @end table
19573
19574 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
19575 using the RDI interface:
19576
19577 @table @code
19578 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19579 @kindex rdilogfile
19580 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
19581 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
19582 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
19583 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
19584 @file{rdi.log}.
19585
19586 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
19587 @kindex rdilogenable
19588 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
19589 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
19590 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
19591 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
19592 are logged to a file.
19593
19594 @item set rdiromatzero
19595 @kindex set rdiromatzero
19596 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
19597 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
19598 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
19599 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
19600 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
19601
19602 @item show rdiromatzero
19603 @kindex show rdiromatzero
19604 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
19605
19606 @item set rdiheartbeat
19607 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
19608 @cindex RDI heartbeat
19609 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
19610 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
19611 well as the Angel monitor.
19612
19613 @item show rdiheartbeat
19614 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
19615 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
19616 @end table
19617
19618 @table @code
19619 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19620 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
19621
19622 @table @code
19623 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
19624 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
19625 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
19626 The default value is @code{all}.
19627
19628 @table @code
19629 @item none
19630 @item demon
19631 @item angel
19632 @item redboot
19633 @item all
19634 @end table
19635 @end table
19636 @end table
19637
19638 @node M32R/D
19639 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
19640
19641 @table @code
19642 @kindex target m32r
19643 @item target m32r @var{dev}
19644 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
19645
19646 @kindex target m32rsdi
19647 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
19648 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
19649 @end table
19650
19651 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
19652
19653 @table @code
19654 @item set download-path @var{path}
19655 @kindex set download-path
19656 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
19657 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
19658
19659 @item show download-path
19660 @kindex show download-path
19661 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
19662
19663 @item set board-address @var{addr}
19664 @kindex set board-address
19665 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
19666 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
19667
19668 @item show board-address
19669 @kindex show board-address
19670 Show the current IP address of the target board.
19671
19672 @item set server-address @var{addr}
19673 @kindex set server-address
19674 @cindex download server address (M32R)
19675 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
19676 host machine.
19677
19678 @item show server-address
19679 @kindex show server-address
19680 Display the IP address of the download server.
19681
19682 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19683 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
19684 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
19685 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
19686 executable file is uploaded.
19687
19688 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
19689 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
19690 Test the @code{upload} command.
19691 @end table
19692
19693 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
19694
19695 @table @code
19696 @item sdireset
19697 @kindex sdireset
19698 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
19699 This command resets the SDI connection.
19700
19701 @item sdistatus
19702 @kindex sdistatus
19703 This command shows the SDI connection status.
19704
19705 @item debug_chaos
19706 @kindex debug_chaos
19707 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
19708 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
19709
19710 @item use_debug_dma
19711 @kindex use_debug_dma
19712 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
19713
19714 @item use_mon_code
19715 @kindex use_mon_code
19716 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
19717
19718 @item use_ib_break
19719 @kindex use_ib_break
19720 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
19721
19722 @item use_dbt_break
19723 @kindex use_dbt_break
19724 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
19725 @end table
19726
19727 @node M68K
19728 @subsection M68k
19729
19730 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
19731 target command for the following ROM monitor.
19732
19733 @table @code
19734
19735 @kindex target dbug
19736 @item target dbug @var{dev}
19737 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
19738
19739 @end table
19740
19741 @node MicroBlaze
19742 @subsection MicroBlaze
19743 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
19744 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
19745
19746 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
19747 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
19748 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
19749 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
19750 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
19751 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
19752 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
19753 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
19754 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
19755 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
19756 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
19757
19758 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
19759
19760 @table @code
19761 @item target remote :1234
19762 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
19763 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
19764
19765 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
19766 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
19767 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
19768
19769 @item load
19770 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
19771
19772 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
19773 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
19774
19775 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
19776 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
19777 @end table
19778
19779 @node MIPS Embedded
19780 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
19781
19782 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
19783 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
19784 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
19785 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
19786
19787 @need 1000
19788 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
19789
19790 @table @code
19791 @item target mips @var{port}
19792 @kindex target mips @var{port}
19793 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
19794 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
19795 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
19796 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
19797 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
19798 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
19799
19800 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
19801 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
19802 debugger:
19803
19804 @smallexample
19805 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
19806 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
19807 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
19808 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
19809 (@value{GDBP}) run
19810 @end smallexample
19811
19812 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
19813 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
19814 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
19815 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
19816 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
19817
19818 @item target pmon @var{port}
19819 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
19820 PMON ROM monitor.
19821
19822 @item target ddb @var{port}
19823 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
19824 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
19825
19826 @item target lsi @var{port}
19827 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
19828 LSI variant of PMON.
19829
19830 @kindex target r3900
19831 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
19832 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
19833
19834 @kindex target array
19835 @item target array @var{dev}
19836 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
19837
19838 @end table
19839
19840
19841 @noindent
19842 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
19843
19844 @table @code
19845 @item set mipsfpu double
19846 @itemx set mipsfpu single
19847 @itemx set mipsfpu none
19848 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
19849 @itemx show mipsfpu
19850 @kindex set mipsfpu
19851 @kindex show mipsfpu
19852 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
19853 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
19854 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
19855 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
19856 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
19857 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
19858 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
19859 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
19860 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
19861 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
19862 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
19863 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
19864 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
19865
19866 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
19867 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
19868 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
19869
19870 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
19871 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
19872
19873 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
19874 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
19875 @itemx show timeout
19876 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
19877 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
19878 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
19879 @kindex set timeout
19880 @kindex show timeout
19881 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
19882 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
19883 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
19884 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
19885 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
19886 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
19887 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
19888 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
19889 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
19890 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
19891
19892 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
19893 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
19894 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
19895 to run before stopping.
19896
19897 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
19898 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19899 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
19900 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
19901 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
19902 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
19903
19904 @item show syn-garbage-limit
19905 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19906 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
19907 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
19908
19909 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
19910 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19911 @cindex remote monitor prompt
19912 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
19913 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
19914 @table @asis
19915 @item pmon target
19916 @samp{PMON}
19917 @item ddb target
19918 @samp{NEC010}
19919 @item lsi target
19920 @samp{PMON>}
19921 @end table
19922
19923 @item show monitor-prompt
19924 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19925 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
19926 remote monitor.
19927
19928 @item set monitor-warnings
19929 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19930 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
19931 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
19932 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
19933 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
19934
19935 @item show monitor-warnings
19936 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19937 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
19938
19939 @item pmon @var{command}
19940 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
19941 @cindex send PMON command
19942 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
19943 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
19944 @end table
19945
19946 @node OpenRISC 1000
19947 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
19948 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
19949
19950 @cindex or1k boards
19951 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
19952 about platform and commands.
19953
19954 @table @code
19955
19956 @kindex target jtag
19957 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
19958
19959 Connects to remote JTAG server.
19960 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
19961 connected via parallel port to the board.
19962
19963 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
19964
19965 @kindex or1ksim
19966 @item or1ksim @var{command}
19967 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
19968 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
19969
19970 @kindex info or1k spr
19971 @item info or1k spr
19972 Displays spr groups.
19973
19974 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
19975 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
19976 Displays register names in selected group.
19977
19978 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
19979 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
19980 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
19981 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
19982 Shows information about specified spr register.
19983
19984 @kindex spr
19985 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
19986 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
19987 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
19988 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
19989 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
19990 @end table
19991
19992 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
19993 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
19994 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
19995 triggers can be set using:
19996 @table @code
19997 @item $LEA/$LDATA
19998 Load effective address/data
19999 @item $SEA/$SDATA
20000 Store effective address/data
20001 @item $AEA/$ADATA
20002 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
20003 @item $FETCH
20004 Fetch data
20005 @end table
20006
20007 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
20008 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
20009
20010 @code{htrace} commands:
20011 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
20012 @table @code
20013 @kindex hwatch
20014 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
20015 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
20016 or Data. For example:
20017
20018 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
20019
20020 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
20021
20022 @kindex htrace
20023 @item htrace info
20024 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
20025
20026 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
20027 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
20028
20029 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
20030 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
20031
20032 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
20033 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
20034
20035 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
20036 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
20037 triggered.
20038
20039 @item htrace enable
20040 @itemx htrace disable
20041 Enables/disables the HW trace.
20042
20043 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
20044 Clears currently recorded trace data.
20045
20046 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
20047 will be written there.
20048
20049 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
20050 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
20051
20052 @item htrace mode continuous
20053 Set continuous trace mode.
20054
20055 @item htrace mode suspend
20056 Set suspend trace mode.
20057
20058 @end table
20059
20060 @node PowerPC Embedded
20061 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20062
20063 @cindex DVC register
20064 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20065 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20066
20067 @smallexample
20068 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20069 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20070 @end smallexample
20071
20072 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20073 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20074 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20075 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20076 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20077 or newer.
20078
20079 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20080 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20081 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20082 watching variables of scalar types.
20083
20084 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20085 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20086
20087 @smallexample
20088 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20089 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20090 @end smallexample
20091
20092 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20093 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20094
20095 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20096 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20097 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20098 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20099 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20100 use the @code{break-range} command.
20101
20102 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20103
20104 @table @code
20105 @kindex break-range
20106 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20107 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20108 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20109 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20110 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20111 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20112 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20113 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20114 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20115
20116 @kindex set powerpc
20117 @item set powerpc soft-float
20118 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20119 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20120 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20121 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20122
20123 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20124 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20125 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20126 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20127 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20128 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20129 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20130 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20131
20132 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20133 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20134 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20135 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20136 address of its first byte.
20137
20138 @kindex target dink32
20139 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20140 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20141
20142 @kindex target ppcbug
20143 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
20144 @kindex target ppcbug1
20145 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
20146 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
20147
20148 @kindex target sds
20149 @item target sds @var{dev}
20150 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
20151 @end table
20152
20153 @cindex SDS protocol
20154 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
20155 by @value{GDBN}:
20156
20157 @table @code
20158 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
20159 @kindex set sdstimeout
20160 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
20161 default is 2 seconds.
20162
20163 @item show sdstimeout
20164 @kindex show sdstimeout
20165 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
20166
20167 @item sds @var{command}
20168 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
20169 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
20170 @end table
20171
20172
20173 @node PA
20174 @subsection HP PA Embedded
20175
20176 @table @code
20177
20178 @kindex target op50n
20179 @item target op50n @var{dev}
20180 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
20181
20182 @kindex target w89k
20183 @item target w89k @var{dev}
20184 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
20185
20186 @end table
20187
20188 @node Sparclet
20189 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
20190
20191 @cindex Sparclet
20192
20193 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
20194 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
20195 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20196 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
20197 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
20198
20199 @table @code
20200 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
20201 @kindex remotetimeout
20202 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
20203 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20204 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
20205 @end table
20206
20207 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
20208 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
20209 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
20210 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
20211 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
20212
20213 @smallexample
20214 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
20215 @end smallexample
20216
20217 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
20218
20219 @smallexample
20220 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
20221 @end smallexample
20222
20223 @cindex running, on Sparclet
20224 Once you have set
20225 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20226 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
20227 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
20228
20229 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20230
20231 @smallexample
20232 (gdbslet)
20233 @end smallexample
20234
20235 @menu
20236 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
20237 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
20238 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
20239 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
20240 @end menu
20241
20242 @node Sparclet File
20243 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
20244
20245 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
20246
20247 @smallexample
20248 (gdbslet) file prog
20249 @end smallexample
20250
20251 @need 1000
20252 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
20253 @value{GDBN} locates
20254 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
20255 path.
20256 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
20257 files will be searched as well.
20258 @value{GDBN} locates
20259 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
20260 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
20261 If it fails
20262 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
20263
20264 @smallexample
20265 prog: No such file or directory.
20266 @end smallexample
20267
20268 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
20269 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
20270 @code{target} command again.
20271
20272 @node Sparclet Connection
20273 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
20274
20275 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
20276 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
20277
20278 @smallexample
20279 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
20280 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
20281 main () at ../prog.c:3
20282 @end smallexample
20283
20284 @need 750
20285 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20286
20287 @smallexample
20288 Connected to ttya.
20289 @end smallexample
20290
20291 @node Sparclet Download
20292 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
20293
20294 @cindex download to Sparclet
20295 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
20296 you can use the @value{GDBN}
20297 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
20298 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
20299 command.
20300 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
20301 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
20302 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
20303 of each of the file's sections.
20304 For instance, if the program
20305 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
20306 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20307
20308 @smallexample
20309 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
20310 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
20311 @end smallexample
20312
20313 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
20314 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
20315 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
20316
20317 @node Sparclet Execution
20318 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
20319
20320 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
20321 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
20322 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
20323 manual for the list of commands.
20324
20325 @smallexample
20326 (gdbslet) b main
20327 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
20328 (gdbslet) run
20329 Starting program: prog
20330 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
20331 3 char *symarg = 0;
20332 (gdbslet) step
20333 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
20334 (gdbslet)
20335 @end smallexample
20336
20337 @node Sparclite
20338 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
20339
20340 @table @code
20341
20342 @kindex target sparclite
20343 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
20344 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
20345 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
20346 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
20347 remote protocol.
20348
20349 @end table
20350
20351 @node Z8000
20352 @subsection Zilog Z8000
20353
20354 @cindex Z8000
20355 @cindex simulator, Z8000
20356 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
20357
20358 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
20359 a Z8000 simulator.
20360
20361 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
20362 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
20363 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
20364 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
20365
20366 @table @code
20367 @item target sim @var{args}
20368 @kindex sim
20369 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
20370 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
20371 options, specify them via @var{args}.
20372 @end table
20373
20374 @noindent
20375 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
20376 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
20377 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
20378 to run your program, and so on.
20379
20380 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
20381 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
20382 additional items of information as specially named registers:
20383
20384 @table @code
20385
20386 @item cycles
20387 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
20388
20389 @item insts
20390 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
20391
20392 @item time
20393 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
20394
20395 @end table
20396
20397 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
20398 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
20399 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
20400 simulated clock ticks.
20401
20402 @node AVR
20403 @subsection Atmel AVR
20404 @cindex AVR
20405
20406 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
20407 following AVR-specific commands:
20408
20409 @table @code
20410 @item info io_registers
20411 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
20412 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
20413 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
20414 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
20415 @end table
20416
20417 @node CRIS
20418 @subsection CRIS
20419 @cindex CRIS
20420
20421 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
20422 following CRIS-specific commands:
20423
20424 @table @code
20425 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
20426 @cindex CRIS version
20427 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
20428 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
20429 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
20430
20431 @item show cris-version
20432 Show the current CRIS version.
20433
20434 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
20435 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
20436 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
20437 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
20438 @code{R59}.
20439
20440 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
20441 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
20442
20443 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
20444 @cindex CRIS mode
20445 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
20446 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
20447 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
20448
20449 @item show cris-mode
20450 Show the current CRIS mode.
20451 @end table
20452
20453 @node Super-H
20454 @subsection Renesas Super-H
20455 @cindex Super-H
20456
20457 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
20458 commands:
20459
20460 @table @code
20461 @item regs
20462 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
20463 This command is deprecated, and @code{info all-registers} should be
20464 used instead.
20465
20466 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
20467
20468 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
20469 @kindex set sh calling-convention
20470 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
20471 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
20472 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
20473 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
20474 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
20475 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
20476 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
20477 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
20478 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
20479 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
20480
20481 @item show sh calling-convention
20482 @kindex show sh calling-convention
20483 Show the current calling convention setting.
20484
20485 @end table
20486
20487
20488 @node Architectures
20489 @section Architectures
20490
20491 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
20492 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
20493
20494 @menu
20495 * i386::
20496 * Alpha::
20497 * MIPS::
20498 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
20499 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
20500 * PowerPC::
20501 @end menu
20502
20503 @node i386
20504 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
20505
20506 @table @code
20507 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
20508 @kindex set struct-convention
20509 @cindex struct return convention
20510 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
20511 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
20512 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
20513 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
20514 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
20515 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
20516 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
20517 be returned in a register.
20518
20519 @item show struct-convention
20520 @kindex show struct-convention
20521 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
20522 from functions.
20523 @end table
20524
20525 @node Alpha
20526 @subsection Alpha
20527
20528 See the following section.
20529
20530 @node MIPS
20531 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
20532
20533 @cindex stack on Alpha
20534 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
20535 @cindex Alpha stack
20536 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
20537 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
20538 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
20539 find the beginning of a function.
20540
20541 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
20542 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
20543 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
20544 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
20545 commands:
20546
20547 @table @code
20548 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
20549 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
20550 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
20551 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
20552 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
20553 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
20554 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
20555 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
20556
20557 @item show heuristic-fence-post
20558 Display the current limit.
20559 @end table
20560
20561 @noindent
20562 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
20563 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
20564
20565 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
20566 programs:
20567
20568 @table @code
20569 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
20570 @kindex set mips abi
20571 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
20572 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
20573 values of @var{arg} are:
20574
20575 @table @samp
20576 @item auto
20577 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
20578 default).
20579 @item o32
20580 @item o64
20581 @item n32
20582 @item n64
20583 @item eabi32
20584 @item eabi64
20585 @end table
20586
20587 @item show mips abi
20588 @kindex show mips abi
20589 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20590
20591 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
20592 @kindex set mips compression
20593 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
20594 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
20595 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
20596 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
20597 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
20598 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
20599 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
20600 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
20601 provided by the executable.
20602
20603 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
20604 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
20605 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
20606 identified as such.
20607
20608 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
20609 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
20610 implicitly from an executable.
20611
20612 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
20613 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
20614 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
20615 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
20616 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
20617
20618 @item show mips compression
20619 @kindex show mips compression
20620 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
20621 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
20622
20623 @item set mipsfpu
20624 @itemx show mipsfpu
20625 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
20626
20627 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
20628 @kindex set mips mask-address
20629 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
20630 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
20631 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
20632 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
20633 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
20634
20635 @item show mips mask-address
20636 @kindex show mips mask-address
20637 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
20638 not.
20639
20640 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20641 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20642 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
20643 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
20644 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
20645 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
20646
20647 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20648 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
20649 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
20650
20651 @item set debug mips
20652 @kindex set debug mips
20653 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
20654 target code in @value{GDBN}.
20655
20656 @item show debug mips
20657 @kindex show debug mips
20658 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
20659 @end table
20660
20661
20662 @node HPPA
20663 @subsection HPPA
20664 @cindex HPPA support
20665
20666 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
20667 following special commands:
20668
20669 @table @code
20670 @item set debug hppa
20671 @kindex set debug hppa
20672 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
20673 messages are to be displayed.
20674
20675 @item show debug hppa
20676 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
20677
20678 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
20679 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
20680 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
20681 given @var{address}.
20682
20683 @end table
20684
20685
20686 @node SPU
20687 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
20688 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
20689 @cindex SPU
20690
20691 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
20692 it provides the following special commands:
20693
20694 @table @code
20695 @item info spu event
20696 @kindex info spu
20697 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
20698 and pending event status.
20699
20700 @item info spu signal
20701 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
20702 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
20703 notification channels.
20704
20705 @item info spu mailbox
20706 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
20707 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
20708 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
20709
20710 @item info spu dma
20711 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
20712 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
20713 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
20714
20715 @item info spu proxydma
20716 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
20717 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
20718 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
20719
20720 @end table
20721
20722 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
20723 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
20724 special commands:
20725
20726 @table @code
20727 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
20728 @kindex set spu
20729 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
20730 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
20731 function. The default is @code{off}.
20732
20733 @item show spu stop-on-load
20734 @kindex show spu
20735 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
20736
20737 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
20738 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
20739 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
20740 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
20741 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
20742 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
20743
20744 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
20745 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
20746
20747 @end table
20748
20749 @node PowerPC
20750 @subsection PowerPC
20751 @cindex PowerPC architecture
20752
20753 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
20754 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
20755 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
20756 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
20757 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
20758
20759 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
20760 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
20761 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
20762
20763 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
20764 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
20765
20766
20767 @node Controlling GDB
20768 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
20769
20770 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
20771 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
20772 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
20773 described here.
20774
20775 @menu
20776 * Prompt:: Prompt
20777 * Editing:: Command editing
20778 * Command History:: Command history
20779 * Screen Size:: Screen size
20780 * Numbers:: Numbers
20781 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
20782 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
20783 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
20784 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
20785 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
20786 @end menu
20787
20788 @node Prompt
20789 @section Prompt
20790
20791 @cindex prompt
20792
20793 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
20794 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
20795 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
20796 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
20797 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
20798 which one you are talking to.
20799
20800 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
20801 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
20802 or a prompt that does not.
20803
20804 @table @code
20805 @kindex set prompt
20806 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
20807 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
20808
20809 @kindex show prompt
20810 @item show prompt
20811 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
20812 @end table
20813
20814 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
20815 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
20816 are:
20817
20818 @table @code
20819 @kindex set extended-prompt
20820 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
20821 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
20822 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
20823 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
20824 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
20825 is displayed.
20826
20827 For example:
20828
20829 @smallexample
20830 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
20831 @end smallexample
20832
20833 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
20834 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
20835
20836 @kindex show extended-prompt
20837 @item show extended-prompt
20838 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
20839 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
20840 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
20841 @end table
20842
20843 @node Editing
20844 @section Command Editing
20845 @cindex readline
20846 @cindex command line editing
20847
20848 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
20849 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
20850 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
20851 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
20852 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
20853 debugging sessions.
20854
20855 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
20856 command @code{set}.
20857
20858 @table @code
20859 @kindex set editing
20860 @cindex editing
20861 @item set editing
20862 @itemx set editing on
20863 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
20864
20865 @item set editing off
20866 Disable command line editing.
20867
20868 @kindex show editing
20869 @item show editing
20870 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
20871 @end table
20872
20873 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
20874 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
20875 @end ifset
20876 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
20877 @xref{Command Line Editing},
20878 @end ifclear
20879 for more details about the Readline
20880 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
20881 encouraged to read that chapter.
20882
20883 @node Command History
20884 @section Command History
20885 @cindex command history
20886
20887 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
20888 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
20889 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
20890 history facility.
20891
20892 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
20893 package, to provide the history facility.
20894 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
20895 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
20896 @end ifset
20897 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
20898 @xref{Using History Interactively},
20899 @end ifclear
20900 for the detailed description of the History library.
20901
20902 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
20903 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
20904 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
20905 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
20906 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
20907 pressed on a line by itself.
20908
20909 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
20910 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
20911 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
20912 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
20913
20914 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
20915 history.
20916
20917 @table @code
20918 @cindex history substitution
20919 @cindex history file
20920 @kindex set history filename
20921 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
20922 @item set history filename @var{fname}
20923 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
20924 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
20925 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
20926 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
20927 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
20928 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
20929 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
20930 is not set.
20931
20932 @cindex save command history
20933 @kindex set history save
20934 @item set history save
20935 @itemx set history save on
20936 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
20937 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
20938
20939 @item set history save off
20940 Stop recording command history in a file.
20941
20942 @cindex history size
20943 @kindex set history size
20944 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
20945 @item set history size @var{size}
20946 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
20947 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
20948 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
20949 @end table
20950
20951 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
20952 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
20953 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
20954 @end ifset
20955 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
20956 @xref{Event Designators},
20957 @end ifclear
20958 for more details.
20959
20960 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
20961 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
20962 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
20963 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
20964 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
20965 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
20966 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
20967 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
20968
20969 The commands to control history expansion are:
20970
20971 @table @code
20972 @item set history expansion on
20973 @itemx set history expansion
20974 @kindex set history expansion
20975 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
20976
20977 @item set history expansion off
20978 Disable history expansion.
20979
20980 @c @group
20981 @kindex show history
20982 @item show history
20983 @itemx show history filename
20984 @itemx show history save
20985 @itemx show history size
20986 @itemx show history expansion
20987 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
20988 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
20989 @c @end group
20990 @end table
20991
20992 @table @code
20993 @kindex show commands
20994 @cindex show last commands
20995 @cindex display command history
20996 @item show commands
20997 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
20998
20999 @item show commands @var{n}
21000 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
21001
21002 @item show commands +
21003 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
21004 @end table
21005
21006 @node Screen Size
21007 @section Screen Size
21008 @cindex size of screen
21009 @cindex pauses in output
21010
21011 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
21012 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
21013 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21014 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21015 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21016 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21017 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21018 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21019
21020 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21021 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21022 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21023 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21024 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21025 width} commands:
21026
21027 @table @code
21028 @kindex set height
21029 @kindex set width
21030 @kindex show width
21031 @kindex show height
21032 @item set height @var{lpp}
21033 @itemx show height
21034 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21035 @itemx show width
21036 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21037 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21038 commands display the current settings.
21039
21040 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
21041 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
21042 file or to an editor buffer.
21043
21044 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
21045 from wrapping its output.
21046
21047 @item set pagination on
21048 @itemx set pagination off
21049 @kindex set pagination
21050 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21051 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
21052 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21053 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21054
21055 @item show pagination
21056 @kindex show pagination
21057 Show the current pagination mode.
21058 @end table
21059
21060 @node Numbers
21061 @section Numbers
21062 @cindex number representation
21063 @cindex entering numbers
21064
21065 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21066 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21067 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21068 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21069 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21070 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21071 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
21072 both input and output with the commands described below.
21073
21074 @table @code
21075 @kindex set input-radix
21076 @item set input-radix @var{base}
21077 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
21078 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21079 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
21080 example, any of
21081
21082 @smallexample
21083 set input-radix 012
21084 set input-radix 10.
21085 set input-radix 0xa
21086 @end smallexample
21087
21088 @noindent
21089 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
21090 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
21091 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
21092 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
21093 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
21094 change the radix.
21095
21096 @kindex set output-radix
21097 @item set output-radix @var{base}
21098 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
21099 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21100 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
21101
21102 @kindex show input-radix
21103 @item show input-radix
21104 Display the current default base for numeric input.
21105
21106 @kindex show output-radix
21107 @item show output-radix
21108 Display the current default base for numeric display.
21109
21110 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
21111 @itemx show radix
21112 @kindex set radix
21113 @kindex show radix
21114 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
21115 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
21116 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
21117 default value of 10.
21118
21119 @end table
21120
21121 @node ABI
21122 @section Configuring the Current ABI
21123
21124 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
21125 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
21126 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
21127 current ABI.
21128
21129 @cindex OS ABI
21130 @kindex set osabi
21131 @kindex show osabi
21132
21133 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
21134 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
21135 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
21136 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
21137 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
21138 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
21139 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
21140 platform provides.
21141
21142 @table @code
21143 @item show osabi
21144 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
21145
21146 @item set osabi
21147 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
21148
21149 @item set osabi @var{abi}
21150 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
21151 @end table
21152
21153 @cindex float promotion
21154
21155 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
21156 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
21157 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
21158 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
21159 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
21160 @code{double} and then passed.
21161
21162 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
21163 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
21164 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
21165
21166 @table @code
21167 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
21168 @item set coerce-float-to-double
21169 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
21170 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
21171 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
21172
21173 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
21174 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
21175 functions.
21176
21177 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
21178 @item show coerce-float-to-double
21179 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
21180 @end table
21181
21182 @kindex set cp-abi
21183 @kindex show cp-abi
21184 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
21185 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
21186 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
21187 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
21188 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
21189 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
21190 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
21191 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
21192 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
21193 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
21194 ``auto''.
21195
21196 @table @code
21197 @item show cp-abi
21198 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
21199
21200 @item set cp-abi
21201 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
21202
21203 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
21204 @itemx set cp-abi auto
21205 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
21206 @end table
21207
21208 @node Auto-loading
21209 @section Automatically loading associated files
21210 @cindex auto-loading
21211
21212 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
21213 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
21214 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
21215 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
21216 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
21217 sources).
21218
21219 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
21220 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
21221 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21222
21223 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
21224 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
21225
21226 @table @code
21227 @anchor{set auto-load off}
21228 @kindex set auto-load off
21229 @item set auto-load off
21230 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
21231 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
21232 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
21233 @smallexample
21234 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
21235 @end smallexample
21236
21237 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
21238 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
21239 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
21240 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
21241 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
21242 @code{set auto-load no}.
21243
21244 @anchor{show auto-load}
21245 @kindex show auto-load
21246 @item show auto-load
21247 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
21248 or disabled.
21249
21250 @smallexample
21251 (gdb) show auto-load
21252 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
21253 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
21254 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
21255 is on.
21256 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
21257 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21258 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21259 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
21260 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21261 @end smallexample
21262
21263 @anchor{info auto-load}
21264 @kindex info auto-load
21265 @item info auto-load
21266 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
21267 not.
21268
21269 @smallexample
21270 (gdb) info auto-load
21271 gdb-scripts:
21272 Loaded Script
21273 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
21274 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
21275 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
21276 loaded.
21277 python-scripts:
21278 Loaded Script
21279 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
21280 @end smallexample
21281 @end table
21282
21283 These are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load:
21284
21285 @itemize @bullet
21286 @item
21287 @xref{objfile-gdb.py file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21288 @item
21289 @xref{objfile-gdb.gdb file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21290 @item
21291 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section},
21292 controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21293 @item
21294 @xref{Init File in the Current Directory},
21295 controlled by @ref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21296 @item
21297 @xref{libthread_db.so.1 file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21298 @end itemize
21299
21300 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
21301
21302 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
21303 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
21304 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
21305 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
21306 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
21307 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
21308 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
21309 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21310 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21311 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21312 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21313 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21314 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
21315 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21316 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21317 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
21318 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21319 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
21320 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
21321 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21322 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21323 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
21324 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
21325 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21326 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
21327 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21328 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
21329 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21330 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
21331 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21332 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
21333 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
21334 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
21335 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
21336 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
21337 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
21338 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
21339 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
21340 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
21341 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
21342 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
21343 @end multitable
21344
21345 @menu
21346 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21347 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
21348 * objfile-gdb.gdb file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load gdb-script}
21349 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
21350 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
21351 @xref{Python Auto-loading}.
21352 @end menu
21353
21354 @node Init File in the Current Directory
21355 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
21356 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
21357
21358 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
21359 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
21360 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
21361
21362 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
21363 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21364
21365 @table @code
21366 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
21367 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
21368 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
21369 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
21370 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
21371
21372 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
21373 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
21374 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
21375 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21376 current directory is enabled or disabled.
21377
21378 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
21379 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
21380 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
21381 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
21382 current directory have been auto-loaded.
21383 @end table
21384
21385 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
21386 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
21387 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
21388
21389 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
21390
21391 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
21392 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
21393
21394 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
21395 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
21396 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
21397 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
21398 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
21399 library.
21400
21401 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
21402 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21403
21404 @table @code
21405 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
21406 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
21407 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
21408 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
21409
21410 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
21411 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
21412 @item show auto-load libthread-db
21413 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
21414 enabled or disabled.
21415
21416 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
21417 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
21418 @item info auto-load libthread-db
21419 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
21420 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
21421 @end table
21422
21423 @node objfile-gdb.gdb file
21424 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file
21425 @cindex auto-loading @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
21426
21427 @value{GDBN} tries to load an @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file containing
21428 canned sequences of commands (@pxref{Sequences}), as long as @samp{set
21429 auto-load gdb-scripts} is set to @samp{on}.
21430
21431 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
21432 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21433
21434 For more background refer to the similar Python scripts auto-loading
21435 description (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file}).
21436
21437 @table @code
21438 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
21439 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
21440 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
21441 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
21442
21443 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
21444 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
21445 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
21446 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
21447 disabled.
21448
21449 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
21450 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
21451 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
21452 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
21453 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
21454 auto-loaded.
21455 @end table
21456
21457 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
21458 matching names are printed.
21459
21460 @node Auto-loading safe path
21461 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
21462 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
21463
21464 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
21465 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
21466 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
21467 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
21468 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
21469
21470 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
21471 get loaded:
21472
21473 @smallexample
21474 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
21475 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
21476 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
21477 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21478 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21479 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
21480 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
21481 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
21482 @end smallexample
21483
21484 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
21485
21486 @table @code
21487 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
21488 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
21489 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
21490 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
21491 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
21492 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
21493 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
21494 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
21495 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
21496 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
21497
21498 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
21499 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
21500 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
21501
21502 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
21503 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
21504 @item show auto-load safe-path
21505 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
21506 scripts.
21507
21508 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
21509 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
21510 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
21511 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
21512 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
21513 host platform path separator in use.
21514 @end table
21515
21516 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
21517 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
21518 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
21519 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
21520 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
21521
21522 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
21523 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
21524 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
21525 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
21526 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
21527 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
21528 init file in the current directory
21529 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
21530
21531 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
21532 example, you could use one of the following ways:
21533
21534 @table @asis
21535 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
21536 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
21537 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
21538 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
21539
21540 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
21541 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
21542 @value{GDBN} session.
21543
21544 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
21545 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21546 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
21547 from trusted sources.
21548
21549 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
21550 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
21551 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
21552 trusted sources.
21553 @end table
21554
21555 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
21556 also suppresses any such warning messages:
21557
21558 @table @asis
21559 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
21560 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
21561
21562 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
21563 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
21564 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
21565 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
21566 @end table
21567
21568 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
21569 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
21570 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
21571 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
21572 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
21573 recommended to be entered.
21574
21575 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
21576 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
21577 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
21578
21579 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
21580 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
21581 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
21582 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
21583 be printed.
21584
21585 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21586 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
21587 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
21588
21589 @smallexample
21590 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
21591 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
21592 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
21593 for objfile "/tmp/true".
21594 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
21595 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
21596 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
21597 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
21598 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
21599 @end smallexample
21600
21601 @table @code
21602 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
21603 @kindex set debug auto-load
21604 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
21605 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
21606
21607 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
21608 @kindex show debug auto-load
21609 @item show debug auto-load
21610 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
21611 on or off.
21612 @end table
21613
21614 @node Messages/Warnings
21615 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
21616
21617 @cindex verbose operation
21618 @cindex optional warnings
21619 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
21620 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
21621 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
21622 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
21623
21624 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
21625 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
21626 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
21627
21628 @table @code
21629 @kindex set verbose
21630 @item set verbose on
21631 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
21632
21633 @item set verbose off
21634 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
21635
21636 @kindex show verbose
21637 @item show verbose
21638 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
21639 @end table
21640
21641 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
21642 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
21643 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
21644 Symbol Files}).
21645
21646 @table @code
21647
21648 @kindex set complaints
21649 @item set complaints @var{limit}
21650 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
21651 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
21652 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
21653 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
21654
21655 @kindex show complaints
21656 @item show complaints
21657 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
21658
21659 @end table
21660
21661 @anchor{confirmation requests}
21662 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
21663 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
21664 you try to run a program which is already running:
21665
21666 @smallexample
21667 (@value{GDBP}) run
21668 The program being debugged has been started already.
21669 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
21670 @end smallexample
21671
21672 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
21673 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
21674
21675 @table @code
21676
21677 @kindex set confirm
21678 @cindex flinching
21679 @cindex confirmation
21680 @cindex stupid questions
21681 @item set confirm off
21682 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
21683 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
21684 automatically disables confirmation requests.
21685
21686 @item set confirm on
21687 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
21688
21689 @kindex show confirm
21690 @item show confirm
21691 Displays state of confirmation requests.
21692
21693 @end table
21694
21695 @cindex command tracing
21696 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
21697 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
21698 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
21699 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
21700
21701 @table @code
21702 @kindex set trace-commands
21703 @cindex command scripts, debugging
21704 @item set trace-commands on
21705 Enable command tracing.
21706 @item set trace-commands off
21707 Disable command tracing.
21708 @item show trace-commands
21709 Display the current state of command tracing.
21710 @end table
21711
21712 @node Debugging Output
21713 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
21714 @cindex optional debugging messages
21715
21716 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
21717 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
21718 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
21719 section documents those commands.
21720
21721 @table @code
21722 @kindex set exec-done-display
21723 @item set exec-done-display
21724 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
21725 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
21726 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
21727 @kindex show exec-done-display
21728 @item show exec-done-display
21729 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
21730 notification.
21731 @kindex set debug
21732 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
21733 @cindex architecture debugging info
21734 @item set debug arch
21735 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
21736 @kindex show debug
21737 @item show debug arch
21738 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
21739 @item set debug aix-thread
21740 @cindex AIX threads
21741 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
21742 module.
21743 @item show debug aix-thread
21744 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
21745 @item set debug check-physname
21746 @cindex physname
21747 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
21748 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
21749 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
21750 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
21751 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
21752 both ways and display any discrepancies.
21753 @item show debug check-physname
21754 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
21755 @item set debug dwarf2-die
21756 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
21757 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
21758 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
21759 A value of zero turns off the display.
21760 @item show debug dwarf2-die
21761 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
21762 @item set debug dwarf2-read
21763 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
21764 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
21765 DWARF debug info. The default is off.
21766 @item show debug dwarf2-read
21767 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
21768 @item set debug displaced
21769 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
21770 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
21771 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
21772 @item show debug displaced
21773 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
21774 related to displaced stepping.
21775 @item set debug event
21776 @cindex event debugging info
21777 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
21778 default is off.
21779 @item show debug event
21780 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
21781 info.
21782 @item set debug expression
21783 @cindex expression debugging info
21784 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
21785 expression parsing. The default is off.
21786 @item show debug expression
21787 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
21788 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
21789 @item set debug frame
21790 @cindex frame debugging info
21791 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
21792 default is off.
21793 @item show debug frame
21794 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
21795 info.
21796 @item set debug gnu-nat
21797 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
21798 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
21799 @item show debug gnu-nat
21800 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
21801 @item set debug infrun
21802 @cindex inferior debugging info
21803 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
21804 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
21805 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
21806 @item show debug infrun
21807 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
21808 @item set debug jit
21809 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
21810 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
21811 @item show debug jit
21812 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
21813 @item set debug lin-lwp
21814 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
21815 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
21816 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
21817 @item show debug lin-lwp
21818 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
21819 @item set debug observer
21820 @cindex observer debugging info
21821 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
21822 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
21823 @item show debug observer
21824 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
21825 @item set debug overload
21826 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
21827 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
21828 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
21829 is off.
21830 @item show debug overload
21831 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
21832 debugging info.
21833 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
21834 @cindex debug expression parser
21835 @item set debug parser
21836 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
21837 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
21838 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
21839 details. The default is off.
21840 @item show debug parser
21841 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
21842 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
21843 @cindex serial connections, debugging
21844 @cindex debug remote protocol
21845 @cindex remote protocol debugging
21846 @cindex display remote packets
21847 @item set debug remote
21848 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
21849 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
21850 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
21851 @item show debug remote
21852 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
21853 @item set debug serial
21854 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
21855 default is off.
21856 @item show debug serial
21857 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
21858 info.
21859 @item set debug solib-frv
21860 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
21861 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
21862 @item show debug solib-frv
21863 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
21864 messages.
21865 @item set debug symtab-create
21866 @cindex symbol table creation
21867 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
21868 The default is off.
21869 @item show debug symtab-create
21870 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
21871 @item set debug target
21872 @cindex target debugging info
21873 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
21874 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
21875 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
21876 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
21877 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
21878 @item show debug target
21879 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
21880 info.
21881 @item set debug timestamp
21882 @cindex timestampping debugging info
21883 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
21884 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
21885 message.
21886 @item show debug timestamp
21887 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
21888 debugging info.
21889 @item set debugvarobj
21890 @cindex variable object debugging info
21891 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
21892 info. The default is off.
21893 @item show debugvarobj
21894 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
21895 debugging info.
21896 @item set debug xml
21897 @cindex XML parser debugging
21898 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
21899 @item show debug xml
21900 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
21901 @end table
21902
21903 @node Other Misc Settings
21904 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
21905 @cindex miscellaneous settings
21906
21907 @table @code
21908 @kindex set interactive-mode
21909 @item set interactive-mode
21910 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
21911 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
21912 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
21913 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
21914 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
21915 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
21916 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
21917 is, non-interactively otherwise.
21918
21919 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
21920 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
21921 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
21922 inside a cygwin window.
21923
21924 @kindex show interactive-mode
21925 @item show interactive-mode
21926 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
21927 @end table
21928
21929 @node Extending GDB
21930 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
21931 @cindex extending GDB
21932
21933 @value{GDBN} provides three mechanisms for extension. The first is based
21934 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, the second is based on the
21935 Python scripting language, and the third is for defining new aliases of
21936 existing commands.
21937
21938 To facilitate the use of the first two extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
21939 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
21940 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
21941 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
21942 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
21943 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
21944
21945 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
21946 setting:
21947
21948 @table @code
21949 @kindex set script-extension
21950 @kindex show script-extension
21951 @item set script-extension off
21952 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
21953
21954 @item set script-extension soft
21955 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
21956 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
21957 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
21958 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
21959
21960 @item set script-extension strict
21961 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
21962 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
21963 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
21964
21965 @item show script-extension
21966 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
21967
21968 @end table
21969
21970 @menu
21971 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
21972 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
21973 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
21974 @end menu
21975
21976 @node Sequences
21977 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
21978
21979 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
21980 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
21981 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
21982 files.
21983
21984 @menu
21985 * Define:: How to define your own commands
21986 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
21987 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
21988 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
21989 @end menu
21990
21991 @node Define
21992 @subsection User-defined Commands
21993
21994 @cindex user-defined command
21995 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
21996 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
21997 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
21998 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
21999 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
22000 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
22001
22002 @smallexample
22003 define adder
22004 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22005 end
22006 @end smallexample
22007
22008 @noindent
22009 To execute the command use:
22010
22011 @smallexample
22012 adder 1 2 3
22013 @end smallexample
22014
22015 @noindent
22016 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
22017 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22018 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22019 functions calls.
22020
22021 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22022 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22023 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22024 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22025
22026 @smallexample
22027 define adder
22028 if $argc == 2
22029 print $arg0 + $arg1
22030 end
22031 if $argc == 3
22032 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22033 end
22034 end
22035 @end smallexample
22036
22037 @table @code
22038
22039 @kindex define
22040 @item define @var{commandname}
22041 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
22042 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
22043 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
22044 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
22045 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
22046 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
22047
22048 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
22049 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
22050 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22051
22052 @kindex document
22053 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
22054 @item document @var{commandname}
22055 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
22056 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
22057 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
22058 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
22059 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
22060 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
22061
22062 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
22063 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
22064 does not change the documentation.
22065
22066 @kindex dont-repeat
22067 @cindex don't repeat command
22068 @item dont-repeat
22069 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
22070 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
22071 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
22072
22073 @kindex help user-defined
22074 @item help user-defined
22075 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
22076 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
22077 included (if any).
22078
22079 @kindex show user
22080 @item show user
22081 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
22082 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
22083 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
22084 definitions for all user-defined commands.
22085 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
22086
22087 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
22088 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
22089 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
22090 @item show max-user-call-depth
22091 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
22092 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
22093 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
22094 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
22095 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
22096 @end table
22097
22098 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
22099 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
22100
22101 When user-defined commands are executed, the
22102 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
22103 stops execution of the user-defined command.
22104
22105 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
22106 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
22107 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
22108 messages when used in a user-defined command.
22109
22110 @node Hooks
22111 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
22112 @cindex command hooks
22113 @cindex hooks, for commands
22114 @cindex hooks, pre-command
22115
22116 @kindex hook
22117 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
22118 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
22119 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
22120 before that command.
22121
22122 @cindex hooks, post-command
22123 @kindex hookpost
22124 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
22125 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
22126 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
22127 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
22128 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
22129
22130 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
22131 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
22132
22133 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
22134 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
22135
22136 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
22137 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
22138 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
22139 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
22140 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
22141
22142 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
22143 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
22144 you could define:
22145
22146 @smallexample
22147 define hook-stop
22148 handle SIGALRM nopass
22149 end
22150
22151 define hook-run
22152 handle SIGALRM pass
22153 end
22154
22155 define hook-continue
22156 handle SIGALRM pass
22157 end
22158 @end smallexample
22159
22160 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
22161 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
22162 you could define:
22163
22164 @smallexample
22165 define hook-echo
22166 echo <<<---
22167 end
22168
22169 define hookpost-echo
22170 echo --->>>\n
22171 end
22172
22173 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
22174 <<<---Hello World--->>>
22175 (@value{GDBP})
22176
22177 @end smallexample
22178
22179 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
22180 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
22181 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
22182 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
22183 @c or not?
22184 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
22185 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
22186 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
22187
22188 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
22189 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
22190 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
22191
22192 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
22193 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
22194
22195 @node Command Files
22196 @subsection Command Files
22197
22198 @cindex command files
22199 @cindex scripting commands
22200 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
22201 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
22202 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
22203 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
22204 terminal.
22205
22206 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
22207 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
22208 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
22209 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
22210 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
22211
22212 @table @code
22213 @kindex source
22214 @cindex execute commands from a file
22215 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
22216 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
22217 @end table
22218
22219 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
22220 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
22221 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
22222 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
22223 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
22224
22225 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
22226 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
22227 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
22228 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
22229 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
22230 is not relevant to scripts.
22231
22232 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
22233 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
22234 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
22235 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
22236 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22237 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
22238 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
22239 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
22240 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22241 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
22242 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
22243 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
22244 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
22245 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
22246
22247 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
22248 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
22249 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
22250
22251 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
22252 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
22253 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
22254 when called from command files.
22255
22256 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
22257 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
22258 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
22259 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
22260 the next command.
22261
22262 @smallexample
22263 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
22264 @end smallexample
22265
22266 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
22267 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
22268 would be directed to @file{log}.
22269
22270 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
22271 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
22272 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
22273 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
22274 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
22275 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
22276 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
22277 conditionally, etc.
22278
22279 @table @code
22280 @kindex if
22281 @kindex else
22282 @item if
22283 @itemx else
22284 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
22285 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
22286 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
22287 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
22288 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
22289 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
22290 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22291
22292 @kindex while
22293 @item while
22294 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
22295 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
22296 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
22297 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
22298 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
22299 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
22300
22301 @kindex loop_break
22302 @item loop_break
22303 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
22304 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
22305 line.
22306
22307 @kindex loop_continue
22308 @item loop_continue
22309 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
22310 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
22311 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
22312 the controlling expression.
22313
22314 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
22315 @item end
22316 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
22317 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
22318 @end table
22319
22320
22321 @node Output
22322 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
22323
22324 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
22325 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
22326 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
22327 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
22328 want.
22329
22330 @table @code
22331 @kindex echo
22332 @item echo @var{text}
22333 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
22334 @c because it is not in ANSI.
22335 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
22336 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
22337 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
22338 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
22339 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
22340 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
22341 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
22342 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
22343 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
22344
22345 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
22346 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
22347
22348 @smallexample
22349 echo This is some text\n\
22350 which is continued\n\
22351 onto several lines.\n
22352 @end smallexample
22353
22354 produces the same output as
22355
22356 @smallexample
22357 echo This is some text\n
22358 echo which is continued\n
22359 echo onto several lines.\n
22360 @end smallexample
22361
22362 @kindex output
22363 @item output @var{expression}
22364 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
22365 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
22366 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
22367 on expressions.
22368
22369 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
22370 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
22371 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
22372 Formats}, for more information.
22373
22374 @kindex printf
22375 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22376 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22377 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
22378 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
22379 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
22380 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
22381 executing the code below:
22382
22383 @smallexample
22384 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
22385 @end smallexample
22386
22387 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
22388 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
22389 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
22390 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
22391 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
22392 printed.
22393
22394 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
22395
22396 @smallexample
22397 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
22398 @end smallexample
22399
22400 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
22401 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
22402 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
22403
22404 @itemize @bullet
22405 @item
22406 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
22407
22408 @item
22409 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
22410 width.
22411
22412 @item
22413 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
22414 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
22415
22416 @item
22417 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
22418 supported.
22419
22420 @item
22421 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
22422
22423 @item
22424 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
22425 @end itemize
22426
22427 @noindent
22428 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
22429 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
22430 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
22431 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
22432
22433 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
22434 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
22435 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
22436 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
22437 supported.
22438
22439 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
22440 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
22441 together with a floating point specifier.
22442 letters:
22443
22444 @itemize @bullet
22445 @item
22446 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
22447
22448 @item
22449 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
22450
22451 @item
22452 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
22453 @end itemize
22454
22455 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
22456 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
22457 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
22458
22459 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
22460 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
22461
22462 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
22463 @smallexample
22464 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
22465 @end smallexample
22466
22467 @kindex eval
22468 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
22469 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
22470 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
22471
22472 @end table
22473
22474 @node Python
22475 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22476 @cindex python scripting
22477 @cindex scripting with python
22478
22479 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
22480 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
22481 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
22482
22483 @cindex python directory
22484 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
22485 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
22486 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
22487 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
22488 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
22489 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
22490
22491 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
22492 are written in Python and are located in the
22493 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
22494 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
22495 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
22496
22497 @menu
22498 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
22499 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
22500 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
22501 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
22502 @end menu
22503
22504 @node Python Commands
22505 @subsection Python Commands
22506 @cindex python commands
22507 @cindex commands to access python
22508
22509 @value{GDBN} provides two commands for accessing the Python interpreter,
22510 and one related setting:
22511
22512 @table @code
22513 @kindex python-interactive
22514 @kindex pi
22515 @item python-interactive @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22516 @itemx pi @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22517 Without an argument, the @code{python-interactive} command can be used
22518 to start an interactive Python prompt.
22519
22520 Alternatively, a single-line Python command can be given as an
22521 argument and evaluated. If the command is an expression, the result
22522 will be printed; otherwise, nothing will be printed. For example:
22523
22524 @smallexample
22525 (@value{GDBP}) python-interactive 2 + 3
22526 5
22527 @end smallexample
22528
22529 @kindex python
22530 @kindex py
22531 @item python @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22532 @itemx py @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
22533 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
22534
22535 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
22536 argument as a Python command. For example:
22537
22538 @smallexample
22539 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
22540 23
22541 @end smallexample
22542
22543 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
22544 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
22545 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
22546 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
22547 containing @code{end}. For example:
22548
22549 @smallexample
22550 (@value{GDBP}) python
22551 Type python script
22552 End with a line saying just "end".
22553 >print 23
22554 >end
22555 23
22556 @end smallexample
22557
22558 @kindex set python print-stack
22559 @item set python print-stack
22560 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
22561 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
22562 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
22563 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
22564 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
22565 the message component of the error is printed.
22566 @end table
22567
22568 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
22569 interpreter:
22570
22571 @table @code
22572 @item source @file{script-name}
22573 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
22574 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
22575 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
22576
22577 @item python execfile ("script-name")
22578 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
22579 and thus is always available.
22580 @end table
22581
22582 @node Python API
22583 @subsection Python API
22584 @cindex python api
22585 @cindex programming in python
22586
22587 @cindex python stdout
22588 @cindex python pagination
22589 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
22590 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
22591 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
22592 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
22593 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
22594
22595 @menu
22596 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
22597 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
22598 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
22599 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
22600 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
22601 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
22602 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
22603 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
22604 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
22605 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
22606 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
22607 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
22608 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
22609 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
22610 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
22611 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
22612 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
22613 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
22614 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
22615 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
22616 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
22617 using Python.
22618 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
22619 @end menu
22620
22621 @node Basic Python
22622 @subsubsection Basic Python
22623
22624 @cindex python functions
22625 @cindex python module
22626 @cindex gdb module
22627 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
22628 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
22629 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
22630 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
22631
22632 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
22633 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
22634 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
22635 @end defvar
22636
22637 @findex gdb.execute
22638 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
22639 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
22640 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
22641 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
22642
22643 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
22644 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
22645 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
22646
22647 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
22648 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
22649 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
22650 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
22651 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
22652 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
22653 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
22654 @end defun
22655
22656 @findex gdb.breakpoints
22657 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
22658 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
22659 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
22660 @end defun
22661
22662 @findex gdb.parameter
22663 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
22664 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
22665 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
22666 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
22667 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
22668
22669 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
22670 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
22671 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
22672 type, and returned.
22673 @end defun
22674
22675 @findex gdb.history
22676 @defun gdb.history (number)
22677 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
22678 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
22679 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
22680 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
22681 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
22682 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
22683 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
22684 raised.
22685
22686 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
22687 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
22688 @end defun
22689
22690 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
22691 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
22692 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
22693 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
22694 @var{expression} must be a string.
22695
22696 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
22697 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
22698 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
22699 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
22700 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
22701 @end defun
22702
22703 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
22704 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
22705 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
22706 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
22707 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
22708 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
22709 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
22710 @end defun
22711
22712 @findex gdb.post_event
22713 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
22714 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
22715 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
22716 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
22717 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
22718 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
22719 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
22720
22721 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
22722 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
22723 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
22724 this. For example:
22725
22726 @smallexample
22727 (@value{GDBP}) python
22728 >import threading
22729 >
22730 >class Writer():
22731 > def __init__(self, message):
22732 > self.message = message;
22733 > def __call__(self):
22734 > gdb.write(self.message)
22735 >
22736 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
22737 > def run (self):
22738 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
22739 >
22740 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
22741 > def run (self):
22742 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
22743 >
22744 >MyThread1().start()
22745 >MyThread2().start()
22746 >end
22747 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
22748 @end smallexample
22749 @end defun
22750
22751 @findex gdb.write
22752 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
22753 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
22754 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
22755 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
22756 values are:
22757
22758 @table @code
22759 @findex STDOUT
22760 @findex gdb.STDOUT
22761 @item gdb.STDOUT
22762 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
22763
22764 @findex STDERR
22765 @findex gdb.STDERR
22766 @item gdb.STDERR
22767 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
22768
22769 @findex STDLOG
22770 @findex gdb.STDLOG
22771 @item gdb.STDLOG
22772 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
22773 @end table
22774
22775 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
22776 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
22777 relevant stream.
22778 @end defun
22779
22780 @findex gdb.flush
22781 @defun gdb.flush ()
22782 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
22783 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
22784 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
22785 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
22786 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
22787 stream values are:
22788
22789 @table @code
22790 @findex STDOUT
22791 @findex gdb.STDOUT
22792 @item gdb.STDOUT
22793 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
22794
22795 @findex STDERR
22796 @findex gdb.STDERR
22797 @item gdb.STDERR
22798 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
22799
22800 @findex STDLOG
22801 @findex gdb.STDLOG
22802 @item gdb.STDLOG
22803 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
22804
22805 @end table
22806
22807 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
22808 call this function for the relevant stream.
22809 @end defun
22810
22811 @findex gdb.target_charset
22812 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
22813 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
22814 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
22815 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
22816 @end defun
22817
22818 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
22819 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
22820 Return the name of the current target wide character set
22821 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
22822 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
22823 never returned.
22824 @end defun
22825
22826 @findex gdb.solib_name
22827 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
22828 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
22829 as a string, or @code{None}.
22830 @end defun
22831
22832 @findex gdb.decode_line
22833 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
22834 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
22835 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
22836 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
22837 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
22838 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
22839 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
22840 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
22841 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
22842 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
22843 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
22844 @end defun
22845
22846 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
22847 @anchor{prompt_hook}
22848
22849 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
22850 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
22851 @value{GDBN}.
22852
22853 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
22854 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
22855 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
22856 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
22857 the current prompt.
22858
22859 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
22860 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
22861 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
22862 @end defun
22863
22864 @node Exception Handling
22865 @subsubsection Exception Handling
22866 @cindex python exceptions
22867 @cindex exceptions, python
22868
22869 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
22870 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
22871 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
22872 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
22873 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
22874 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
22875 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
22876
22877 @smallexample
22878 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
22879 Traceback (most recent call last):
22880 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
22881 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
22882 @end smallexample
22883
22884 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
22885 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
22886 Python exception depends on the error.
22887
22888 @ftable @code
22889 @item gdb.error
22890 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
22891 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
22892 versions of @value{GDBN}.
22893
22894 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
22895 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
22896
22897 @item gdb.MemoryError
22898 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
22899 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
22900
22901 @item KeyboardInterrupt
22902 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
22903 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
22904 @end ftable
22905
22906 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
22907 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
22908 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
22909 traceback.
22910
22911 @findex gdb.GdbError
22912 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
22913 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
22914 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
22915 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
22916 to handle this case. Example:
22917
22918 @smallexample
22919 (gdb) python
22920 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
22921 > """Greet the whole world."""
22922 > def __init__ (self):
22923 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
22924 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
22925 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
22926 > if len (argv) != 0:
22927 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
22928 > print "Hello, World!"
22929 >HelloWorld ()
22930 >end
22931 (gdb) hello-world 42
22932 hello-world takes no arguments
22933 @end smallexample
22934
22935 @node Values From Inferior
22936 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
22937 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
22938 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
22939
22940 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
22941 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
22942 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
22943 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
22944 fetching values when necessary.
22945
22946 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
22947 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
22948 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
22949
22950 @smallexample
22951 bar = some_val + 2
22952 @end smallexample
22953
22954 @noindent
22955 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
22956 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
22957
22958 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
22959 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
22960 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
22961 can access its @code{foo} element with:
22962
22963 @smallexample
22964 bar = some_val['foo']
22965 @end smallexample
22966
22967 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
22968
22969 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
22970 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
22971 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
22972 by that prototype.
22973
22974 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
22975 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
22976 execute this function, call it like so:
22977
22978 @smallexample
22979 result = some_val (10,20)
22980 @end smallexample
22981
22982 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
22983 @code{gdb.Value}.
22984
22985 The following attributes are provided:
22986
22987 @table @code
22988 @defvar Value.address
22989 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
22990 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
22991 this attribute holds @code{None}.
22992 @end defvar
22993
22994 @cindex optimized out value in Python
22995 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
22996 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
22997 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
22998 @end defvar
22999
23000 @defvar Value.type
23001 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
23002 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
23003 @end defvar
23004
23005 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
23006 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
23007 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
23008 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
23009 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
23010 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
23011 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
23012 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
23013 type.
23014
23015 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
23016 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
23017 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
23018 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
23019 @end defvar
23020
23021 @defvar Value.is_lazy
23022 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
23023 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
23024 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
23025 For example:
23026
23027 @smallexample
23028 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
23029 @end smallexample
23030
23031 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
23032 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
23033 method is invoked.
23034 @end defvar
23035 @end table
23036
23037 The following methods are provided:
23038
23039 @table @code
23040 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
23041 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
23042 this object initializer. Specifically:
23043
23044 @table @asis
23045 @item Python boolean
23046 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
23047 language.
23048
23049 @item Python integer
23050 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
23051 current architecture.
23052
23053 @item Python long
23054 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
23055 current architecture.
23056
23057 @item Python float
23058 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
23059 current architecture.
23060
23061 @item Python string
23062 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
23063 target encoding.
23064
23065 @item @code{gdb.Value}
23066 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
23067
23068 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
23069 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
23070 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
23071 its result is used.
23072 @end table
23073 @end defun
23074
23075 @defun Value.cast (type)
23076 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
23077 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
23078 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
23079 reason, this method throws an exception.
23080 @end defun
23081
23082 @defun Value.dereference ()
23083 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
23084 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
23085 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
23086
23087 @smallexample
23088 int *foo;
23089 @end smallexample
23090
23091 @noindent
23092 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
23093 @code{foo} points to like this:
23094
23095 @smallexample
23096 bar = foo.dereference ()
23097 @end smallexample
23098
23099 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
23100 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
23101
23102 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
23103 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
23104 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
23105 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
23106 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
23107 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
23108 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
23109 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
23110 as
23111
23112 @smallexample
23113 typedef int *intptr;
23114 ...
23115 int val = 10;
23116 intptr ptr = &val;
23117 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
23118 @end smallexample
23119
23120 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
23121 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
23122 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
23123 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
23124 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
23125 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
23126
23127 @smallexample
23128 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
23129 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
23130 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
23131 @end smallexample
23132
23133 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23134 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
23135 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
23136 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
23137 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
23138 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
23139 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
23140 example). The results are however identical when applied on
23141 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
23142 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
23143 @end defun
23144
23145 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
23146 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
23147 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
23148 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
23149 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
23150 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
23151 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
23152 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
23153 in your C@t{++} program as
23154
23155 @smallexample
23156 int val = 10;
23157 int &ref = val;
23158 @end smallexample
23159
23160 @noindent
23161 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
23162 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
23163 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
23164 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
23165
23166 @smallexample
23167 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
23168 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
23169 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
23170 @end smallexample
23171
23172 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23173 corresponding to @code{val}.
23174 @end defun
23175
23176 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
23177 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
23178 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23179 @end defun
23180
23181 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
23182 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
23183 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23184 @end defun
23185
23186 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
23187 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23188 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
23189 throw an exception.
23190
23191 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
23192 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
23193 language.
23194
23195 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
23196 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
23197 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
23198 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
23199 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
23200
23201 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23202 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
23203 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
23204 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
23205 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
23206 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
23207 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
23208 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
23209 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
23210
23211 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
23212 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
23213
23214 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23215 fetched and converted to the given length.
23216 @end defun
23217
23218 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
23219 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23220 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
23221 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
23222
23223 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23224 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
23225 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
23226 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
23227 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
23228
23229 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
23230 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
23231 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
23232 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
23233 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
23234 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
23235
23236 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23237 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
23238 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
23239 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
23240 @end defun
23241
23242 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
23243 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
23244 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
23245 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
23246 will produce a Python exception.
23247
23248 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
23249 has no effect.
23250
23251 This method does not return a value.
23252 @end defun
23253
23254 @end table
23255
23256 @node Types In Python
23257 @subsubsection Types In Python
23258 @cindex types in Python
23259 @cindex Python, working with types
23260
23261 @tindex gdb.Type
23262 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
23263 @code{gdb.Type}.
23264
23265 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23266 module:
23267
23268 @findex gdb.lookup_type
23269 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
23270 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
23271 type to look up. It must be a string.
23272
23273 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23274 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23275
23276 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
23277 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
23278 @end defun
23279
23280 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
23281 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
23282 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
23283 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
23284
23285 @smallexample
23286 bar = some_type['foo']
23287 @end smallexample
23288
23289 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
23290 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
23291 @code{gdb.Field} class.
23292
23293 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
23294
23295 @table @code
23296 @defvar Type.code
23297 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
23298 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
23299 @end defvar
23300
23301 @defvar Type.sizeof
23302 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
23303 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
23304 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
23305 @end defvar
23306
23307 @defvar Type.tag
23308 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
23309 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
23310 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
23311 @code{None} is returned.
23312 @end defvar
23313 @end table
23314
23315 The following methods are provided:
23316
23317 @table @code
23318 @defun Type.fields ()
23319 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
23320 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
23321 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
23322 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
23323 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
23324 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
23325
23326 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
23327 @table @code
23328 @item bitpos
23329 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
23330 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
23331 position of the field. For @code{enum} fields, the value is the
23332 enumeration member's integer representation.
23333
23334 @item name
23335 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
23336
23337 @item artificial
23338 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
23339 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
23340 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
23341
23342 @item is_base_class
23343 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
23344 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
23345 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
23346 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
23347
23348 @item bitsize
23349 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
23350 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
23351 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
23352
23353 @item type
23354 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
23355 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
23356 @end table
23357 @end defun
23358
23359 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
23360 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
23361 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
23362 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
23363 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
23364 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
23365 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
23366 @end defun
23367
23368 @defun Type.vector (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
23369 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a vector of this
23370 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
23371 the vector; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
23372 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the vector, and the
23373 second argument is the upper bound of the vector. A vector's length
23374 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
23375
23376 The difference between an @code{array} and a @code{vector} is that
23377 arrays behave like in C: when used in expressions they decay to a pointer
23378 to the first element whereas vectors are treated as first class values.
23379 @end defun
23380
23381 @defun Type.const ()
23382 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23383 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
23384 @end defun
23385
23386 @defun Type.volatile ()
23387 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
23388 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
23389 @end defun
23390
23391 @defun Type.unqualified ()
23392 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
23393 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
23394 @code{volatile}.
23395 @end defun
23396
23397 @defun Type.range ()
23398 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
23399 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
23400 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
23401 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
23402 @end defun
23403
23404 @defun Type.reference ()
23405 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
23406 type.
23407 @end defun
23408
23409 @defun Type.pointer ()
23410 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
23411 type.
23412 @end defun
23413
23414 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
23415 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
23416 after removing all layers of typedefs.
23417 @end defun
23418
23419 @defun Type.target ()
23420 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
23421 of this type.
23422
23423 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
23424 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
23425 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
23426 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
23427 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
23428 target type is the aliased type.
23429
23430 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
23431 exception.
23432 @end defun
23433
23434 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
23435 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
23436 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
23437 @var{n}th template argument.
23438
23439 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
23440 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
23441
23442 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
23443 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
23444 @end defun
23445 @end table
23446
23447
23448 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
23449 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
23450 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
23451
23452 @table @code
23453 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
23454 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23455 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
23456 The type is a pointer.
23457
23458 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23459 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23460 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
23461 The type is an array.
23462
23463 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23464 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23465 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
23466 The type is a structure.
23467
23468 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
23469 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23470 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
23471 The type is a union.
23472
23473 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23474 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23475 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
23476 The type is an enum.
23477
23478 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23479 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23480 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
23481 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
23482
23483 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23484 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23485 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
23486 The type is a function.
23487
23488 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
23489 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23490 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
23491 The type is an integer type.
23492
23493 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
23494 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23495 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
23496 A floating point type.
23497
23498 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
23499 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23500 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
23501 The special type @code{void}.
23502
23503 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
23504 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23505 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
23506 A Pascal set type.
23507
23508 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23509 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23510 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
23511 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
23512
23513 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
23514 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23515 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
23516 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
23517 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
23518
23519 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23520 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23521 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
23522 A string of bits. It is deprecated.
23523
23524 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23525 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23526 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
23527 An unknown or erroneous type.
23528
23529 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23530 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23531 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
23532 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
23533
23534 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23535 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23536 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
23537 A pointer-to-member-function.
23538
23539 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23540 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23541 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
23542 A pointer-to-member.
23543
23544 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
23545 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23546 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
23547 A reference type.
23548
23549 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23550 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23551 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
23552 A character type.
23553
23554 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23555 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23556 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
23557 A boolean type.
23558
23559 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23560 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23561 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
23562 A complex float type.
23563
23564 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23565 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23566 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
23567 A typedef to some other type.
23568
23569 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23570 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23571 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
23572 A C@t{++} namespace.
23573
23574 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23575 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23576 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
23577 A decimal floating point type.
23578
23579 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23580 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23581 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
23582 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
23583 convenience functions.
23584 @end table
23585
23586 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
23587 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
23588
23589 @node Pretty Printing API
23590 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
23591
23592 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
23593
23594 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
23595 specific interface, defined here.
23596
23597 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
23598 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
23599 children of the pretty-printer's value.
23600
23601 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
23602 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
23603 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
23604 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
23605 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
23606
23607 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
23608 as though the value has no children.
23609 @end defun
23610
23611 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
23612 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
23613 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
23614 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
23615 printed.
23616
23617 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
23618 string.
23619
23620 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
23621
23622 @table @samp
23623 @item array
23624 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
23625 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
23626 @code{set print array}.
23627
23628 @item map
23629 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
23630 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
23631 values.
23632
23633 @item string
23634 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
23635 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
23636 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
23637 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
23638 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
23639 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
23640 @end table
23641 @end defun
23642
23643 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
23644 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
23645 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
23646
23647 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
23648 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
23649 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
23650 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
23651 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
23652 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
23653 the result of @code{children}.
23654
23655 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
23656
23657 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
23658 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
23659 another pretty-printer.
23660
23661 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
23662 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
23663 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
23664 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
23665 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
23666
23667 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
23668 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
23669
23670 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
23671 @end defun
23672
23673 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
23674 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
23675
23676 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
23677 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
23678 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
23679 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
23680 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
23681 @end defun
23682
23683 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
23684 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
23685
23686 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
23687 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
23688 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
23689 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
23690 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
23691 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
23692 attribute.
23693
23694 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
23695 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
23696 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
23697 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
23698 @code{None}.
23699
23700 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
23701 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
23702 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
23703 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
23704 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
23705 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
23706 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
23707 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
23708 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
23709 object is returned.
23710
23711 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
23712 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
23713 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
23714 object is returned.
23715
23716 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
23717 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
23718 the pretty-printer is out of date.
23719
23720 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
23721 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
23722 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
23723 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
23724 with a broken printer.
23725
23726 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
23727 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
23728 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
23729 the printer is enabled.
23730
23731 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
23732 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
23733 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
23734
23735 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
23736 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
23737
23738 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
23739 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
23740 must provide.
23741
23742 @smallexample
23743 class StdStringPrinter(object):
23744 "Print a std::string"
23745
23746 def __init__(self, val):
23747 self.val = val
23748
23749 def to_string(self):
23750 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
23751
23752 def display_hint(self):
23753 return 'string'
23754 @end smallexample
23755
23756 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
23757 example above might be written.
23758
23759 @smallexample
23760 def str_lookup_function(val):
23761 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
23762 if lookup_tag == None:
23763 return None
23764 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
23765 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
23766 return StdStringPrinter(val)
23767 return None
23768 @end smallexample
23769
23770 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
23771 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
23772 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
23773 returns @code{None}.
23774
23775 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
23776 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
23777 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
23778 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
23779 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
23780 different names.
23781
23782 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
23783 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
23784 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
23785 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
23786 the current objfile.
23787
23788 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
23789 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
23790 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
23791 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
23792 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
23793 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
23794 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
23795 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
23796 inferior.
23797
23798 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
23799 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
23800
23801 @smallexample
23802 def register_printers(objfile):
23803 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
23804 @end smallexample
23805
23806 @noindent
23807 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
23808
23809 @smallexample
23810 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
23811 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
23812 @end smallexample
23813
23814 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
23815 There are a few things that can be improved on.
23816 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
23817 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
23818 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
23819
23820 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
23821 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
23822 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
23823 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
23824 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
23825 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
23826
23827 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
23828 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
23829 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
23830
23831 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
23832
23833 @smallexample
23834 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
23835 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
23836 @end smallexample
23837
23838 Here are the printers:
23839
23840 @smallexample
23841 class fooPrinter:
23842 """Print a foo object."""
23843
23844 def __init__(self, val):
23845 self.val = val
23846
23847 def to_string(self):
23848 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
23849 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
23850
23851 class barPrinter:
23852 """Print a bar object."""
23853
23854 def __init__(self, val):
23855 self.val = val
23856
23857 def to_string(self):
23858 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
23859 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
23860 @end smallexample
23861
23862 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
23863 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
23864 the object that handles the lookup.
23865
23866 @smallexample
23867 import gdb.printing
23868
23869 def build_pretty_printer():
23870 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
23871 "my_library")
23872 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
23873 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
23874 return pp
23875 @end smallexample
23876
23877 And here is the autoload support:
23878
23879 @smallexample
23880 import gdb.printing
23881 import my_library
23882 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
23883 gdb.current_objfile(),
23884 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
23885 @end smallexample
23886
23887 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
23888 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
23889
23890 @smallexample
23891 (gdb) info pretty-printer
23892 my_library.so:
23893 my_library
23894 foo
23895 bar
23896 @end smallexample
23897
23898 @node Inferiors In Python
23899 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
23900 @cindex inferiors in Python
23901
23902 @findex gdb.Inferior
23903 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
23904 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
23905 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
23906 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
23907
23908 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23909 module:
23910
23911 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
23912 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
23913 @end defun
23914
23915 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
23916 Return an object representing the current inferior.
23917 @end defun
23918
23919 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
23920
23921 @table @code
23922 @defvar Inferior.num
23923 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
23924 @end defvar
23925
23926 @defvar Inferior.pid
23927 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
23928 system.
23929 @end defvar
23930
23931 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
23932 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
23933 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
23934 @end defvar
23935 @end table
23936
23937 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
23938
23939 @table @code
23940 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
23941 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
23942 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
23943 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
23944 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
23945 at the time the method is called.
23946 @end defun
23947
23948 @defun Inferior.threads ()
23949 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
23950 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
23951 return an empty tuple.
23952 @end defun
23953
23954 @findex Inferior.read_memory
23955 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
23956 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
23957 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
23958 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
23959 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function.
23960 @end defun
23961
23962 @findex Inferior.write_memory
23963 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
23964 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
23965 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
23966 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
23967 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
23968 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
23969 @end defun
23970
23971 @findex gdb.search_memory
23972 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
23973 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
23974 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
23975 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
23976 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
23977 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
23978 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
23979 the pattern could not be found.
23980 @end defun
23981 @end table
23982
23983 @node Events In Python
23984 @subsubsection Events In Python
23985 @cindex inferior events in Python
23986
23987 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
23988 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
23989 the inferior.
23990
23991 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
23992 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
23993 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
23994
23995 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
23996 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
23997 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
23998 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
23999
24000 @table @code
24001 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
24002 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
24003 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
24004 @end defun
24005
24006 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
24007 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
24008 will no longer receive notifications of events.
24009 @end defun
24010 @end table
24011
24012 Here is an example:
24013
24014 @smallexample
24015 def exit_handler (event):
24016 print "event type: exit"
24017 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
24018
24019 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
24020 @end smallexample
24021
24022 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
24023 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
24024 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
24025 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
24026 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
24027 the inferior.
24028
24029 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
24030 details of the events they emit:
24031
24032 @table @code
24033
24034 @item events.cont
24035 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24036
24037 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
24038 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
24039 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
24040 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
24041 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
24042 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
24043
24044 @table @code
24045 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
24046 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
24047 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
24048 @end defvar
24049 @end table
24050
24051 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24052
24053 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
24054 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
24055
24056 @item events.exited
24057 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
24058 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
24059 @table @code
24060 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
24061 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
24062 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
24063 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
24064 the attribute does not exist.
24065 @end defvar
24066 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
24067 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
24068 @end defvar
24069 @end table
24070
24071 @item events.stop
24072 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
24073
24074 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
24075 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
24076 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
24077 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
24078
24079 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24080
24081 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
24082 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
24083
24084 @table @code
24085 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
24086 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
24087 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
24088 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
24089 @end defvar
24090 @end table
24091
24092 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
24093
24094 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
24095 been hit, and has the following attributes:
24096
24097 @table @code
24098 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
24099 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
24100 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
24101 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
24102 @end defvar
24103 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
24104 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
24105 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
24106 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
24107 @end defvar
24108 @end table
24109
24110 @item events.new_objfile
24111 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
24112 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
24113
24114 @table @code
24115 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
24116 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
24117 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
24118 @end defvar
24119 @end table
24120
24121 @end table
24122
24123 @node Threads In Python
24124 @subsubsection Threads In Python
24125 @cindex threads in python
24126
24127 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
24128 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
24129 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
24130
24131 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24132 module:
24133
24134 @findex gdb.selected_thread
24135 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
24136 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
24137 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
24138 @end defun
24139
24140 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
24141
24142 @table @code
24143 @defvar InferiorThread.name
24144 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
24145 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
24146 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
24147 returns @code{None}.
24148
24149 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
24150 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
24151 user-specified thread name.
24152 @end defvar
24153
24154 @defvar InferiorThread.num
24155 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
24156 @end defvar
24157
24158 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
24159 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
24160 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
24161 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
24162 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
24163 does not use that identifier.
24164 @end defvar
24165 @end table
24166
24167 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
24168
24169 @table @code
24170 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
24171 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
24172 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
24173 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
24174 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
24175 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24176 @end defun
24177
24178 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
24179 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
24180 by this object.
24181 @end defun
24182
24183 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
24184 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
24185 @end defun
24186
24187 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
24188 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
24189 @end defun
24190
24191 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
24192 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
24193 @end defun
24194 @end table
24195
24196 @node Commands In Python
24197 @subsubsection Commands In Python
24198
24199 @cindex commands in python
24200 @cindex python commands
24201 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
24202 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
24203 class, most commonly using a subclass.
24204
24205 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
24206 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
24207 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
24208 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24209
24210 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
24211 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24212 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
24213 an exception is raised.
24214
24215 There is no support for multi-line commands.
24216
24217 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24218 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
24219 new command in the help system.
24220
24221 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
24222 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
24223 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
24224 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
24225 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
24226 error will occur when completion is attempted.
24227
24228 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
24229 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
24230 registered.
24231
24232 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
24233 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
24234 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
24235 not documented.'' is used.
24236 @end defun
24237
24238 @cindex don't repeat Python command
24239 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
24240 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
24241 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
24242 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
24243 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
24244 @end defun
24245
24246 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
24247 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
24248
24249 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
24250 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
24251
24252 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
24253 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
24254 that the command came from elsewhere.
24255
24256 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
24257 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
24258
24259 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
24260 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
24261 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
24262 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
24263 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
24264 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
24265 Example:
24266
24267 @smallexample
24268 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
24269 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
24270 @end smallexample
24271
24272 @end defun
24273
24274 @cindex completion of Python commands
24275 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
24276 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
24277 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
24278 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
24279 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
24280 complete}).
24281
24282 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
24283 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
24284 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
24285 using a word-breaking heuristic.
24286
24287 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
24288 @itemize @bullet
24289 @item
24290 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
24291 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
24292 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
24293 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
24294 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
24295 sequence are ignored.
24296
24297 @item
24298 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
24299 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
24300 function is invoked, and its result is used.
24301
24302 @item
24303 All other results are treated as though there were no available
24304 completions.
24305 @end itemize
24306 @end defun
24307
24308 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
24309 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
24310 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
24311 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
24312 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
24313 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24314
24315 @table @code
24316 @findex COMMAND_NONE
24317 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24318 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
24319 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
24320 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
24321
24322 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
24323 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24324 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
24325 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
24326 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
24327 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24328 commands in this category.
24329
24330 @findex COMMAND_DATA
24331 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24332 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
24333 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
24334 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
24335 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
24336 in this category.
24337
24338 @findex COMMAND_STACK
24339 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24340 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
24341 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
24342 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
24343 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
24344 list of commands in this category.
24345
24346 @findex COMMAND_FILES
24347 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24348 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
24349 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
24350 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
24351 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24352 commands in this category.
24353
24354 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
24355 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24356 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
24357 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
24358 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
24359 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
24360 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
24361 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24362 commands in this category.
24363
24364 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
24365 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24366 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
24367 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
24368 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
24369 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
24370 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
24371
24372 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24373 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24374 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
24375 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
24376 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24377 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
24378 this category.
24379
24380 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24381 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24382 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
24383 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
24384 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
24385 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24386 commands in this category.
24387
24388 @findex COMMAND_USER
24389 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
24390 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
24391 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
24392 does not fit in one of the other categories.
24393 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
24394 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
24395 (@pxref{Sequences}).
24396
24397 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
24398 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24399 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
24400 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
24401 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
24402 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
24403 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
24404 category.
24405
24406 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24407 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24408 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
24409 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
24410 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
24411 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
24412 commands in this category.
24413 @end table
24414
24415 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
24416 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
24417 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
24418 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24419
24420 @table @code
24421 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
24422 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24423 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
24424 This constant means that no completion should be done.
24425
24426 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
24427 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24428 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
24429 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
24430
24431 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
24432 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24433 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
24434 This constant means that location completion should be done.
24435 @xref{Specify Location}.
24436
24437 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
24438 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24439 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
24440 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
24441 command names.
24442
24443 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24444 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24445 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
24446 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
24447 as the source.
24448 @end table
24449
24450 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
24451 implemented in Python:
24452
24453 @smallexample
24454 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
24455 """Greet the whole world."""
24456
24457 def __init__ (self):
24458 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
24459
24460 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
24461 print "Hello, World!"
24462
24463 HelloWorld ()
24464 @end smallexample
24465
24466 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
24467 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
24468 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
24469 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
24470
24471 @node Parameters In Python
24472 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
24473
24474 @cindex parameters in python
24475 @cindex python parameters
24476 @tindex gdb.Parameter
24477 @tindex Parameter
24478 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
24479 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
24480 class.
24481
24482 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
24483 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
24484
24485 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
24486 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
24487 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
24488 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
24489 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
24490
24491 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
24492 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
24493 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
24494 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
24495
24496 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
24497 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
24498 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
24499 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
24500 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
24501 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
24502 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
24503
24504 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
24505 can be found, an exception is raised.
24506
24507 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
24508 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
24509 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
24510
24511 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
24512 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
24513 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
24514 completion.
24515
24516 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
24517 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
24518 represent the possible values for the parameter.
24519
24520 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
24521 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
24522
24523 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
24524 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
24525 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
24526 @end defun
24527
24528 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
24529 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24530 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
24531 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24532 have no effect.
24533 @end defvar
24534
24535 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
24536 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
24537 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
24538 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
24539 have no effect.
24540 @end defvar
24541
24542 @defvar Parameter.value
24543 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
24544 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
24545 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
24546 @end defvar
24547
24548 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
24549 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
24550
24551 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
24552 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
24553 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
24554 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
24555 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
24556 @end defun
24557
24558 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
24559 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
24560 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
24561 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
24562 current value. This method must return a string.
24563 @end defun
24564
24565 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
24566 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
24567 module:
24568
24569 @table @code
24570 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
24571 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
24572 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
24573 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
24574 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
24575
24576 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24577 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24578 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
24579 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
24580 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
24581 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
24582
24583 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
24584 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
24585 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
24586 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
24587 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
24588
24589 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
24590 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
24591 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
24592 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
24593 to mean ``unlimited''.
24594
24595 @findex PARAM_STRING
24596 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
24597 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
24598 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
24599 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
24600 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
24601 host charset.
24602
24603 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24604 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24605 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
24606 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
24607 passed through untranslated.
24608
24609 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24610 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24611 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
24612 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
24613
24614 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
24615 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
24616 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
24617 The value is a filename. This is just like
24618 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
24619
24620 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
24621 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
24622 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
24623 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
24624 is interpreted as itself.
24625
24626 @findex PARAM_ENUM
24627 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
24628 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
24629 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
24630 constants provided when the parameter is created.
24631 @end table
24632
24633 @node Functions In Python
24634 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
24635
24636 @cindex writing convenience functions
24637 @cindex convenience functions in python
24638 @cindex python convenience functions
24639 @tindex gdb.Function
24640 @tindex Function
24641 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
24642 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
24643 class @code{gdb.Function}.
24644
24645 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
24646 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
24647 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
24648 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
24649 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
24650 the given @var{name}.
24651
24652 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
24653 string for the new class.
24654 @end defun
24655
24656 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
24657 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
24658 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
24659 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
24660 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
24661 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
24662 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
24663 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
24664
24665 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
24666 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
24667 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
24668 @end defun
24669
24670 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
24671 be implemented in Python:
24672
24673 @smallexample
24674 class Greet (gdb.Function):
24675 """Return string to greet someone.
24676 Takes a name as argument."""
24677
24678 def __init__ (self):
24679 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
24680
24681 def invoke (self, name):
24682 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
24683
24684 Greet ()
24685 @end smallexample
24686
24687 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
24688 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
24689 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
24690 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
24691
24692 @node Progspaces In Python
24693 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
24694
24695 @cindex progspaces in python
24696 @tindex gdb.Progspace
24697 @tindex Progspace
24698 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
24699 of an address space.
24700 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
24701 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
24702 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
24703 about program spaces.
24704
24705 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
24706 @code{gdb} module:
24707
24708 @findex gdb.current_progspace
24709 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
24710 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
24711 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
24712 @end defun
24713
24714 @findex gdb.progspaces
24715 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
24716 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
24717 @end defun
24718
24719 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
24720 class.
24721
24722 @defvar Progspace.filename
24723 The file name of the progspace as a string.
24724 @end defvar
24725
24726 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
24727 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
24728 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
24729 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
24730 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
24731 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
24732 information.
24733 @end defvar
24734
24735 @node Objfiles In Python
24736 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
24737
24738 @cindex objfiles in python
24739 @tindex gdb.Objfile
24740 @tindex Objfile
24741 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
24742 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
24743 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
24744 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
24745 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
24746
24747 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
24748 @code{gdb} module:
24749
24750 @findex gdb.current_objfile
24751 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
24752 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
24753 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
24754 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
24755 this function returns @code{None}.
24756 @end defun
24757
24758 @findex gdb.objfiles
24759 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
24760 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
24761 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
24762 @end defun
24763
24764 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
24765 class.
24766
24767 @defvar Objfile.filename
24768 The file name of the objfile as a string.
24769 @end defvar
24770
24771 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
24772 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
24773 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
24774 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
24775 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
24776 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
24777 information.
24778 @end defvar
24779
24780 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
24781
24782 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
24783 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
24784 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
24785 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
24786 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
24787 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24788 @end defun
24789
24790 @node Frames In Python
24791 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
24792
24793 @cindex frames in python
24794 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
24795 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
24796 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
24797 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
24798 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
24799 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
24800
24801 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
24802 operator, like:
24803
24804 @smallexample
24805 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
24806 True
24807 @end smallexample
24808
24809 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
24810
24811 @findex gdb.selected_frame
24812 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
24813 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
24814 @end defun
24815
24816 @findex gdb.newest_frame
24817 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
24818 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
24819 @end defun
24820
24821 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
24822 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
24823 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
24824 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
24825 @end defun
24826
24827 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
24828
24829 @table @code
24830 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
24831 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
24832 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
24833 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
24834 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
24835 @end defun
24836
24837 @defun Frame.name ()
24838 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
24839 obtained.
24840 @end defun
24841
24842 @defun Frame.type ()
24843 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
24844 @table @code
24845 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
24846 An ordinary stack frame.
24847
24848 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
24849 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
24850 inferior function call.
24851
24852 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
24853 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
24854 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
24855
24856 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
24857 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
24858
24859 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
24860 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
24861 it calls into a signal handler.
24862
24863 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
24864 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
24865
24866 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
24867 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
24868 newest frame.
24869 @end table
24870 @end defun
24871
24872 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
24873 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
24874 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
24875 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
24876 function to a string. The value can be one of:
24877
24878 @table @code
24879 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
24880 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
24881
24882 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
24883 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result.
24884
24885 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
24886 This frame is the outermost.
24887
24888 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
24889 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
24890 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
24891
24892 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
24893 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
24894 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
24895 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
24896
24897 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
24898 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
24899 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
24900 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
24901 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
24902 stack corruption.
24903
24904 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
24905 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
24906 one to unwind further.
24907
24908 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
24909 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
24910 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
24911 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
24912 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
24913 versions. Using it, you could write:
24914 @smallexample
24915 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
24916 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
24917 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
24918 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
24919 @end smallexample
24920 @end table
24921
24922 @end defun
24923
24924 @defun Frame.pc ()
24925 Returns the frame's resume address.
24926 @end defun
24927
24928 @defun Frame.block ()
24929 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
24930 @end defun
24931
24932 @defun Frame.function ()
24933 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
24934 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
24935 @end defun
24936
24937 @defun Frame.older ()
24938 Return the frame that called this frame.
24939 @end defun
24940
24941 @defun Frame.newer ()
24942 Return the frame called by this frame.
24943 @end defun
24944
24945 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
24946 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
24947 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
24948 @end defun
24949
24950 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
24951 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
24952 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
24953 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
24954 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
24955 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
24956 @code{gdb.Block} object.
24957 @end defun
24958
24959 @defun Frame.select ()
24960 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
24961 Stack}.
24962 @end defun
24963 @end table
24964
24965 @node Blocks In Python
24966 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
24967
24968 @cindex blocks in python
24969 @tindex gdb.Block
24970
24971 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
24972 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
24973 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
24974 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
24975 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
24976 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
24977 stack.
24978
24979 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
24980 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
24981 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
24982 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
24983 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
24984 table.
24985
24986 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24987 module:
24988
24989 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
24990 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
24991 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
24992 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
24993 will return @code{None}.
24994 @end defun
24995
24996 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
24997
24998 @table @code
24999 @defun Block.is_valid ()
25000 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
25001 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
25002 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
25003 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
25004 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
25005 during iteration over symbols of the block.
25006 @end defun
25007 @end table
25008
25009 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
25010
25011 @table @code
25012 @defvar Block.start
25013 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
25014 @end defvar
25015
25016 @defvar Block.end
25017 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
25018 @end defvar
25019
25020 @defvar Block.function
25021 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
25022 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
25023 attribute is not writable.
25024 @end defvar
25025
25026 @defvar Block.superblock
25027 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
25028 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25029 @end defvar
25030
25031 @defvar Block.global_block
25032 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
25033 writable.
25034 @end defvar
25035
25036 @defvar Block.static_block
25037 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
25038 writable.
25039 @end defvar
25040
25041 @defvar Block.is_global
25042 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
25043 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
25044 writable.
25045 @end defvar
25046
25047 @defvar Block.is_static
25048 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
25049 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
25050 @end defvar
25051 @end table
25052
25053 @node Symbols In Python
25054 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
25055
25056 @cindex symbols in python
25057 @tindex gdb.Symbol
25058
25059 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
25060 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
25061 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
25062 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
25063
25064 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25065 module:
25066
25067 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
25068 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
25069 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
25070 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
25071 arguments.
25072
25073 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
25074 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
25075 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
25076 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
25077 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
25078 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
25079 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
25080 in this chapter.
25081
25082 The result is a tuple of two elements.
25083 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25084 is not found.
25085 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
25086 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
25087 otherwise it is @code{False}.
25088 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
25089 @end defun
25090
25091 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
25092 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
25093 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
25094 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
25095
25096 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
25097 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
25098 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
25099 module and described later in this chapter.
25100
25101 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
25102 is not found.
25103 @end defun
25104
25105 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
25106
25107 @table @code
25108 @defvar Symbol.type
25109 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
25110 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
25111 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25112 @end defvar
25113
25114 @defvar Symbol.symtab
25115 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
25116 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
25117 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
25118 @end defvar
25119
25120 @defvar Symbol.line
25121 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
25122 This is an integer.
25123 @end defvar
25124
25125 @defvar Symbol.name
25126 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
25127 @end defvar
25128
25129 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
25130 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
25131 This attribute is not writable.
25132 @end defvar
25133
25134 @defvar Symbol.print_name
25135 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
25136 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
25137 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
25138 @end defvar
25139
25140 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
25141 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
25142 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
25143 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
25144 @end defvar
25145
25146 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
25147 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
25148 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
25149 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
25150 @end defvar
25151
25152 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
25153 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
25154 @end defvar
25155
25156 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
25157 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
25158 @end defvar
25159
25160 @defvar Symbol.is_function
25161 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
25162 @end defvar
25163
25164 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
25165 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
25166 @end defvar
25167 @end table
25168
25169 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
25170
25171 @table @code
25172 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
25173 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
25174 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
25175 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
25176 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
25177 invalid at the time the method is called.
25178 @end defun
25179
25180 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
25181 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
25182 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
25183 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
25184 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
25185 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
25186 exception.
25187 @end defun
25188 @end table
25189
25190 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25191 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25192
25193 @table @code
25194 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25195 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25196 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
25197 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
25198 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
25199 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25200 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25201 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25202 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
25203 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
25204 type values.
25205 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25206 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25207 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
25208 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
25209 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25210 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25211 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
25212 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
25213 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25214 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25215 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
25216 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
25217 contains everything minus functions and types.
25218 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25219 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
25220 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
25221 This domain contains all functions.
25222 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25223 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25224 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
25225 This domain contains all types.
25226 @end table
25227
25228 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
25229 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
25230
25231 @table @code
25232 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25233 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25234 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
25235 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
25236 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
25237 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25238 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25239 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
25240 Value is constant int.
25241 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25242 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25243 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
25244 Value is at a fixed address.
25245 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25246 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25247 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
25248 Value is in a register.
25249 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25250 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25251 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
25252 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
25253 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
25254 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25255 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25256 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
25257 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
25258 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
25259 offset, not the value itself.
25260 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25261 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25262 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
25263 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
25264 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
25265 itself.
25266 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25267 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25268 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
25269 Value is a local variable.
25270 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25271 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25272 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
25273 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
25274 have this class.
25275 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25276 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25277 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
25278 Value is a block.
25279 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25280 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25281 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
25282 Value is a byte-sequence.
25283 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25284 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25285 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
25286 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
25287 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
25288 referenced.
25289 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25290 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25291 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
25292 The value does not actually exist in the program.
25293 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25294 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25295 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
25296 The value's address is a computed location.
25297 @end table
25298
25299 @node Symbol Tables In Python
25300 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
25301
25302 @cindex symbol tables in python
25303 @tindex gdb.Symtab
25304 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
25305
25306 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
25307 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
25308 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
25309 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
25310 @xref{Frames In Python}.
25311
25312 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
25313 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
25314
25315 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
25316
25317 @table @code
25318 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
25319 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
25320 This attribute is not writable.
25321 @end defvar
25322
25323 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
25324 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
25325 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
25326 @end defvar
25327
25328 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
25329 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
25330 source line. This attribute is not writable.
25331 @end defvar
25332
25333 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
25334 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
25335 attribute is not writable.
25336 @end defvar
25337 @end table
25338
25339 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
25340
25341 @table @code
25342 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
25343 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
25344 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
25345 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
25346 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
25347 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
25348 invalid at the time the method is called.
25349 @end defun
25350 @end table
25351
25352 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
25353
25354 @table @code
25355 @defvar Symtab.filename
25356 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
25357 @end defvar
25358
25359 @defvar Symtab.objfile
25360 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
25361 This attribute is not writable.
25362 @end defvar
25363 @end table
25364
25365 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
25366
25367 @table @code
25368 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
25369 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
25370 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
25371 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
25372 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
25373 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25374 @end defun
25375
25376 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
25377 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
25378 @end defun
25379
25380 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
25381 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
25382 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25383 @end defun
25384
25385 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
25386 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
25387 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
25388 @end defun
25389 @end table
25390
25391 @node Breakpoints In Python
25392 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
25393
25394 @cindex breakpoints in python
25395 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
25396
25397 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
25398 class.
25399
25400 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal@r{]]]})
25401 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
25402 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
25403 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
25404 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
25405 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
25406 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
25407 either: @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
25408 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
25409 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
25410 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
25411 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
25412 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
25413 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
25414 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
25415 assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
25416 @end defun
25417
25418 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
25419 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
25420 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
25421 If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
25422 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
25423 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
25424 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
25425 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
25426
25427 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
25428 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
25429 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
25430 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
25431 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
25432 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
25433
25434 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
25435 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
25436 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
25437 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
25438 at this time.
25439
25440 Example @code{stop} implementation:
25441
25442 @smallexample
25443 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
25444 def stop (self):
25445 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
25446 if inf_val == 3:
25447 return True
25448 return False
25449 @end smallexample
25450 @end defun
25451
25452 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
25453 @code{gdb} module:
25454
25455 @table @code
25456 @findex WP_READ
25457 @findex gdb.WP_READ
25458 @item gdb.WP_READ
25459 Read only watchpoint.
25460
25461 @findex WP_WRITE
25462 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
25463 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
25464 Write only watchpoint.
25465
25466 @findex WP_ACCESS
25467 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
25468 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
25469 Read/Write watchpoint.
25470 @end table
25471
25472 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
25473 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
25474 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
25475 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
25476 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
25477 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
25478 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
25479 @end defun
25480
25481 @defun Breakpoint.delete
25482 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
25483 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
25484 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
25485 @end defun
25486
25487 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
25488 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
25489 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25490 @end defvar
25491
25492 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
25493 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
25494 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
25495
25496 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
25497 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
25498 @code{silent} attribute.
25499 @end defvar
25500
25501 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
25502 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
25503 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
25504 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
25505 @end defvar
25506
25507 @defvar Breakpoint.task
25508 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
25509 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
25510 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
25511 is writable.
25512 @end defvar
25513
25514 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
25515 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
25516 This attribute is writable.
25517 @end defvar
25518
25519 @defvar Breakpoint.number
25520 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
25521 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
25522 @end defvar
25523
25524 @defvar Breakpoint.type
25525 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
25526 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
25527 writable.
25528 @end defvar
25529
25530 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
25531 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
25532 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
25533 attribute is not writable.
25534 @end defvar
25535
25536 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
25537 module:
25538
25539 @table @code
25540 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
25541 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25542 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
25543 Normal code breakpoint.
25544
25545 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
25546 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25547 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
25548 Watchpoint breakpoint.
25549
25550 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25551 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25552 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
25553 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
25554
25555 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25556 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25557 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
25558 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
25559
25560 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25561 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25562 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
25563 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
25564 @end table
25565
25566 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
25567 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
25568 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
25569 @end defvar
25570
25571 @defvar Breakpoint.location
25572 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
25573 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
25574 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
25575 attribute is not writable.
25576 @end defvar
25577
25578 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
25579 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
25580 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
25581 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
25582 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25583 @end defvar
25584
25585 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
25586 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
25587 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
25588 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
25589 @end defvar
25590
25591 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
25592 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
25593 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
25594 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
25595 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
25596 @end defvar
25597
25598 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
25599 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
25600
25601 @cindex python finish breakpoints
25602 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
25603
25604 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
25605 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
25606 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
25607 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
25608 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
25609 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
25610 thread selected.
25611
25612 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
25613 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
25614 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
25615 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
25616 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
25617 details about this argument.
25618 @end defun
25619
25620 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
25621 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
25622 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
25623 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
25624 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
25625
25626 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
25627 method:
25628
25629 @smallexample
25630 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
25631 def stop (self):
25632 print "normal finish"
25633 return True
25634
25635 def out_of_scope ():
25636 print "abnormal finish"
25637 @end smallexample
25638 @end defun
25639
25640 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
25641 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
25642 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
25643 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
25644 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
25645 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
25646 is not writable.
25647 @end defvar
25648
25649 @node Lazy Strings In Python
25650 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
25651
25652 @cindex lazy strings in python
25653 @tindex gdb.LazyString
25654
25655 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
25656 encoded until it is needed.
25657
25658 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
25659 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
25660 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
25661 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
25662 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
25663 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
25664 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
25665 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
25666 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
25667
25668 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
25669
25670 @defun LazyString.value ()
25671 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
25672 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
25673 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
25674 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
25675 @end defun
25676
25677 @defvar LazyString.address
25678 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
25679 writable.
25680 @end defvar
25681
25682 @defvar LazyString.length
25683 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
25684 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
25685 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
25686 @end defvar
25687
25688 @defvar LazyString.encoding
25689 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
25690 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
25691 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
25692 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
25693 is not writable.
25694 @end defvar
25695
25696 @defvar LazyString.type
25697 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
25698 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
25699 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
25700 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
25701 writable.
25702 @end defvar
25703
25704 @node Python Auto-loading
25705 @subsection Python Auto-loading
25706 @cindex Python auto-loading
25707
25708 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25709 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
25710 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
25711 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file})
25712 and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25713 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
25714
25715 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
25716 debugging commands and scripts.
25717
25718 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25719 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25720
25721 @table @code
25722 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
25723 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
25724 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
25725 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
25726
25727 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
25728 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
25729 @item show auto-load python-scripts
25730 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
25731
25732 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
25733 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
25734 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
25735 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
25736 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
25737
25738 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
25739 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
25740 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
25741 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
25742 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
25743 an error message for each one is problematic.
25744
25745 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
25746
25747 Example:
25748
25749 @smallexample
25750 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
25751 Loaded Script
25752 Yes py-section-script.py
25753 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
25754 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
25755 @end smallexample
25756 @end table
25757
25758 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
25759 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
25760 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
25761 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
25762
25763 @menu
25764 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
25765 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25766 * Which flavor to choose?::
25767 @end menu
25768
25769 @node objfile-gdb.py file
25770 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
25771 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25772
25773 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
25774 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
25775 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
25776 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
25777 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
25778 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
25779
25780 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
25781 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
25782
25783 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25784 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25785
25786 @table @code
25787 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
25788 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
25789 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
25790 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
25791 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
25792 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
25793
25794 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
25795 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
25796
25797 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
25798 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
25799 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
25800 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
25801
25802 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
25803 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
25804 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
25805 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
25806 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
25807 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
25808 platform.
25809
25810 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
25811 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
25812 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
25813
25814 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
25815 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
25816 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
25817 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
25818 @end table
25819
25820 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
25821 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
25822 @var{objfile} is opened.
25823 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
25824 is evaluated more than once.
25825
25826 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
25827 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25828 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25829
25830 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
25831 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
25832 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25833 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
25834
25835 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
25836 current directory and then along the source search path
25837 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
25838 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
25839 directory is not relevant to scripts.
25840
25841 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
25842 for example, this GCC macro:
25843
25844 @example
25845 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
25846 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
25847 asm("\
25848 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
25849 .byte 1\n\
25850 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
25851 .popsection \n\
25852 ");
25853 @end example
25854
25855 @noindent
25856 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
25857
25858 @example
25859 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
25860 @end example
25861
25862 The script name may include directories if desired.
25863
25864 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25865 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25866
25867 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
25868 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
25869
25870 @node Which flavor to choose?
25871 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
25872
25873 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
25874 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
25875
25876 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
25877
25878 @itemize @bullet
25879 @item
25880 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
25881
25882 @item
25883 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
25884
25885 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
25886 in the source search path.
25887 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
25888 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
25889
25890 @item
25891 Doesn't require source code additions.
25892 @end itemize
25893
25894 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
25895
25896 @itemize @bullet
25897 @item
25898 Works with static linking.
25899
25900 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
25901 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
25902 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
25903 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
25904
25905 @item
25906 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
25907
25908 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
25909 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
25910
25911 @item
25912 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
25913
25914 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
25915 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
25916 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
25917 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
25918 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
25919 top of the source tree to the source search path.
25920 @end itemize
25921
25922 @node Python modules
25923 @subsection Python modules
25924 @cindex python modules
25925
25926 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
25927
25928 @menu
25929 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
25930 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
25931 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
25932 @end menu
25933
25934 @node gdb.printing
25935 @subsubsection gdb.printing
25936 @cindex gdb.printing
25937
25938 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
25939 pretty-printers.
25940
25941 @table @code
25942 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
25943 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
25944 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
25945 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
25946
25947 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
25948 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
25949 corresponding API for the subprinters.
25950
25951 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
25952 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
25953 regular expressions.
25954 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
25955
25956 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
25957 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
25958 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
25959 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
25960 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
25961 the @code{enum} type to look up.
25962
25963 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
25964 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
25965 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
25966 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
25967 if a printer with the same name already exists.
25968 @end table
25969
25970 @node gdb.types
25971 @subsubsection gdb.types
25972 @cindex gdb.types
25973
25974 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
25975 @code{gdb.Types} objects.
25976
25977 @table @code
25978 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
25979 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
25980 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
25981
25982 C@t{++} example:
25983
25984 @smallexample
25985 typedef const int const_int;
25986 const_int foo (3);
25987 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
25988 int main () @{ return 0; @}
25989 @end smallexample
25990
25991 Then in gdb:
25992
25993 @smallexample
25994 (gdb) start
25995 (gdb) python import gdb.types
25996 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
25997 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
25998 int
25999 @end smallexample
26000
26001 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
26002 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
26003 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
26004
26005 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
26006 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
26007
26008 @item deep_items (@var{type})
26009 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
26010 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
26011 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
26012 union fields. For example:
26013
26014 @smallexample
26015 struct A
26016 @{
26017 int a;
26018 union @{
26019 int b0;
26020 int b1;
26021 @};
26022 @};
26023 @end smallexample
26024
26025 @noindent
26026 Then in @value{GDBN}:
26027 @smallexample
26028 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
26029 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
26030 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
26031 @{['a', '']@}
26032 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
26033 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
26034 @end smallexample
26035
26036 @end table
26037
26038 @node gdb.prompt
26039 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
26040 @cindex gdb.prompt
26041
26042 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
26043
26044 @table @code
26045 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
26046 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
26047 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
26048 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
26049
26050 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
26051
26052 @table @code
26053 @item \\
26054 Substitute a backslash.
26055 @item \e
26056 Substitute an ESC character.
26057 @item \f
26058 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
26059 @item \n
26060 Substitute a newline.
26061 @item \p
26062 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
26063 @item \r
26064 Substitute a carriage return.
26065 @item \t
26066 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
26067 @item \v
26068 Substitute the version of GDB.
26069 @item \w
26070 Substitute the current working directory.
26071 @item \[
26072 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
26073 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
26074 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
26075 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
26076 @item \]
26077 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
26078 @end table
26079
26080 For example:
26081
26082 @smallexample
26083 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
26084 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
26085 @end smallexample
26086
26087 @exdent will return the string:
26088
26089 @smallexample
26090 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
26091 @end smallexample
26092 @end table
26093
26094 @node Aliases
26095 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
26096 @cindex aliases for commands
26097
26098 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
26099 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
26100 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
26101 that involves less typing.
26102
26103 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
26104 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
26105 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
26106
26107 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
26108 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
26109 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
26110
26111 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
26112
26113 @table @code
26114
26115 @kindex alias
26116 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
26117
26118 @end table
26119
26120 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
26121 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
26122 underscores.
26123
26124 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
26125 that is being aliased.
26126
26127 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
26128 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
26129 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
26130
26131 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
26132 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
26133
26134 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
26135 of a command so that there is less to type.
26136 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
26137 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
26138 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
26139 The following will accomplish this.
26140
26141 @smallexample
26142 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
26143 @end smallexample
26144
26145 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
26146 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
26147 for it with the @samp{document} command.
26148 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
26149
26150 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
26151 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
26152 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
26153 of a command.
26154
26155 @smallexample
26156 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
26157 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
26158 (gdb) set p elms 20
26159 (gdb) show p elms
26160 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
26161 @end smallexample
26162
26163 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
26164 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
26165 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
26166
26167 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
26168 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
26169
26170 @smallexample
26171 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
26172 @end smallexample
26173
26174 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
26175 alias for a more complex command.
26176 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
26177
26178 @smallexample
26179 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
26180 (gdb) spe 20
26181 @end smallexample
26182
26183 @node Interpreters
26184 @chapter Command Interpreters
26185 @cindex command interpreters
26186
26187 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
26188 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
26189 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
26190
26191 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
26192 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
26193 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
26194 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
26195
26196 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
26197 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
26198 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
26199 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
26200
26201 @table @code
26202 @item console
26203 @cindex console interpreter
26204 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
26205 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
26206 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
26207
26208 @item mi
26209 @cindex mi interpreter
26210 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
26211 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
26212 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
26213 Interface}.
26214
26215 @item mi2
26216 @cindex mi2 interpreter
26217 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
26218
26219 @item mi1
26220 @cindex mi1 interpreter
26221 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
26222
26223 @end table
26224
26225 @cindex invoke another interpreter
26226 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
26227 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
26228 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
26229 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
26230 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
26231 the IDE inoperable!
26232
26233 @kindex interpreter-exec
26234 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
26235 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
26236 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
26237 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
26238
26239 @smallexample
26240 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
26241 @end smallexample
26242
26243 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
26244 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
26245
26246 @node TUI
26247 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
26248 @cindex TUI
26249 @cindex Text User Interface
26250
26251 @menu
26252 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
26253 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
26254 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
26255 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
26256 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
26257 @end menu
26258
26259 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
26260 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
26261 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
26262 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
26263 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
26264 is available.
26265
26266 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
26267 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
26268 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
26269 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
26270 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
26271
26272 @node TUI Overview
26273 @section TUI Overview
26274
26275 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
26276
26277 @table @emph
26278 @item command
26279 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
26280 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
26281 managed using readline.
26282
26283 @item source
26284 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
26285 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
26286
26287 @item assembly
26288 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
26289
26290 @item register
26291 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
26292 when their values change.
26293 @end table
26294
26295 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
26296 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
26297 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
26298 indicates the breakpoint type:
26299
26300 @table @code
26301 @item B
26302 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26303
26304 @item b
26305 Breakpoint which was never hit.
26306
26307 @item H
26308 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
26309
26310 @item h
26311 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
26312 @end table
26313
26314 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
26315
26316 @table @code
26317 @item +
26318 Breakpoint is enabled.
26319
26320 @item -
26321 Breakpoint is disabled.
26322 @end table
26323
26324 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
26325 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
26326 changes.
26327
26328 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
26329 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
26330 layouts:
26331
26332 @itemize @bullet
26333 @item
26334 source only,
26335
26336 @item
26337 assembly only,
26338
26339 @item
26340 source and assembly,
26341
26342 @item
26343 source and registers, or
26344
26345 @item
26346 assembly and registers.
26347 @end itemize
26348
26349 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
26350
26351 @table @emph
26352 @item target
26353 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
26354 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
26355
26356 @item process
26357 Gives the current process or thread number.
26358 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
26359
26360 @item function
26361 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
26362 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
26363 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
26364 the string @code{??} is displayed.
26365
26366 @item line
26367 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
26368 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
26369
26370 @item pc
26371 Indicates the current program counter address.
26372 @end table
26373
26374 @node TUI Keys
26375 @section TUI Key Bindings
26376 @cindex TUI key bindings
26377
26378 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
26379 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26380 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
26381 @end ifset
26382 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26383 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
26384 @end ifclear
26385 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
26386 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
26387
26388 @table @kbd
26389 @kindex C-x C-a
26390 @item C-x C-a
26391 @kindex C-x a
26392 @itemx C-x a
26393 @kindex C-x A
26394 @itemx C-x A
26395 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
26396 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
26397 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
26398 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
26399 The screen is then refreshed.
26400
26401 @kindex C-x 1
26402 @item C-x 1
26403 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
26404 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
26405 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
26406
26407 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
26408
26409 @kindex C-x 2
26410 @item C-x 2
26411 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
26412 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
26413 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
26414 previous layout and the new one.
26415
26416 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
26417
26418 @kindex C-x o
26419 @item C-x o
26420 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
26421 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
26422 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
26423
26424 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
26425
26426 @kindex C-x s
26427 @item C-x s
26428 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
26429 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
26430 @end table
26431
26432 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
26433
26434 @table @asis
26435 @kindex PgUp
26436 @item @key{PgUp}
26437 Scroll the active window one page up.
26438
26439 @kindex PgDn
26440 @item @key{PgDn}
26441 Scroll the active window one page down.
26442
26443 @kindex Up
26444 @item @key{Up}
26445 Scroll the active window one line up.
26446
26447 @kindex Down
26448 @item @key{Down}
26449 Scroll the active window one line down.
26450
26451 @kindex Left
26452 @item @key{Left}
26453 Scroll the active window one column left.
26454
26455 @kindex Right
26456 @item @key{Right}
26457 Scroll the active window one column right.
26458
26459 @kindex C-L
26460 @item @kbd{C-L}
26461 Refresh the screen.
26462 @end table
26463
26464 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
26465 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
26466 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
26467 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
26468 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
26469
26470 @node TUI Single Key Mode
26471 @section TUI Single Key Mode
26472 @cindex TUI single key mode
26473
26474 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
26475 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
26476 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
26477
26478 @table @kbd
26479 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26480 @item c
26481 continue
26482
26483 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26484 @item d
26485 down
26486
26487 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26488 @item f
26489 finish
26490
26491 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26492 @item n
26493 next
26494
26495 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26496 @item q
26497 exit the SingleKey mode.
26498
26499 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26500 @item r
26501 run
26502
26503 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26504 @item s
26505 step
26506
26507 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26508 @item u
26509 up
26510
26511 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26512 @item v
26513 info locals
26514
26515 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
26516 @item w
26517 where
26518 @end table
26519
26520 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
26521 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
26522 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
26523 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
26524 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
26525 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
26526
26527
26528 @node TUI Commands
26529 @section TUI-specific Commands
26530 @cindex TUI commands
26531
26532 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
26533 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
26534 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
26535 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
26536
26537 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
26538 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
26539 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
26540 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
26541 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
26542
26543 @table @code
26544 @item info win
26545 @kindex info win
26546 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
26547
26548 @item layout next
26549 @kindex layout
26550 Display the next layout.
26551
26552 @item layout prev
26553 Display the previous layout.
26554
26555 @item layout src
26556 Display the source window only.
26557
26558 @item layout asm
26559 Display the assembly window only.
26560
26561 @item layout split
26562 Display the source and assembly window.
26563
26564 @item layout regs
26565 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
26566
26567 @item focus next
26568 @kindex focus
26569 Make the next window active for scrolling.
26570
26571 @item focus prev
26572 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
26573
26574 @item focus src
26575 Make the source window active for scrolling.
26576
26577 @item focus asm
26578 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
26579
26580 @item focus regs
26581 Make the register window active for scrolling.
26582
26583 @item focus cmd
26584 Make the command window active for scrolling.
26585
26586 @item refresh
26587 @kindex refresh
26588 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
26589
26590 @item tui reg float
26591 @kindex tui reg
26592 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
26593
26594 @item tui reg general
26595 Show the general registers in the register window.
26596
26597 @item tui reg next
26598 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
26599 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
26600 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
26601 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
26602
26603 @item tui reg system
26604 Show the system registers in the register window.
26605
26606 @item update
26607 @kindex update
26608 Update the source window and the current execution point.
26609
26610 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
26611 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
26612 @kindex winheight
26613 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
26614 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
26615 decrease it.
26616
26617 @item tabset @var{nchars}
26618 @kindex tabset
26619 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
26620 @end table
26621
26622 @node TUI Configuration
26623 @section TUI Configuration Variables
26624 @cindex TUI configuration variables
26625
26626 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
26627
26628 @table @code
26629 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
26630 @kindex set tui border-kind
26631 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
26632 The possible values are the following:
26633 @table @code
26634 @item space
26635 Use a space character to draw the border.
26636
26637 @item ascii
26638 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
26639
26640 @item acs
26641 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
26642 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
26643 @end table
26644
26645 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
26646 @kindex set tui border-mode
26647 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
26648 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
26649 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
26650 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
26651 @table @code
26652 @item normal
26653 Use normal attributes to display the border.
26654
26655 @item standout
26656 Use standout mode.
26657
26658 @item reverse
26659 Use reverse video mode.
26660
26661 @item half
26662 Use half bright mode.
26663
26664 @item half-standout
26665 Use half bright and standout mode.
26666
26667 @item bold
26668 Use extra bright or bold mode.
26669
26670 @item bold-standout
26671 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
26672 @end table
26673 @end table
26674
26675 @node Emacs
26676 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
26677
26678 @cindex Emacs
26679 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
26680 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
26681 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
26682 @value{GDBN}.
26683
26684 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
26685 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
26686 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
26687 created Emacs buffer.
26688 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
26689
26690 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
26691 things:
26692
26693 @itemize @bullet
26694 @item
26695 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
26696 the GUD buffer.
26697
26698 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
26699 and output done by the program you are debugging.
26700
26701 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
26702 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
26703 in this way.
26704
26705 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
26706 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
26707 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
26708 stop.
26709
26710 @item
26711 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
26712
26713 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
26714 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
26715 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
26716 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
26717 and the source.
26718
26719 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
26720 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
26721 @end itemize
26722
26723 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
26724 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
26725 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
26726 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
26727
26728 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
26729 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
26730 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
26731 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
26732 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
26733 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
26734 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
26735 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
26736 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
26737
26738 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
26739 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
26740 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
26741 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
26742
26743 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
26744 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
26745 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
26746 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
26747 one you want.
26748
26749 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
26750 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
26751
26752 @table @kbd
26753 @item C-h m
26754 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
26755
26756 @item C-c C-s
26757 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
26758 update the display window to show the current file and location.
26759
26760 @item C-c C-n
26761 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
26762 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
26763 to show the current file and location.
26764
26765 @item C-c C-i
26766 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
26767 display window accordingly.
26768
26769 @item C-c C-f
26770 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
26771 @code{finish} command.
26772
26773 @item C-c C-r
26774 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
26775 command.
26776
26777 @item C-c <
26778 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
26779 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
26780 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
26781
26782 @item C-c >
26783 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
26784 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
26785 @end table
26786
26787 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
26788 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
26789
26790 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
26791 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
26792 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
26793 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
26794 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
26795 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
26796 speedbar displays watch expressions.
26797
26798 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
26799 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
26800 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
26801 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
26802 frame.
26803
26804 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
26805 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
26806 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
26807 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
26808 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
26809 to correspond properly with the code.
26810
26811 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
26812 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
26813 Emacs Manual}).
26814
26815 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
26816 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
26817 @ignore
26818 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
26819 @kindex Epoch
26820 @kindex inspect
26821
26822 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
26823 called the @code{epoch}
26824 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
26825 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
26826 each value is printed in its own window.
26827 @end ignore
26828
26829
26830 @node GDB/MI
26831 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
26832
26833 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
26834
26835 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
26836 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
26837 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
26838 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
26839 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
26840 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
26841
26842 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
26843 in the form of a reference manual.
26844
26845 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
26846 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
26847 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
26848
26849 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
26850
26851 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
26852 This chapter uses the following notation:
26853
26854 @itemize @bullet
26855 @item
26856 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
26857
26858 @item
26859 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
26860 it may or may not be given.
26861
26862 @item
26863 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26864 may repeat zero or more times.
26865
26866 @item
26867 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26868 may repeat one or more times.
26869
26870 @item
26871 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
26872 @end itemize
26873
26874 @ignore
26875 @heading Dependencies
26876 @end ignore
26877
26878 @menu
26879 * GDB/MI General Design::
26880 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
26881 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
26882 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
26883 * GDB/MI Output Records::
26884 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
26885 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
26886 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
26887 * GDB/MI Program Context::
26888 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
26889 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
26890 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
26891 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
26892 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
26893 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
26894 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
26895 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
26896 * GDB/MI File Commands::
26897 @ignore
26898 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
26899 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
26900 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
26901 @end ignore
26902 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
26903 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
26904 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
26905 @end menu
26906
26907 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26908 @node GDB/MI General Design
26909 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
26910 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
26911
26912 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
26913 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
26914 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
26915 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
26916 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
26917 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
26918 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
26919 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
26920 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
26921 a command and reported as part of that command response.
26922
26923 The important examples of notifications are:
26924 @itemize @bullet
26925
26926 @item
26927 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
26928 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
26929 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
26930 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
26931 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
26932 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
26933 command itself was successfully executed.
26934
26935 @item
26936 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
26937 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
26938 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
26939 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
26940 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
26941 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
26942
26943 @item
26944 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
26945 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
26946 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
26947 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
26948 orthogonal frontend design.
26949
26950 @end itemize
26951
26952 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
26953 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
26954 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
26955 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
26956 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
26957 the user interface.
26958
26959
26960 @menu
26961 * Context management::
26962 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
26963 * Thread groups::
26964 @end menu
26965
26966 @node Context management
26967 @subsection Context management
26968
26969 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
26970 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
26971 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
26972 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
26973 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
26974 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
26975 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
26976 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
26977 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
26978
26979 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
26980 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
26981 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
26982 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
26983 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
26984 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
26985 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
26986 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
26987 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
26988 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
26989 for thread and frame to operate on.
26990
26991 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
26992 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
26993 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
26994 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
26995 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
26996 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
26997 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
26998 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
26999 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
27000 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
27001
27002 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
27003 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
27004 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
27005 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
27006 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
27007 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
27008 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
27009 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
27010 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
27011 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
27012 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
27013 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
27014 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
27015 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
27016 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
27017 @samp{--frame} options.
27018
27019 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
27020 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
27021
27022 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
27023 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
27024 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
27025 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
27026 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
27027 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
27028 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
27029 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
27030 @code{-list-target-features} command.
27031
27032 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
27033 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
27034 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
27035 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
27036 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
27037 are running.
27038
27039 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
27040 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
27041 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
27042 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
27043 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
27044 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
27045 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
27046 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
27047 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
27048 @samp{--thread} option).
27049
27050 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
27051 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
27052 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
27053 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
27054
27055 @node Thread groups
27056 @subsection Thread groups
27057 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
27058 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
27059 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
27060 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
27061 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
27062
27063 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
27064 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
27065 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
27066 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
27067 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
27068 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
27069 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
27070 into processes.
27071
27072 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
27073 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
27074 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
27075 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
27076 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
27077 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
27078 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
27079 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
27080 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
27081 the members of specific thread group.
27082
27083 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
27084 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
27085 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
27086 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
27087 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
27088 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
27089 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
27090 after attaching to that thread group.
27091
27092 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
27093 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
27094 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
27095 such thread groups.
27096
27097 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27098 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
27099 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
27100
27101 @menu
27102 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
27103 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
27104 @end menu
27105
27106 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
27107 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
27108
27109 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
27110 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
27111 @table @code
27112 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
27113 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
27114
27115 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
27116 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
27117 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
27118
27119 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
27120 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
27121 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
27122
27123 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27124 "any sequence of digits"
27125
27126 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
27127 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
27128
27129 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
27130 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
27131
27132 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
27133 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
27134
27135 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
27136 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
27137 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
27138
27139 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
27140 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
27141
27142 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27143 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27144 @end table
27145
27146 @noindent
27147 Notes:
27148
27149 @itemize @bullet
27150 @item
27151 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
27152 output is described below.
27153
27154 @item
27155 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
27156 finishes.
27157
27158 @item
27159 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
27160 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
27161 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
27162 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
27163 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
27164 @end itemize
27165
27166 Pragmatics:
27167
27168 @itemize @bullet
27169 @item
27170 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
27171
27172 @item
27173 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
27174 @end itemize
27175
27176 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
27177 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
27178
27179 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
27180 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
27181 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
27182 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
27183 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
27184 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
27185
27186 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
27187 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
27188 @var{token}.
27189
27190 @table @code
27191 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
27192 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
27193
27194 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
27195 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27196
27197 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
27198 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
27199
27200 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
27201 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
27202
27203 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
27204 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
27205
27206 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
27207 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
27208
27209 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
27210 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
27211
27212 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
27213 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
27214
27215 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
27216 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
27217
27218 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
27219 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
27220 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
27221
27222 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
27223 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
27224
27225 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
27226 @code{ @var{string} }
27227
27228 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
27229 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
27230
27231 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
27232 @code{@var{c-string}}
27233
27234 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
27235 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
27236
27237 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
27238 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
27239 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
27240
27241 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
27242 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
27243
27244 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
27245 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
27246
27247 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
27248 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
27249
27250 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
27251 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
27252
27253 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
27254 @code{CR | CR-LF}
27255
27256 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
27257 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
27258 @end table
27259
27260 @noindent
27261 Notes:
27262
27263 @itemize @bullet
27264 @item
27265 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
27266
27267 @item
27268 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
27269 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
27270 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
27271 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
27272 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
27273 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
27274 prior command.
27275
27276 @item
27277 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27278 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
27279 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
27280 prefixed by @samp{+}.
27281
27282 @item
27283 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27284 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
27285 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
27286 @samp{*}.
27287
27288 @item
27289 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27290 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
27291 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
27292 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
27293
27294 @item
27295 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27296 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
27297 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
27298 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
27299
27300 @item
27301 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27302 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
27303 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
27304
27305 @item
27306 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27307 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
27308 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
27309 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
27310
27311 @item
27312 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
27313 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
27314 @var{values}.
27315
27316
27317 @end itemize
27318
27319 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
27320 details about the various output records.
27321
27322 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27323 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
27324 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
27325
27326 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
27327 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
27328
27329 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
27330 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
27331 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
27332 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
27333 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
27334 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
27335
27336 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
27337 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
27338 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
27339
27340 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27341 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
27342 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
27343 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
27344
27345 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
27346 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
27347
27348 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
27349 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
27350 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
27351 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
27352 might change.
27353
27354 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
27355 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
27356 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
27357 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
27358
27359 @itemize @bullet
27360 @item
27361 New MI commands may be added.
27362
27363 @item
27364 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
27365
27366 @item
27367 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
27368 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
27369
27370 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
27371 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
27372
27373 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
27374 @c resolve inconsistencies.
27375 @end itemize
27376
27377 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
27378 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
27379 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
27380 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
27381 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
27382
27383 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
27384 @c version?
27385
27386 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
27387 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
27388 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
27389 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
27390 @cindex mailing lists
27391
27392 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27393 @node GDB/MI Output Records
27394 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
27395
27396 @menu
27397 * GDB/MI Result Records::
27398 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
27399 * GDB/MI Async Records::
27400 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
27401 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
27402 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
27403 @end menu
27404
27405 @node GDB/MI Result Records
27406 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
27407
27408 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27409 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
27410 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
27411 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
27412
27413 @table @code
27414 @findex ^done
27415 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
27416 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
27417 values.
27418
27419 @item "^running"
27420 @findex ^running
27421 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
27422 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
27423 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
27424 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
27425 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
27426 which threads are resumed.
27427
27428 @item "^connected"
27429 @findex ^connected
27430 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
27431
27432 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
27433 @findex ^error
27434 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
27435 error message.
27436
27437 @item "^exit"
27438 @findex ^exit
27439 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
27440
27441 @end table
27442
27443 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
27444 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
27445
27446 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
27447 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27448 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
27449 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
27450 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
27451
27452 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
27453 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
27454 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
27455 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
27456 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
27457
27458 @table @code
27459 @item "~" @var{string-output}
27460 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
27461 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
27462
27463 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
27464 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
27465 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
27466 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
27467
27468 @item "&" @var{string-output}
27469 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
27470 internals.
27471 @end table
27472
27473 @node GDB/MI Async Records
27474 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
27475
27476 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
27477 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
27478 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
27479 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
27480 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
27481 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
27482
27483 The following is the list of possible async records:
27484
27485 @table @code
27486
27487 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
27488 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
27489 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
27490 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
27491 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
27492 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
27493 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
27494 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
27495 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
27496 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
27497
27498 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
27499 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
27500 following values:
27501
27502 @table @code
27503 @item breakpoint-hit
27504 A breakpoint was reached.
27505 @item watchpoint-trigger
27506 A watchpoint was triggered.
27507 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
27508 A read watchpoint was triggered.
27509 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
27510 An access watchpoint was triggered.
27511 @item function-finished
27512 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27513 @item location-reached
27514 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
27515 @item watchpoint-scope
27516 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
27517 @item end-stepping-range
27518 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
27519 similar CLI command was accomplished.
27520 @item exited-signalled
27521 The inferior exited because of a signal.
27522 @item exited
27523 The inferior exited.
27524 @item exited-normally
27525 The inferior exited normally.
27526 @item signal-received
27527 A signal was received by the inferior.
27528 @item solib-event
27529 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
27530 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
27531 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
27532 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
27533 @item fork
27534 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
27535 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27536 @item vfork
27537 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
27538 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27539 @item syscall-entry
27540 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
27541 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27542 @item syscall-entry
27543 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
27544 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27545 @item exec
27546 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
27547 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
27548 @end table
27549
27550 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
27551 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
27552 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
27553 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
27554 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
27555 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
27556 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
27557 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
27558 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
27559 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
27560 if such information is not available.
27561
27562 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
27563 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
27564 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
27565 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
27566 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
27567 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
27568 cannot be used in any way.
27569
27570 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
27571 A thread group became associated with a running program,
27572 either because the program was just started or the thread group
27573 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
27574 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
27575 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
27576
27577 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
27578 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
27579 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
27580 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
27581 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
27582 only when the inferior exited with some code.
27583
27584 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27585 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
27586 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
27587 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
27588 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
27589
27590 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
27591 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
27592 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
27593 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
27594 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
27595 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
27596 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
27597
27598 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
27599 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
27600 that thread.
27601
27602 @item =library-loaded,...
27603 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
27604 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
27605 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
27606 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
27607 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
27608 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
27609 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
27610 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
27611 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
27612 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
27613 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
27614 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
27615 thread groups.
27616
27617 @item =library-unloaded,...
27618 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
27619 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
27620 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
27621 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
27622 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
27623 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
27624 thread groups.
27625
27626 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
27627 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
27628 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
27629 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
27630 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
27631 user.
27632
27633 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
27634 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
27635 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
27636
27637 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
27638 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
27639
27640 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
27641 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
27642 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
27643 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
27644 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
27645 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
27646 @end table
27647
27648 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
27649 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
27650
27651 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
27652 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
27653 fields:
27654
27655 @table @code
27656 @item level
27657 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
27658 zero. This field is always present.
27659
27660 @item func
27661 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
27662 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
27663
27664 @item addr
27665 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
27666
27667 @item file
27668 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
27669 address. This field may be absent.
27670
27671 @item line
27672 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
27673 may be absent.
27674
27675 @item from
27676 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
27677 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
27678
27679 @end table
27680
27681 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
27682 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
27683
27684 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
27685 uses a tuple with the following fields:
27686
27687 @table @code
27688 @item id
27689 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
27690 always present.
27691
27692 @item target-id
27693 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
27694
27695 @item details
27696 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
27697 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
27698 frontend. This field is optional.
27699
27700 @item state
27701 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
27702 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
27703
27704 @item core
27705 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
27706 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
27707 @end table
27708
27709 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
27710 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
27711
27712 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
27713 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
27714 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
27715 the @code{exception-name} field.
27716
27717 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27718 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
27719 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
27720 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
27721
27722 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
27723 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
27724 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
27725 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
27726
27727 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
27728 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
27729
27730 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
27731
27732 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
27733 information of the breakpoint.
27734
27735 @smallexample
27736 -> -break-insert main
27737 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27738 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27739 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
27740 <- (gdb)
27741 @end smallexample
27742
27743 @subheading Program Execution
27744
27745 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
27746 reason that execution stopped.
27747
27748 @smallexample
27749 -> -exec-run
27750 <- ^running
27751 <- (gdb)
27752 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
27753 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
27754 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
27755 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
27756 <- (gdb)
27757 -> -exec-continue
27758 <- ^running
27759 <- (gdb)
27760 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
27761 <- (gdb)
27762 @end smallexample
27763
27764 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
27765
27766 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
27767
27768 @smallexample
27769 -> (gdb)
27770 <- -gdb-exit
27771 <- ^exit
27772 @end smallexample
27773
27774 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
27775 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
27776 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
27777 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
27778 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
27779 fails to exit in reasonable time.
27780
27781 @subheading A Bad Command
27782
27783 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
27784
27785 @smallexample
27786 -> -rubbish
27787 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
27788 <- (gdb)
27789 @end smallexample
27790
27791
27792 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27793 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
27794 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
27795
27796 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
27797 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
27798
27799 @subheading Motivation
27800
27801 The motivation for this collection of commands.
27802
27803 @subheading Introduction
27804
27805 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
27806
27807 @subheading Commands
27808
27809 For each command in the block, the following is described:
27810
27811 @subsubheading Synopsis
27812
27813 @smallexample
27814 -command @var{args}@dots{}
27815 @end smallexample
27816
27817 @subsubheading Result
27818
27819 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27820
27821 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
27822
27823 @subsubheading Example
27824
27825 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
27826 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
27827
27828
27829 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27830 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
27831 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
27832
27833 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
27834 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
27835 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
27836 breakpoints.
27837
27838 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
27839 @findex -break-after
27840
27841 @subsubheading Synopsis
27842
27843 @smallexample
27844 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
27845 @end smallexample
27846
27847 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
27848 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
27849 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
27850 @samp{-break-list} command below.
27851
27852 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27853
27854 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
27855
27856 @subsubheading Example
27857
27858 @smallexample
27859 (gdb)
27860 -break-insert main
27861 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27862 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27863 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
27864 (gdb)
27865 -break-after 1 3
27866 ~
27867 ^done
27868 (gdb)
27869 -break-list
27870 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27871 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27872 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27873 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27874 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27875 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27876 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27877 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27878 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27879 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27880 (gdb)
27881 @end smallexample
27882
27883 @ignore
27884 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
27885 @findex -break-catch
27886 @end ignore
27887
27888 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
27889 @findex -break-commands
27890
27891 @subsubheading Synopsis
27892
27893 @smallexample
27894 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
27895 @end smallexample
27896
27897 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
27898 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
27899 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
27900 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
27901 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
27902 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
27903
27904 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27905
27906 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
27907
27908 @subsubheading Example
27909
27910 @smallexample
27911 (gdb)
27912 -break-insert main
27913 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27914 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27915 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
27916 (gdb)
27917 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
27918 ^done
27919 (gdb)
27920 @end smallexample
27921
27922 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
27923 @findex -break-condition
27924
27925 @subsubheading Synopsis
27926
27927 @smallexample
27928 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
27929 @end smallexample
27930
27931 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
27932 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
27933 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
27934 command below).
27935
27936 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27937
27938 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
27939
27940 @subsubheading Example
27941
27942 @smallexample
27943 (gdb)
27944 -break-condition 1 1
27945 ^done
27946 (gdb)
27947 -break-list
27948 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27949 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27950 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27951 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27952 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27953 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27954 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27955 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27956 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27957 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27958 (gdb)
27959 @end smallexample
27960
27961 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
27962 @findex -break-delete
27963
27964 @subsubheading Synopsis
27965
27966 @smallexample
27967 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27968 @end smallexample
27969
27970 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
27971 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
27972
27973 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27974
27975 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
27976
27977 @subsubheading Example
27978
27979 @smallexample
27980 (gdb)
27981 -break-delete 1
27982 ^done
27983 (gdb)
27984 -break-list
27985 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27986 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27987 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27988 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27989 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27990 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27991 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27992 body=[]@}
27993 (gdb)
27994 @end smallexample
27995
27996 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
27997 @findex -break-disable
27998
27999 @subsubheading Synopsis
28000
28001 @smallexample
28002 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28003 @end smallexample
28004
28005 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
28006 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
28007
28008 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28009
28010 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
28011
28012 @subsubheading Example
28013
28014 @smallexample
28015 (gdb)
28016 -break-disable 2
28017 ^done
28018 (gdb)
28019 -break-list
28020 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28021 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28022 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28023 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28024 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28025 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28026 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28027 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28028 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28029 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
28030 (gdb)
28031 @end smallexample
28032
28033 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
28034 @findex -break-enable
28035
28036 @subsubheading Synopsis
28037
28038 @smallexample
28039 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
28040 @end smallexample
28041
28042 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
28043
28044 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28045
28046 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
28047
28048 @subsubheading Example
28049
28050 @smallexample
28051 (gdb)
28052 -break-enable 2
28053 ^done
28054 (gdb)
28055 -break-list
28056 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28057 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28058 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28059 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28060 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28061 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28062 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28063 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28064 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28065 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
28066 (gdb)
28067 @end smallexample
28068
28069 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
28070 @findex -break-info
28071
28072 @subsubheading Synopsis
28073
28074 @smallexample
28075 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
28076 @end smallexample
28077
28078 @c REDUNDANT???
28079 Get information about a single breakpoint.
28080
28081 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28082
28083 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
28084
28085 @subsubheading Example
28086 N.A.
28087
28088 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
28089 @findex -break-insert
28090
28091 @subsubheading Synopsis
28092
28093 @smallexample
28094 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
28095 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
28096 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
28097 @end smallexample
28098
28099 @noindent
28100 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
28101
28102 @itemize @bullet
28103 @item function
28104 @c @item +offset
28105 @c @item -offset
28106 @c @item linenum
28107 @item filename:linenum
28108 @item filename:function
28109 @item *address
28110 @end itemize
28111
28112 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
28113
28114 @table @samp
28115 @item -t
28116 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
28117 @item -h
28118 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
28119 @item -f
28120 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
28121 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
28122 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
28123 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
28124 cannot be parsed.
28125 @item -d
28126 Create a disabled breakpoint.
28127 @item -a
28128 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
28129 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
28130 @item -c @var{condition}
28131 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28132 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
28133 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
28134 @item -p @var{thread-id}
28135 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
28136 @end table
28137
28138 @subsubheading Result
28139
28140 The result is in the form:
28141
28142 @smallexample
28143 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
28144 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
28145 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
28146 times="@var{times}"@}
28147 @end smallexample
28148
28149 @noindent
28150 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
28151 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
28152 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
28153 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
28154 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
28155 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
28156 which use the same output).
28157
28158 Note: this format is open to change.
28159 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
28160
28161 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28162
28163 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
28164 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
28165
28166 @subsubheading Example
28167
28168 @smallexample
28169 (gdb)
28170 -break-insert main
28171 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
28172 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
28173 (gdb)
28174 -break-insert -t foo
28175 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
28176 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
28177 (gdb)
28178 -break-list
28179 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28180 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28181 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28182 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28183 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28184 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28185 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28186 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28187 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
28188 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
28189 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28190 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
28191 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
28192 (gdb)
28193 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
28194 @c ~int foo(int, int);
28195 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
28196 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
28197 @c (gdb)
28198 @end smallexample
28199
28200 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
28201 @findex -break-list
28202
28203 @subsubheading Synopsis
28204
28205 @smallexample
28206 -break-list
28207 @end smallexample
28208
28209 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
28210
28211 @table @samp
28212 @item Number
28213 number of the breakpoint
28214 @item Type
28215 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
28216 @item Disposition
28217 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
28218 or @samp{nokeep}
28219 @item Enabled
28220 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
28221 @item Address
28222 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
28223 @item What
28224 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
28225 name, line number
28226 @item Times
28227 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
28228 @end table
28229
28230 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
28231 @code{body} field is an empty list.
28232
28233 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28234
28235 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
28236
28237 @subsubheading Example
28238
28239 @smallexample
28240 (gdb)
28241 -break-list
28242 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28243 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28244 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28245 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28246 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28247 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28248 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28249 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28250 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
28251 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28252 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
28253 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
28254 (gdb)
28255 @end smallexample
28256
28257 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
28258
28259 @smallexample
28260 (gdb)
28261 -break-list
28262 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
28263 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28264 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28265 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28266 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28267 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28268 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28269 body=[]@}
28270 (gdb)
28271 @end smallexample
28272
28273 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
28274 @findex -break-passcount
28275
28276 @subsubheading Synopsis
28277
28278 @smallexample
28279 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
28280 @end smallexample
28281
28282 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
28283 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
28284 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
28285 command @samp{passcount}.
28286
28287 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
28288 @findex -break-watch
28289
28290 @subsubheading Synopsis
28291
28292 @smallexample
28293 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
28294 @end smallexample
28295
28296 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
28297 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
28298 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
28299 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
28300 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
28301 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
28302 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
28303 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
28304
28305 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
28306 breakpoints inserted.
28307
28308 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28309
28310 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
28311 @samp{rwatch}.
28312
28313 @subsubheading Example
28314
28315 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
28316
28317 @smallexample
28318 (gdb)
28319 -break-watch x
28320 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
28321 (gdb)
28322 -exec-continue
28323 ^running
28324 (gdb)
28325 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
28326 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
28327 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28328 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
28329 (gdb)
28330 @end smallexample
28331
28332 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
28333 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
28334 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
28335
28336 @smallexample
28337 (gdb)
28338 -break-watch C
28339 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
28340 (gdb)
28341 -exec-continue
28342 ^running
28343 (gdb)
28344 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
28345 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28346 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28347 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28348 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28349 (gdb)
28350 -exec-continue
28351 ^running
28352 (gdb)
28353 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
28354 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28355 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28356 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28357 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28358 (gdb)
28359 @end smallexample
28360
28361 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
28362 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
28363 deleted.
28364
28365 @smallexample
28366 (gdb)
28367 -break-watch C
28368 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
28369 (gdb)
28370 -break-list
28371 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28372 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28373 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28374 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28375 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28376 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28377 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28378 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28379 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28380 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28381 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
28382 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28383 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
28384 (gdb)
28385 -exec-continue
28386 ^running
28387 (gdb)
28388 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
28389 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28390 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28391 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28392 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28393 (gdb)
28394 -break-list
28395 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28396 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28397 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28398 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28399 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28400 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28401 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28402 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28403 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28404 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28405 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
28406 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28407 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
28408 (gdb)
28409 -exec-continue
28410 ^running
28411 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
28412 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28413 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28414 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28415 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28416 (gdb)
28417 -break-list
28418 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28419 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28420 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28421 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28422 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28423 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28424 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28425 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28426 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28427 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28428 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
28429 times="1"@}]@}
28430 (gdb)
28431 @end smallexample
28432
28433 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28434 @node GDB/MI Program Context
28435 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
28436
28437 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
28438 @findex -exec-arguments
28439
28440
28441 @subsubheading Synopsis
28442
28443 @smallexample
28444 -exec-arguments @var{args}
28445 @end smallexample
28446
28447 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
28448 @samp{-exec-run}.
28449
28450 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28451
28452 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
28453
28454 @subsubheading Example
28455
28456 @smallexample
28457 (gdb)
28458 -exec-arguments -v word
28459 ^done
28460 (gdb)
28461 @end smallexample
28462
28463
28464 @ignore
28465 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
28466 @findex -exec-show-arguments
28467
28468 @subsubheading Synopsis
28469
28470 @smallexample
28471 -exec-show-arguments
28472 @end smallexample
28473
28474 Print the arguments of the program.
28475
28476 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28477
28478 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
28479
28480 @subsubheading Example
28481 N.A.
28482 @end ignore
28483
28484
28485 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
28486 @findex -environment-cd
28487
28488 @subsubheading Synopsis
28489
28490 @smallexample
28491 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
28492 @end smallexample
28493
28494 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
28495
28496 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28497
28498 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
28499
28500 @subsubheading Example
28501
28502 @smallexample
28503 (gdb)
28504 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28505 ^done
28506 (gdb)
28507 @end smallexample
28508
28509
28510 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
28511 @findex -environment-directory
28512
28513 @subsubheading Synopsis
28514
28515 @smallexample
28516 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28517 @end smallexample
28518
28519 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
28520 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
28521 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
28522 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28523 occurs as normal.
28524 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28525 multiple directories in a single command
28526 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28527 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28528 If blanks are needed as
28529 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28530 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28531 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28532 character must not be used
28533 in any directory name.
28534 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
28535
28536 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28537
28538 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
28539
28540 @subsubheading Example
28541
28542 @smallexample
28543 (gdb)
28544 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28545 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28546 (gdb)
28547 -environment-directory ""
28548 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28549 (gdb)
28550 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
28551 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
28552 (gdb)
28553 -environment-directory -r
28554 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
28555 (gdb)
28556 @end smallexample
28557
28558
28559 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
28560 @findex -environment-path
28561
28562 @subsubheading Synopsis
28563
28564 @smallexample
28565 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28566 @end smallexample
28567
28568 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
28569 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
28570 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
28571 supplied in addition to the
28572 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28573 occurs as normal.
28574 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28575 multiple directories in a single command
28576 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28577 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28578 If blanks are needed as
28579 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28580 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28581 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28582 character must not be used
28583 in any directory name.
28584 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
28585
28586
28587 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28588
28589 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
28590
28591 @subsubheading Example
28592
28593 @smallexample
28594 (gdb)
28595 -environment-path
28596 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
28597 (gdb)
28598 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
28599 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
28600 (gdb)
28601 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
28602 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
28603 (gdb)
28604 @end smallexample
28605
28606
28607 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
28608 @findex -environment-pwd
28609
28610 @subsubheading Synopsis
28611
28612 @smallexample
28613 -environment-pwd
28614 @end smallexample
28615
28616 Show the current working directory.
28617
28618 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28619
28620 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
28621
28622 @subsubheading Example
28623
28624 @smallexample
28625 (gdb)
28626 -environment-pwd
28627 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
28628 (gdb)
28629 @end smallexample
28630
28631 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28632 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
28633 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
28634
28635
28636 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
28637 @findex -thread-info
28638
28639 @subsubheading Synopsis
28640
28641 @smallexample
28642 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
28643 @end smallexample
28644
28645 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
28646 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
28647 threads. When printing information about all threads,
28648 also reports the current thread.
28649
28650 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28651
28652 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
28653 about all threads.
28654
28655 @subsubheading Result
28656
28657 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
28658 defined for a given thread:
28659
28660 @table @samp
28661 @item current
28662 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28663
28664 @item id
28665 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
28666
28667 @item target-id
28668 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
28669
28670 @item details
28671 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
28672 field is optional.
28673
28674 @item name
28675 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
28676 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
28677 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
28678 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
28679 field is omitted.
28680
28681 @item frame
28682 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
28683
28684 @item state
28685 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
28686 values:
28687
28688 @table @code
28689 @item stopped
28690 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
28691 threads.
28692
28693 @item running
28694 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
28695 threads.
28696
28697 @end table
28698
28699 @item core
28700 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
28701 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
28702
28703 @end table
28704
28705 @subsubheading Example
28706
28707 @smallexample
28708 -thread-info
28709 ^done,threads=[
28710 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
28711 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
28712 args=[]@},state="running"@},
28713 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
28714 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
28715 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
28716 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
28717 state="running"@}],
28718 current-thread-id="1"
28719 (gdb)
28720 @end smallexample
28721
28722 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
28723 @findex -thread-list-ids
28724
28725 @subsubheading Synopsis
28726
28727 @smallexample
28728 -thread-list-ids
28729 @end smallexample
28730
28731 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
28732 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
28733
28734 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
28735 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
28736
28737 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28738
28739 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
28740
28741 @subsubheading Example
28742
28743 @smallexample
28744 (gdb)
28745 -thread-list-ids
28746 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28747 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
28748 (gdb)
28749 @end smallexample
28750
28751
28752 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
28753 @findex -thread-select
28754
28755 @subsubheading Synopsis
28756
28757 @smallexample
28758 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
28759 @end smallexample
28760
28761 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
28762 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
28763
28764 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
28765 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
28766
28767 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28768
28769 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
28770
28771 @subsubheading Example
28772
28773 @smallexample
28774 (gdb)
28775 -exec-next
28776 ^running
28777 (gdb)
28778 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
28779 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
28780 (gdb)
28781 -thread-list-ids
28782 ^done,
28783 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28784 number-of-threads="3"
28785 (gdb)
28786 -thread-select 3
28787 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
28788 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
28789 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
28790 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
28791 (gdb)
28792 @end smallexample
28793
28794 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28795 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
28796 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
28797
28798 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
28799 @findex -ada-task-info
28800
28801 @subsubheading Synopsis
28802
28803 @smallexample
28804 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
28805 @end smallexample
28806
28807 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
28808 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
28809
28810 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28811
28812 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
28813 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
28814
28815 @subsubheading Result
28816
28817 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
28818 defined for each Ada task:
28819
28820 @table @samp
28821 @item current
28822 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28823
28824 @item id
28825 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
28826
28827 @item task-id
28828 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
28829
28830 @item thread-id
28831 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
28832
28833 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
28834 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
28835 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
28836
28837 @item parent-id
28838 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
28839 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
28840
28841 @item priority
28842 The base priority of the task.
28843
28844 @item state
28845 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
28846 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
28847
28848 @item name
28849 The name of the task.
28850
28851 @end table
28852
28853 @subsubheading Example
28854
28855 @smallexample
28856 -ada-task-info
28857 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
28858 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
28859 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
28860 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
28861 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
28862 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
28863 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
28864 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
28865 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
28866 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
28867 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
28868 (gdb)
28869 @end smallexample
28870
28871 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28872 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
28873 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
28874
28875 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
28876 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
28877 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
28878 other cases.
28879
28880 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
28881 @findex -exec-continue
28882
28883 @subsubheading Synopsis
28884
28885 @smallexample
28886 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
28887 @end smallexample
28888
28889 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
28890 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
28891 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
28892 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
28893 @itemize @bullet
28894 @item
28895 breakpoints or watchpoints
28896 @item
28897 signals or exceptions
28898 @item
28899 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
28900 @item
28901 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
28902 @end itemize
28903 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
28904 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
28905 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
28906 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
28907 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
28908 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
28909
28910 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28911
28912 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
28913
28914 @subsubheading Example
28915
28916 @smallexample
28917 -exec-continue
28918 ^running
28919 (gdb)
28920 @@Hello world
28921 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
28922 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
28923 line="13"@}
28924 (gdb)
28925 @end smallexample
28926
28927
28928 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
28929 @findex -exec-finish
28930
28931 @subsubheading Synopsis
28932
28933 @smallexample
28934 -exec-finish [--reverse]
28935 @end smallexample
28936
28937 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
28938 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
28939 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
28940 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
28941 function was called.
28942
28943 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28944
28945 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
28946
28947 @subsubheading Example
28948
28949 Function returning @code{void}.
28950
28951 @smallexample
28952 -exec-finish
28953 ^running
28954 (gdb)
28955 @@hello from foo
28956 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28957 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
28958 (gdb)
28959 @end smallexample
28960
28961 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
28962 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
28963 value itself.
28964
28965 @smallexample
28966 -exec-finish
28967 ^running
28968 (gdb)
28969 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
28970 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
28971 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28972 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
28973 (gdb)
28974 @end smallexample
28975
28976
28977 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
28978 @findex -exec-interrupt
28979
28980 @subsubheading Synopsis
28981
28982 @smallexample
28983 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
28984 @end smallexample
28985
28986 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
28987 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
28988 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
28989 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
28990 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
28991
28992 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
28993 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
28994 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
28995 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
28996
28997 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
28998 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
28999 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
29000 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
29001
29002 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29003
29004 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
29005
29006 @subsubheading Example
29007
29008 @smallexample
29009 (gdb)
29010 111-exec-continue
29011 111^running
29012
29013 (gdb)
29014 222-exec-interrupt
29015 222^done
29016 (gdb)
29017 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
29018 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29019 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
29020 (gdb)
29021
29022 (gdb)
29023 -exec-interrupt
29024 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
29025 (gdb)
29026 @end smallexample
29027
29028 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
29029 @findex -exec-jump
29030
29031 @subsubheading Synopsis
29032
29033 @smallexample
29034 -exec-jump @var{location}
29035 @end smallexample
29036
29037 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
29038 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
29039 different forms of @var{location}.
29040
29041 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29042
29043 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
29044
29045 @subsubheading Example
29046
29047 @smallexample
29048 -exec-jump foo.c:10
29049 *running,thread-id="all"
29050 ^running
29051 @end smallexample
29052
29053
29054 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
29055 @findex -exec-next
29056
29057 @subsubheading Synopsis
29058
29059 @smallexample
29060 -exec-next [--reverse]
29061 @end smallexample
29062
29063 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29064 of the next source line is reached.
29065
29066 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29067 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
29068 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
29069 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
29070 source line where the function was called.
29071
29072
29073 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29074
29075 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
29076
29077 @subsubheading Example
29078
29079 @smallexample
29080 -exec-next
29081 ^running
29082 (gdb)
29083 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
29084 (gdb)
29085 @end smallexample
29086
29087
29088 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
29089 @findex -exec-next-instruction
29090
29091 @subsubheading Synopsis
29092
29093 @smallexample
29094 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
29095 @end smallexample
29096
29097 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
29098 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
29099 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
29100 printed as well.
29101
29102 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
29103 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
29104 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
29105 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
29106 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
29107
29108 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29109
29110 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
29111
29112 @subsubheading Example
29113
29114 @smallexample
29115 (gdb)
29116 -exec-next-instruction
29117 ^running
29118
29119 (gdb)
29120 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29121 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
29122 (gdb)
29123 @end smallexample
29124
29125
29126 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
29127 @findex -exec-return
29128
29129 @subsubheading Synopsis
29130
29131 @smallexample
29132 -exec-return
29133 @end smallexample
29134
29135 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
29136 Displays the new current frame.
29137
29138 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29139
29140 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
29141
29142 @subsubheading Example
29143
29144 @smallexample
29145 (gdb)
29146 200-break-insert callee4
29147 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
29148 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29149 (gdb)
29150 000-exec-run
29151 000^running
29152 (gdb)
29153 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29154 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
29155 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29156 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
29157 (gdb)
29158 205-break-delete
29159 205^done
29160 (gdb)
29161 111-exec-return
29162 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
29163 args=[@{name="strarg",
29164 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
29165 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29166 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
29167 (gdb)
29168 @end smallexample
29169
29170
29171 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
29172 @findex -exec-run
29173
29174 @subsubheading Synopsis
29175
29176 @smallexample
29177 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
29178 @end smallexample
29179
29180 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
29181 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
29182 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
29183 the program has exited exceptionally.
29184
29185 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
29186 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
29187 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
29188 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
29189
29190 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29191
29192 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
29193
29194 @subsubheading Examples
29195
29196 @smallexample
29197 (gdb)
29198 -break-insert main
29199 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29200 (gdb)
29201 -exec-run
29202 ^running
29203 (gdb)
29204 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29205 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
29206 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29207 (gdb)
29208 @end smallexample
29209
29210 @noindent
29211 Program exited normally:
29212
29213 @smallexample
29214 (gdb)
29215 -exec-run
29216 ^running
29217 (gdb)
29218 x = 55
29219 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29220 (gdb)
29221 @end smallexample
29222
29223 @noindent
29224 Program exited exceptionally:
29225
29226 @smallexample
29227 (gdb)
29228 -exec-run
29229 ^running
29230 (gdb)
29231 x = 55
29232 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
29233 (gdb)
29234 @end smallexample
29235
29236 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
29237 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
29238
29239 @smallexample
29240 (gdb)
29241 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
29242 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
29243 @end smallexample
29244
29245
29246 @c @subheading -exec-signal
29247
29248
29249 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
29250 @findex -exec-step
29251
29252 @subsubheading Synopsis
29253
29254 @smallexample
29255 -exec-step [--reverse]
29256 @end smallexample
29257
29258 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29259 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
29260 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
29261 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
29262 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
29263 previously executed source line.
29264
29265 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29266
29267 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
29268
29269 @subsubheading Example
29270
29271 Stepping into a function:
29272
29273 @smallexample
29274 -exec-step
29275 ^running
29276 (gdb)
29277 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29278 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
29279 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
29280 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
29281 (gdb)
29282 @end smallexample
29283
29284 Regular stepping:
29285
29286 @smallexample
29287 -exec-step
29288 ^running
29289 (gdb)
29290 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
29291 (gdb)
29292 @end smallexample
29293
29294
29295 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29296 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29297
29298 @subsubheading Synopsis
29299
29300 @smallexample
29301 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29302 @end smallexample
29303
29304 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29305 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29306 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29307 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29308 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29309 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29310 as well.
29311
29312 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29313
29314 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
29315
29316 @subsubheading Example
29317
29318 @smallexample
29319 (gdb)
29320 -exec-step-instruction
29321 ^running
29322
29323 (gdb)
29324 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29325 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29326 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29327 (gdb)
29328 -exec-step-instruction
29329 ^running
29330
29331 (gdb)
29332 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29333 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29334 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29335 (gdb)
29336 @end smallexample
29337
29338
29339 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
29340 @findex -exec-until
29341
29342 @subsubheading Synopsis
29343
29344 @smallexample
29345 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
29346 @end smallexample
29347
29348 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
29349 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
29350 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
29351 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
29352
29353 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29354
29355 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
29356
29357 @subsubheading Example
29358
29359 @smallexample
29360 (gdb)
29361 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
29362 ^running
29363 (gdb)
29364 x = 55
29365 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29366 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
29367 (gdb)
29368 @end smallexample
29369
29370 @ignore
29371 @subheading -file-clear
29372 Is this going away????
29373 @end ignore
29374
29375 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29376 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
29377 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
29378
29379
29380 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
29381 @findex -stack-info-frame
29382
29383 @subsubheading Synopsis
29384
29385 @smallexample
29386 -stack-info-frame
29387 @end smallexample
29388
29389 Get info on the selected frame.
29390
29391 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29392
29393 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
29394 (without arguments).
29395
29396 @subsubheading Example
29397
29398 @smallexample
29399 (gdb)
29400 -stack-info-frame
29401 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29402 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29403 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
29404 (gdb)
29405 @end smallexample
29406
29407 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
29408 @findex -stack-info-depth
29409
29410 @subsubheading Synopsis
29411
29412 @smallexample
29413 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
29414 @end smallexample
29415
29416 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
29417 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
29418
29419 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29420
29421 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29422
29423 @subsubheading Example
29424
29425 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
29426
29427 @smallexample
29428 (gdb)
29429 -stack-info-depth
29430 ^done,depth="12"
29431 (gdb)
29432 -stack-info-depth 4
29433 ^done,depth="4"
29434 (gdb)
29435 -stack-info-depth 12
29436 ^done,depth="12"
29437 (gdb)
29438 -stack-info-depth 11
29439 ^done,depth="11"
29440 (gdb)
29441 -stack-info-depth 13
29442 ^done,depth="12"
29443 (gdb)
29444 @end smallexample
29445
29446 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
29447 @findex -stack-list-arguments
29448
29449 @subsubheading Synopsis
29450
29451 @smallexample
29452 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
29453 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29454 @end smallexample
29455
29456 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
29457 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
29458 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
29459 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
29460 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
29461 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
29462 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
29463 which case only existing frames will be returned.
29464
29465 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29466 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29467 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29468 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29469 structures and unions.
29470
29471 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
29472 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29473
29474 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29475
29476 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
29477 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
29478 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
29479
29480 @subsubheading Example
29481
29482 @smallexample
29483 (gdb)
29484 -stack-list-frames
29485 ^done,
29486 stack=[
29487 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29488 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29489 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
29490 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29491 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29492 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
29493 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
29494 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29495 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
29496 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
29497 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29498 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
29499 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
29500 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29501 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
29502 (gdb)
29503 -stack-list-arguments 0
29504 ^done,
29505 stack-args=[
29506 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29507 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
29508 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
29509 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
29510 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29511 (gdb)
29512 -stack-list-arguments 1
29513 ^done,
29514 stack-args=[
29515 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29516 frame=@{level="1",
29517 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29518 frame=@{level="2",args=[
29519 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29520 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29521 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
29522 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29523 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
29524 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
29525 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29526 (gdb)
29527 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
29528 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
29529 (gdb)
29530 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
29531 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
29532 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29533 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
29534 (gdb)
29535 @end smallexample
29536
29537 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
29538
29539
29540 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
29541 @findex -stack-list-frames
29542
29543 @subsubheading Synopsis
29544
29545 @smallexample
29546 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29547 @end smallexample
29548
29549 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
29550 following info:
29551
29552 @table @samp
29553 @item @var{level}
29554 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
29555 @item @var{addr}
29556 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
29557 @item @var{func}
29558 Function name.
29559 @item @var{file}
29560 File name of the source file where the function lives.
29561 @item @var{fullname}
29562 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
29563 @item @var{line}
29564 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
29565 @item @var{from}
29566 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
29567 if the frame's function is not known.
29568 @end table
29569
29570 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
29571 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
29572 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
29573 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
29574 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
29575 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
29576 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
29577
29578 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29579
29580 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
29581
29582 @subsubheading Example
29583
29584 Full stack backtrace:
29585
29586 @smallexample
29587 (gdb)
29588 -stack-list-frames
29589 ^done,stack=
29590 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
29591 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
29592 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29593 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29594 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29595 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29596 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29597 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29598 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29599 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29600 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29601 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29602 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29603 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29604 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29605 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29606 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29607 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29608 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29609 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29610 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29611 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29612 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
29613 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
29614 (gdb)
29615 @end smallexample
29616
29617 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
29618
29619 @smallexample
29620 (gdb)
29621 -stack-list-frames 3 5
29622 ^done,stack=
29623 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29624 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29625 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29626 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29627 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29628 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29629 (gdb)
29630 @end smallexample
29631
29632 Show a single frame:
29633
29634 @smallexample
29635 (gdb)
29636 -stack-list-frames 3 3
29637 ^done,stack=
29638 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29639 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29640 (gdb)
29641 @end smallexample
29642
29643
29644 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
29645 @findex -stack-list-locals
29646
29647 @subsubheading Synopsis
29648
29649 @smallexample
29650 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
29651 @end smallexample
29652
29653 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
29654 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29655 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29656 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29657 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29658 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
29659 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
29660 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
29661 more detail.
29662
29663 This command is deprecated in favor of the
29664 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29665
29666 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29667
29668 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
29669
29670 @subsubheading Example
29671
29672 @smallexample
29673 (gdb)
29674 -stack-list-locals 0
29675 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
29676 (gdb)
29677 -stack-list-locals --all-values
29678 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
29679 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
29680 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
29681 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
29682 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
29683 (gdb)
29684 @end smallexample
29685
29686 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
29687 @findex -stack-list-variables
29688
29689 @subsubheading Synopsis
29690
29691 @smallexample
29692 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
29693 @end smallexample
29694
29695 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
29696 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29697 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29698 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29699 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29700 structures and unions.
29701
29702 @subsubheading Example
29703
29704 @smallexample
29705 (gdb)
29706 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
29707 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
29708 (gdb)
29709 @end smallexample
29710
29711
29712 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
29713 @findex -stack-select-frame
29714
29715 @subsubheading Synopsis
29716
29717 @smallexample
29718 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
29719 @end smallexample
29720
29721 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
29722 the stack.
29723
29724 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
29725 option to every command.
29726
29727 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29728
29729 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
29730 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
29731
29732 @subsubheading Example
29733
29734 @smallexample
29735 (gdb)
29736 -stack-select-frame 2
29737 ^done
29738 (gdb)
29739 @end smallexample
29740
29741 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29742 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
29743 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
29744
29745 @ignore
29746
29747 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29748
29749 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
29750 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
29751 used by @code{Insight}.
29752
29753 The two main reasons for that are:
29754
29755 @enumerate 1
29756 @item
29757 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
29758
29759 @item
29760 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
29761 now).
29762 @end enumerate
29763
29764 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
29765 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
29766 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
29767 hints about their use.
29768
29769 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
29770 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
29771 least, the following operations:
29772
29773 @itemize @bullet
29774 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
29775 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
29776 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
29777 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
29778 @end itemize
29779
29780 @end ignore
29781
29782 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
29783
29784 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29785
29786 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
29787 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
29788 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
29789 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
29790 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
29791 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
29792 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
29793 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
29794 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
29795 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
29796 object, or to change display format.
29797
29798 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
29799 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
29800 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
29801 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
29802 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
29803 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
29804 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
29805 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
29806 child will be created.
29807
29808 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
29809 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
29810 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
29811 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
29812 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
29813
29814 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
29815 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
29816 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
29817 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
29818 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
29819 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
29820 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
29821 variables that frontend has created.
29822
29823 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
29824 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
29825 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
29826 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
29827 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
29828 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
29829 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
29830 implicitly updated.
29831
29832 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
29833 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
29834 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
29835 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
29836 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
29837 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
29838 frame. Consider this example:
29839
29840 @smallexample
29841 void do_work(...)
29842 @{
29843 struct work_state state;
29844
29845 if (...)
29846 do_work(...);
29847 @}
29848 @end smallexample
29849
29850 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
29851 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
29852 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
29853 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
29854 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
29855
29856 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
29857 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
29858 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
29859 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
29860 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
29861 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
29862
29863 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
29864 access this functionality:
29865
29866 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
29867 @item @strong{Operation}
29868 @tab @strong{Description}
29869
29870 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
29871 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
29872 @item @code{-var-create}
29873 @tab create a variable object
29874 @item @code{-var-delete}
29875 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
29876 @item @code{-var-set-format}
29877 @tab set the display format of this variable
29878 @item @code{-var-show-format}
29879 @tab show the display format of this variable
29880 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
29881 @tab tells how many children this object has
29882 @item @code{-var-list-children}
29883 @tab return a list of the object's children
29884 @item @code{-var-info-type}
29885 @tab show the type of this variable object
29886 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
29887 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
29888 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
29889 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
29890 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
29891 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
29892 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
29893 @tab get the value of this variable
29894 @item @code{-var-assign}
29895 @tab set the value of this variable
29896 @item @code{-var-update}
29897 @tab update the variable and its children
29898 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
29899 @tab set frozeness attribute
29900 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
29901 @tab set range of children to display on update
29902 @end multitable
29903
29904 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
29905 how it can be used.
29906
29907 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
29908
29909 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
29910 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
29911
29912 @smallexample
29913 -enable-pretty-printing
29914 @end smallexample
29915
29916 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
29917 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
29918 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29919 request that this functionality be enabled.
29920
29921 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29922
29923 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29924 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29925
29926 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
29927 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
29928
29929 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
29930 @findex -var-create
29931
29932 @subsubheading Synopsis
29933
29934 @smallexample
29935 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
29936 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
29937 @end smallexample
29938
29939 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
29940 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
29941 register.
29942
29943 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
29944 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
29945 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
29946 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
29947 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
29948
29949 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
29950 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
29951 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
29952 object must be created.
29953
29954 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
29955 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
29956
29957 @itemize @bullet
29958 @item
29959 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
29960
29961 @item
29962 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
29963
29964 @item
29965 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
29966 @end itemize
29967
29968 @cindex dynamic varobj
29969 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
29970 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
29971 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
29972 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
29973 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
29974 compatibility for existing clients.
29975
29976 @subsubheading Result
29977
29978 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
29979 are:
29980
29981 @table @samp
29982 @item name
29983 The name of the varobj.
29984
29985 @item numchild
29986 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
29987 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
29988 @samp{has_more} attribute.
29989
29990 @item value
29991 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
29992 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
29993 will not be interesting.
29994
29995 @item type
29996 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
29997 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
29998 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29999 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30000 @emph{declared} one.
30001
30002 @item thread-id
30003 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
30004 thread's identifier.
30005
30006 @item has_more
30007 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
30008 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
30009
30010 @item dynamic
30011 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30012 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30013 then this attribute will not be present.
30014
30015 @item displayhint
30016 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30017 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30018 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30019 @end table
30020
30021 Typical output will look like this:
30022
30023 @smallexample
30024 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
30025 has_more="@var{has_more}"
30026 @end smallexample
30027
30028
30029 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
30030 @findex -var-delete
30031
30032 @subsubheading Synopsis
30033
30034 @smallexample
30035 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
30036 @end smallexample
30037
30038 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
30039 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
30040
30041 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
30042
30043
30044 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
30045 @findex -var-set-format
30046
30047 @subsubheading Synopsis
30048
30049 @smallexample
30050 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
30051 @end smallexample
30052
30053 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
30054 @var{format-spec}.
30055
30056 @anchor{-var-set-format}
30057 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
30058
30059 @smallexample
30060 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
30061 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
30062 @end smallexample
30063
30064 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
30065 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
30066 for pointers, etc.).
30067
30068 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
30069 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
30070
30071 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
30072 @findex -var-show-format
30073
30074 @subsubheading Synopsis
30075
30076 @smallexample
30077 -var-show-format @var{name}
30078 @end smallexample
30079
30080 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
30081
30082 @smallexample
30083 @var{format} @expansion{}
30084 @var{format-spec}
30085 @end smallexample
30086
30087
30088 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
30089 @findex -var-info-num-children
30090
30091 @subsubheading Synopsis
30092
30093 @smallexample
30094 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
30095 @end smallexample
30096
30097 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
30098
30099 @smallexample
30100 numchild=@var{n}
30101 @end smallexample
30102
30103 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
30104 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
30105 be available.
30106
30107
30108 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
30109 @findex -var-list-children
30110
30111 @subsubheading Synopsis
30112
30113 @smallexample
30114 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
30115 @end smallexample
30116 @anchor{-var-list-children}
30117
30118 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
30119 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
30120 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
30121 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
30122 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
30123 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
30124 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
30125 and unions.
30126
30127 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
30128 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
30129 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
30130 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
30131 reported.
30132
30133 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
30134 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
30135 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
30136 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
30137 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
30138 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
30139 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
30140 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
30141 the visible items.
30142
30143 For each child the following results are returned:
30144
30145 @table @var
30146
30147 @item name
30148 Name of the variable object created for this child.
30149
30150 @item exp
30151 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
30152 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
30153
30154 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
30155 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
30156
30157 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
30158 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
30159 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
30160 type and value are not present.
30161
30162 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
30163 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
30164 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
30165
30166 @item numchild
30167 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
30168 0.
30169
30170 @item type
30171 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
30172 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30173 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30174 @emph{declared} one.
30175
30176 @item value
30177 If values were requested, this is the value.
30178
30179 @item thread-id
30180 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
30181 Otherwise this result is not present.
30182
30183 @item frozen
30184 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
30185 @end table
30186
30187 The result may have its own attributes:
30188
30189 @table @samp
30190 @item displayhint
30191 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30192 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30193 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30194
30195 @item has_more
30196 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
30197 remaining after the end of the selected range.
30198 @end table
30199
30200 @subsubheading Example
30201
30202 @smallexample
30203 (gdb)
30204 -var-list-children n
30205 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30206 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30207 (gdb)
30208 -var-list-children --all-values n
30209 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30210 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30211 @end smallexample
30212
30213
30214 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30215 @findex -var-info-type
30216
30217 @subsubheading Synopsis
30218
30219 @smallexample
30220 -var-info-type @var{name}
30221 @end smallexample
30222
30223 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30224 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30225 @value{GDBN} CLI:
30226
30227 @smallexample
30228 type=@var{typename}
30229 @end smallexample
30230
30231
30232 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30233 @findex -var-info-expression
30234
30235 @subsubheading Synopsis
30236
30237 @smallexample
30238 -var-info-expression @var{name}
30239 @end smallexample
30240
30241 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
30242 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
30243 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
30244
30245 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
30246 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
30247
30248 @smallexample
30249 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
30250 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
30251 @end smallexample
30252
30253 @noindent
30254 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
30255
30256 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
30257 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
30258 is of limited use.
30259
30260 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
30261 @findex -var-info-path-expression
30262
30263 @subsubheading Synopsis
30264
30265 @smallexample
30266 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
30267 @end smallexample
30268
30269 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
30270 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
30271 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
30272 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
30273 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
30274 watchpoint from a variable object.
30275
30276 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
30277 and will give an error when invoked on one.
30278
30279 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
30280 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
30281 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
30282 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
30283 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
30284 @smallexample
30285 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
30286 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
30287 @end smallexample
30288
30289 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
30290 @findex -var-show-attributes
30291
30292 @subsubheading Synopsis
30293
30294 @smallexample
30295 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
30296 @end smallexample
30297
30298 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
30299
30300 @smallexample
30301 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
30302 @end smallexample
30303
30304 @noindent
30305 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
30306
30307 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
30308 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
30309
30310 @subsubheading Synopsis
30311
30312 @smallexample
30313 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
30314 @end smallexample
30315
30316 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
30317 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
30318 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
30319 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
30320 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
30321 the current display format will be used. The current display format
30322 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
30323
30324 @smallexample
30325 value=@var{value}
30326 @end smallexample
30327
30328 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
30329 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
30330
30331 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
30332 @findex -var-assign
30333
30334 @subsubheading Synopsis
30335
30336 @smallexample
30337 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
30338 @end smallexample
30339
30340 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
30341 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
30342 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
30343 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
30344
30345 @subsubheading Example
30346
30347 @smallexample
30348 (gdb)
30349 -var-assign var1 3
30350 ^done,value="3"
30351 (gdb)
30352 -var-update *
30353 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
30354 (gdb)
30355 @end smallexample
30356
30357 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
30358 @findex -var-update
30359
30360 @subsubheading Synopsis
30361
30362 @smallexample
30363 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
30364 @end smallexample
30365
30366 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
30367 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
30368 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
30369 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
30370 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
30371 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
30372 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
30373 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
30374 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
30375 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
30376 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
30377 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
30378 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
30379
30380 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
30381 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
30382 diagnostic.
30383
30384 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
30385 only the selected range of children will be reported.
30386
30387 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
30388 @samp{changelist}.
30389
30390 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
30391
30392 @table @samp
30393 @item name
30394 The name of the varobj.
30395
30396 @item value
30397 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
30398 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
30399
30400 @item in_scope
30401 @anchor{-var-update}
30402 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
30403
30404 @table @code
30405 @item "true"
30406 The variable object's current value is valid.
30407
30408 @item "false"
30409 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
30410 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
30411 scope.
30412
30413 @item "invalid"
30414 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
30415 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
30416 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
30417 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
30418 objects.
30419 @end table
30420
30421 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
30422 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
30423
30424 @item type_changed
30425 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
30426 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
30427 be @samp{false}.
30428
30429 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
30430 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
30431 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
30432 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
30433 unset.
30434
30435 @item new_type
30436 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
30437 hold the new type.
30438
30439 @item new_num_children
30440 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
30441 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
30442
30443 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
30444 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
30445 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
30446 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
30447 children which may be available.
30448
30449 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
30450 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
30451 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
30452 only happen at the end of the update range).
30453
30454 @item displayhint
30455 The display hint, if any.
30456
30457 @item has_more
30458 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
30459 available outside the varobj's update range.
30460
30461 @item dynamic
30462 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30463 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30464 then this attribute will not be present.
30465
30466 @item new_children
30467 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
30468 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
30469 be listed in this attribute.
30470 @end table
30471
30472 @subsubheading Example
30473
30474 @smallexample
30475 (gdb)
30476 -var-assign var1 3
30477 ^done,value="3"
30478 (gdb)
30479 -var-update --all-values var1
30480 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
30481 type_changed="false"@}]
30482 (gdb)
30483 @end smallexample
30484
30485 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
30486 @findex -var-set-frozen
30487 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
30488
30489 @subsubheading Synopsis
30490
30491 @smallexample
30492 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
30493 @end smallexample
30494
30495 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
30496 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
30497 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
30498 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
30499 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
30500 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
30501 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
30502 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
30503 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
30504 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
30505 @code{-var-update} does.
30506
30507 @subsubheading Example
30508
30509 @smallexample
30510 (gdb)
30511 -var-set-frozen V 1
30512 ^done
30513 (gdb)
30514 @end smallexample
30515
30516 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
30517 @findex -var-set-update-range
30518 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
30519
30520 @subsubheading Synopsis
30521
30522 @smallexample
30523 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
30524 @end smallexample
30525
30526 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
30527 @code{-var-update}.
30528
30529 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
30530 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
30531 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
30532 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
30533
30534 @subsubheading Example
30535
30536 @smallexample
30537 (gdb)
30538 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
30539 ^done
30540 @end smallexample
30541
30542 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
30543 @findex -var-set-visualizer
30544 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
30545
30546 @subsubheading Synopsis
30547
30548 @smallexample
30549 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
30550 @end smallexample
30551
30552 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
30553
30554 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
30555 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
30556
30557 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
30558 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
30559 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
30560 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
30561 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
30562 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
30563 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
30564
30565 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
30566 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
30567 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
30568 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
30569
30570 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
30571 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
30572 can be used to check this.
30573
30574 @subsubheading Example
30575
30576 Resetting the visualizer:
30577
30578 @smallexample
30579 (gdb)
30580 -var-set-visualizer V None
30581 ^done
30582 @end smallexample
30583
30584 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
30585
30586 @smallexample
30587 (gdb)
30588 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
30589 ^done
30590 @end smallexample
30591
30592 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
30593 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
30594
30595 @smallexample
30596 (gdb)
30597 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
30598 ^done
30599 @end smallexample
30600
30601 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30602 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
30603 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
30604
30605 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
30606 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
30607 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
30608 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
30609
30610 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
30611 @c @subheading -data-assign
30612 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
30613 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
30614 @c set variable
30615 @c @subsubheading Example
30616 @c N.A.
30617
30618 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
30619 @findex -data-disassemble
30620
30621 @subsubheading Synopsis
30622
30623 @smallexample
30624 -data-disassemble
30625 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
30626 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
30627 -- @var{mode}
30628 @end smallexample
30629
30630 @noindent
30631 Where:
30632
30633 @table @samp
30634 @item @var{start-addr}
30635 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
30636 @item @var{end-addr}
30637 is the end address
30638 @item @var{filename}
30639 is the name of the file to disassemble
30640 @item @var{linenum}
30641 is the line number to disassemble around
30642 @item @var{lines}
30643 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
30644 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
30645 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
30646 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
30647 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
30648 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
30649 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
30650 are displayed.
30651 @item @var{mode}
30652 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
30653 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
30654 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
30655 @end table
30656
30657 @subsubheading Result
30658
30659 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
30660
30661 @itemize @bullet
30662 @item Address
30663 @item Func-name
30664 @item Offset
30665 @item Instruction
30666 @end itemize
30667
30668 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
30669 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
30670
30671 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30672
30673 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
30674
30675 @subsubheading Example
30676
30677 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
30678
30679 @smallexample
30680 (gdb)
30681 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
30682 ^done,
30683 asm_insns=[
30684 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30685 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30686 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30687 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30688 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
30689 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
30690 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
30691 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30692 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
30693 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
30694 (gdb)
30695 @end smallexample
30696
30697 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
30698 @code{main}.
30699
30700 @smallexample
30701 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
30702 ^done,asm_insns=[
30703 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30704 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30705 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30706 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30707 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30708 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30709 [@dots{}]
30710 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
30711 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
30712 (gdb)
30713 @end smallexample
30714
30715 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
30716
30717 @smallexample
30718 (gdb)
30719 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
30720 ^done,asm_insns=[
30721 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30722 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30723 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30724 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30725 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30726 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
30727 (gdb)
30728 @end smallexample
30729
30730 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
30731
30732 @smallexample
30733 (gdb)
30734 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
30735 ^done,asm_insns=[
30736 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
30737 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
30738 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
30739 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30740 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
30741 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
30742 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
30743 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
30744 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30745 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30746 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30747 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
30748 (gdb)
30749 @end smallexample
30750
30751
30752 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
30753 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
30754
30755 @subsubheading Synopsis
30756
30757 @smallexample
30758 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
30759 @end smallexample
30760
30761 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
30762 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
30763 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
30764
30765 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30766
30767 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
30768 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
30769 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
30770
30771 @subsubheading Example
30772
30773 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
30774 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
30775 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
30776 output.
30777
30778 @smallexample
30779 211-data-evaluate-expression A
30780 211^done,value="1"
30781 (gdb)
30782 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
30783 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
30784 (gdb)
30785 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
30786 411^done,value="4"
30787 (gdb)
30788 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
30789 511^done,value="4"
30790 (gdb)
30791 @end smallexample
30792
30793
30794 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
30795 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
30796
30797 @subsubheading Synopsis
30798
30799 @smallexample
30800 -data-list-changed-registers
30801 @end smallexample
30802
30803 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
30804
30805 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30806
30807 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
30808 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
30809
30810 @subsubheading Example
30811
30812 On a PPC MBX board:
30813
30814 @smallexample
30815 (gdb)
30816 -exec-continue
30817 ^running
30818
30819 (gdb)
30820 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
30821 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
30822 line="5"@}
30823 (gdb)
30824 -data-list-changed-registers
30825 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
30826 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
30827 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
30828 (gdb)
30829 @end smallexample
30830
30831
30832 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
30833 @findex -data-list-register-names
30834
30835 @subsubheading Synopsis
30836
30837 @smallexample
30838 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
30839 @end smallexample
30840
30841 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
30842 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
30843 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
30844 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
30845 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
30846 include empty register names.
30847
30848 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30849
30850 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
30851 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
30852 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
30853
30854 @subsubheading Example
30855
30856 For the PPC MBX board:
30857 @smallexample
30858 (gdb)
30859 -data-list-register-names
30860 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
30861 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
30862 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
30863 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
30864 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
30865 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
30866 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
30867 (gdb)
30868 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
30869 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
30870 (gdb)
30871 @end smallexample
30872
30873 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
30874 @findex -data-list-register-values
30875
30876 @subsubheading Synopsis
30877
30878 @smallexample
30879 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
30880 @end smallexample
30881
30882 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
30883 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
30884 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
30885 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
30886
30887 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
30888
30889 @table @code
30890 @item x
30891 Hexadecimal
30892 @item o
30893 Octal
30894 @item t
30895 Binary
30896 @item d
30897 Decimal
30898 @item r
30899 Raw
30900 @item N
30901 Natural
30902 @end table
30903
30904 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30905
30906 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
30907 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
30908
30909 @subsubheading Example
30910
30911 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
30912 don't appear in the actual output):
30913
30914 @smallexample
30915 (gdb)
30916 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
30917 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30918 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
30919 (gdb)
30920 -data-list-register-values x
30921 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
30922 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30923 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
30924 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
30925 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
30926 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
30927 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
30928 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
30929 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
30930 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30931 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
30932 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
30933 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
30934 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
30935 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
30936 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
30937 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
30938 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
30939 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
30940 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
30941 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
30942 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
30943 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
30944 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
30945 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
30946 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
30947 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
30948 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
30949 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
30950 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
30951 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
30952 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
30953 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30954 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
30955 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
30956 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
30957 (gdb)
30958 @end smallexample
30959
30960
30961 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
30962 @findex -data-read-memory
30963
30964 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
30965
30966 @subsubheading Synopsis
30967
30968 @smallexample
30969 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
30970 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
30971 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
30972 @end smallexample
30973
30974 @noindent
30975 where:
30976
30977 @table @samp
30978 @item @var{address}
30979 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
30980 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30981 quoted using the C convention.
30982
30983 @item @var{word-format}
30984 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
30985 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
30986 ,Output Formats}).
30987
30988 @item @var{word-size}
30989 The size of each memory word in bytes.
30990
30991 @item @var{nr-rows}
30992 The number of rows in the output table.
30993
30994 @item @var{nr-cols}
30995 The number of columns in the output table.
30996
30997 @item @var{aschar}
30998 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
30999 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
31000 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
31001 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
31002
31003 @item @var{byte-offset}
31004 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
31005 @end table
31006
31007 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
31008 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
31009 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
31010 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
31011 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
31012 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
31013 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
31014 @samp{addr}.
31015
31016 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
31017 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
31018 @samp{prev-page}.
31019
31020 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31021
31022 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
31023 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
31024
31025 @subsubheading Example
31026
31027 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
31028 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
31029 word. Display each word in hex.
31030
31031 @smallexample
31032 (gdb)
31033 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
31034 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
31035 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
31036 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
31037 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
31038 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
31039 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
31040 (gdb)
31041 @end smallexample
31042
31043 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
31044 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
31045
31046 @smallexample
31047 (gdb)
31048 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
31049 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
31050 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
31051 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
31052 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
31053 (gdb)
31054 @end smallexample
31055
31056 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
31057 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
31058 used as the non-printable character.
31059
31060 @smallexample
31061 (gdb)
31062 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
31063 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
31064 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
31065 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
31066 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31067 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31068 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31069 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31070 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
31071 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
31072 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
31073 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
31074 (gdb)
31075 @end smallexample
31076
31077 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
31078 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
31079
31080 @subsubheading Synopsis
31081
31082 @smallexample
31083 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
31084 @var{address} @var{count}
31085 @end smallexample
31086
31087 @noindent
31088 where:
31089
31090 @table @samp
31091 @item @var{address}
31092 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31093 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31094 quoted using the C convention.
31095
31096 @item @var{count}
31097 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
31098
31099 @item @var{byte-offset}
31100 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
31101 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
31102 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
31103 perform address arithmetics itself.
31104
31105 @end table
31106
31107 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
31108 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
31109 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
31110 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
31111 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
31112 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
31113
31114 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
31115 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
31116 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
31117 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
31118 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
31119 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
31120 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
31121 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
31122
31123 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
31124 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
31125 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
31126 and has the following fields:
31127
31128 @table @code
31129 @item begin
31130 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31131
31132 @item end
31133 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31134
31135 @item offset
31136 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
31137 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
31138
31139 @item contents
31140 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
31141
31142 @end table
31143
31144
31145
31146 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31147
31148 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31149
31150 @subsubheading Example
31151
31152 @smallexample
31153 (gdb)
31154 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31155 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31156 end="0xbffff15e",
31157 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31158 (gdb)
31159 @end smallexample
31160
31161
31162 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
31163 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
31164
31165 @subsubheading Synopsis
31166
31167 @smallexample
31168 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
31169 @end smallexample
31170
31171 @noindent
31172 where:
31173
31174 @table @samp
31175 @item @var{address}
31176 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
31177 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31178 quoted using the C convention.
31179
31180 @item @var{contents}
31181 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
31182
31183 @end table
31184
31185 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31186
31187 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31188
31189 @subsubheading Example
31190
31191 @smallexample
31192 (gdb)
31193 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
31194 ^done
31195 (gdb)
31196 @end smallexample
31197
31198
31199 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31200 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
31201 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
31202
31203 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
31204 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
31205
31206 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
31207 @findex -trace-find
31208
31209 @subsubheading Synopsis
31210
31211 @smallexample
31212 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
31213 @end smallexample
31214
31215 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
31216 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
31217 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
31218
31219 @table @samp
31220
31221 @item none
31222 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
31223
31224 @item frame-number
31225 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
31226 that index.
31227
31228 @item tracepoint-number
31229 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
31230 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
31231
31232 @item pc
31233 An address is required as parameter. Finds
31234 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
31235 address.
31236
31237 @item pc-inside-range
31238 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
31239 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
31240 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31241
31242 @item pc-outside-range
31243 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
31244 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
31245 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31246
31247 @item line
31248 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
31249 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
31250 the specified location.
31251
31252 @end table
31253
31254 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
31255 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
31256
31257 @table @samp
31258 @item found
31259 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
31260 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
31261
31262 @item traceframe
31263 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
31264 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31265
31266 @item tracepoint
31267 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
31268 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31269
31270 @item frame
31271 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
31272 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
31273 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
31274
31275 @end table
31276
31277 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31278
31279 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
31280
31281 @subheading -trace-define-variable
31282 @findex -trace-define-variable
31283
31284 @subsubheading Synopsis
31285
31286 @smallexample
31287 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
31288 @end smallexample
31289
31290 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
31291 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
31292 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
31293 with the @samp{$} character.
31294
31295 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31296
31297 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
31298
31299 @subheading -trace-list-variables
31300 @findex -trace-list-variables
31301
31302 @subsubheading Synopsis
31303
31304 @smallexample
31305 -trace-list-variables
31306 @end smallexample
31307
31308 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
31309 table has the following fields:
31310
31311 @table @samp
31312 @item name
31313 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
31314
31315 @item initial
31316 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
31317 field is always present.
31318
31319 @item current
31320 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
31321 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
31322 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
31323 presently running.
31324
31325 @end table
31326
31327 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31328
31329 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
31330
31331 @subsubheading Example
31332
31333 @smallexample
31334 (gdb)
31335 -trace-list-variables
31336 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
31337 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
31338 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
31339 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
31340 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
31341 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
31342 (gdb)
31343 @end smallexample
31344
31345 @subheading -trace-save
31346 @findex -trace-save
31347
31348 @subsubheading Synopsis
31349
31350 @smallexample
31351 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
31352 @end smallexample
31353
31354 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
31355 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
31356 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
31357 to perform the save.
31358
31359 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31360
31361 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
31362
31363
31364 @subheading -trace-start
31365 @findex -trace-start
31366
31367 @subsubheading Synopsis
31368
31369 @smallexample
31370 -trace-start
31371 @end smallexample
31372
31373 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
31374 have any fields.
31375
31376 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31377
31378 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
31379
31380 @subheading -trace-status
31381 @findex -trace-status
31382
31383 @subsubheading Synopsis
31384
31385 @smallexample
31386 -trace-status
31387 @end smallexample
31388
31389 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
31390 the following fields:
31391
31392 @table @samp
31393
31394 @item supported
31395 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
31396 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
31397 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
31398 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
31399 started. This field is always present.
31400
31401 @item running
31402 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
31403 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
31404 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31405
31406 @item stop-reason
31407 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
31408 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
31409 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
31410 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
31411 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
31412 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
31413 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
31414 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
31415 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31416
31417 @item stopping-tracepoint
31418 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
31419 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
31420 @samp{passcount}.
31421
31422 @item frames
31423 @itemx frames-created
31424 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
31425 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
31426 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
31427 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
31428
31429 @item buffer-size
31430 @itemx buffer-free
31431 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
31432 remaining space. These fields are optional.
31433
31434 @item circular
31435 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
31436 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
31437 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
31438 and may fill up.
31439
31440 @item disconnected
31441 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
31442 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
31443 that the trace run will stop.
31444
31445 @end table
31446
31447 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31448
31449 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
31450
31451 @subheading -trace-stop
31452 @findex -trace-stop
31453
31454 @subsubheading Synopsis
31455
31456 @smallexample
31457 -trace-stop
31458 @end smallexample
31459
31460 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
31461 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
31462 @samp{running} fields are not output.
31463
31464 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31465
31466 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
31467
31468
31469 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31470 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
31471 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
31472
31473
31474 @ignore
31475 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
31476 @findex -symbol-info-address
31477
31478 @subsubheading Synopsis
31479
31480 @smallexample
31481 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
31482 @end smallexample
31483
31484 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
31485
31486 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31487
31488 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
31489
31490 @subsubheading Example
31491 N.A.
31492
31493
31494 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
31495 @findex -symbol-info-file
31496
31497 @subsubheading Synopsis
31498
31499 @smallexample
31500 -symbol-info-file
31501 @end smallexample
31502
31503 Show the file for the symbol.
31504
31505 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31506
31507 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
31508 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
31509
31510 @subsubheading Example
31511 N.A.
31512
31513
31514 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
31515 @findex -symbol-info-function
31516
31517 @subsubheading Synopsis
31518
31519 @smallexample
31520 -symbol-info-function
31521 @end smallexample
31522
31523 Show which function the symbol lives in.
31524
31525 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31526
31527 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
31528
31529 @subsubheading Example
31530 N.A.
31531
31532
31533 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
31534 @findex -symbol-info-line
31535
31536 @subsubheading Synopsis
31537
31538 @smallexample
31539 -symbol-info-line
31540 @end smallexample
31541
31542 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
31543
31544 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31545
31546 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
31547 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
31548
31549 @subsubheading Example
31550 N.A.
31551
31552
31553 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
31554 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
31555
31556 @subsubheading Synopsis
31557
31558 @smallexample
31559 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
31560 @end smallexample
31561
31562 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
31563
31564 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31565
31566 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
31567
31568 @subsubheading Example
31569 N.A.
31570
31571
31572 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
31573 @findex -symbol-list-functions
31574
31575 @subsubheading Synopsis
31576
31577 @smallexample
31578 -symbol-list-functions
31579 @end smallexample
31580
31581 List the functions in the executable.
31582
31583 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31584
31585 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
31586 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31587
31588 @subsubheading Example
31589 N.A.
31590 @end ignore
31591
31592
31593 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
31594 @findex -symbol-list-lines
31595
31596 @subsubheading Synopsis
31597
31598 @smallexample
31599 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
31600 @end smallexample
31601
31602 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
31603 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
31604 ascending PC order.
31605
31606 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31607
31608 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31609
31610 @subsubheading Example
31611 @smallexample
31612 (gdb)
31613 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
31614 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
31615 (gdb)
31616 @end smallexample
31617
31618
31619 @ignore
31620 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
31621 @findex -symbol-list-types
31622
31623 @subsubheading Synopsis
31624
31625 @smallexample
31626 -symbol-list-types
31627 @end smallexample
31628
31629 List all the type names.
31630
31631 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31632
31633 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
31634 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31635
31636 @subsubheading Example
31637 N.A.
31638
31639
31640 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
31641 @findex -symbol-list-variables
31642
31643 @subsubheading Synopsis
31644
31645 @smallexample
31646 -symbol-list-variables
31647 @end smallexample
31648
31649 List all the global and static variable names.
31650
31651 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31652
31653 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31654
31655 @subsubheading Example
31656 N.A.
31657
31658
31659 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
31660 @findex -symbol-locate
31661
31662 @subsubheading Synopsis
31663
31664 @smallexample
31665 -symbol-locate
31666 @end smallexample
31667
31668 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31669
31670 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
31671
31672 @subsubheading Example
31673 N.A.
31674
31675
31676 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
31677 @findex -symbol-type
31678
31679 @subsubheading Synopsis
31680
31681 @smallexample
31682 -symbol-type @var{variable}
31683 @end smallexample
31684
31685 Show type of @var{variable}.
31686
31687 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31688
31689 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
31690 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
31691
31692 @subsubheading Example
31693 N.A.
31694 @end ignore
31695
31696
31697 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31698 @node GDB/MI File Commands
31699 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
31700
31701 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
31702 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
31703
31704 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
31705 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
31706
31707 @subsubheading Synopsis
31708
31709 @smallexample
31710 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
31711 @end smallexample
31712
31713 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
31714 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
31715 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
31716 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
31717 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
31718 notification.
31719
31720 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31721
31722 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
31723
31724 @subsubheading Example
31725
31726 @smallexample
31727 (gdb)
31728 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31729 ^done
31730 (gdb)
31731 @end smallexample
31732
31733
31734 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
31735 @findex -file-exec-file
31736
31737 @subsubheading Synopsis
31738
31739 @smallexample
31740 -file-exec-file @var{file}
31741 @end smallexample
31742
31743 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
31744 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
31745 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
31746 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
31747 notification.
31748
31749 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31750
31751 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
31752
31753 @subsubheading Example
31754
31755 @smallexample
31756 (gdb)
31757 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31758 ^done
31759 (gdb)
31760 @end smallexample
31761
31762
31763 @ignore
31764 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
31765 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
31766
31767 @subsubheading Synopsis
31768
31769 @smallexample
31770 -file-list-exec-sections
31771 @end smallexample
31772
31773 List the sections of the current executable file.
31774
31775 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31776
31777 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
31778 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
31779 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
31780
31781 @subsubheading Example
31782 N.A.
31783 @end ignore
31784
31785
31786 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
31787 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
31788
31789 @subsubheading Synopsis
31790
31791 @smallexample
31792 -file-list-exec-source-file
31793 @end smallexample
31794
31795 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
31796 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
31797 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
31798 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
31799
31800 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31801
31802 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
31803
31804 @subsubheading Example
31805
31806 @smallexample
31807 (gdb)
31808 123-file-list-exec-source-file
31809 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
31810 (gdb)
31811 @end smallexample
31812
31813
31814 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
31815 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
31816
31817 @subsubheading Synopsis
31818
31819 @smallexample
31820 -file-list-exec-source-files
31821 @end smallexample
31822
31823 List the source files for the current executable.
31824
31825 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
31826 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
31827
31828 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31829
31830 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
31831 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
31832
31833 @subsubheading Example
31834 @smallexample
31835 (gdb)
31836 -file-list-exec-source-files
31837 ^done,files=[
31838 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
31839 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
31840 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
31841 (gdb)
31842 @end smallexample
31843
31844 @ignore
31845 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
31846 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
31847
31848 @subsubheading Synopsis
31849
31850 @smallexample
31851 -file-list-shared-libraries
31852 @end smallexample
31853
31854 List the shared libraries in the program.
31855
31856 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31857
31858 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
31859
31860 @subsubheading Example
31861 N.A.
31862
31863
31864 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
31865 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
31866
31867 @subsubheading Synopsis
31868
31869 @smallexample
31870 -file-list-symbol-files
31871 @end smallexample
31872
31873 List symbol files.
31874
31875 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31876
31877 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
31878
31879 @subsubheading Example
31880 N.A.
31881 @end ignore
31882
31883
31884 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
31885 @findex -file-symbol-file
31886
31887 @subsubheading Synopsis
31888
31889 @smallexample
31890 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
31891 @end smallexample
31892
31893 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
31894 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
31895 produced, except for a completion notification.
31896
31897 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31898
31899 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
31900
31901 @subsubheading Example
31902
31903 @smallexample
31904 (gdb)
31905 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31906 ^done
31907 (gdb)
31908 @end smallexample
31909
31910 @ignore
31911 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31912 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
31913 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
31914
31915 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
31916
31917 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
31918
31919 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
31920
31921 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
31922
31923 @c @subheading -overlay-map
31924
31925 @c @subheading -overlay-off
31926
31927 @c @subheading -overlay-on
31928
31929 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
31930
31931 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31932 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
31933 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
31934
31935 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
31936
31937 @c @subheading -signal-handle
31938
31939 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
31940
31941 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
31942 @end ignore
31943
31944
31945 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31946 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
31947 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
31948
31949
31950 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
31951 @findex -target-attach
31952
31953 @subsubheading Synopsis
31954
31955 @smallexample
31956 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
31957 @end smallexample
31958
31959 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
31960 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
31961 group, the id previously returned by
31962 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
31963
31964 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31965
31966 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
31967
31968 @subsubheading Example
31969 @smallexample
31970 (gdb)
31971 -target-attach 34
31972 =thread-created,id="1"
31973 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
31974 ^done
31975 (gdb)
31976 @end smallexample
31977
31978 @ignore
31979 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
31980 @findex -target-compare-sections
31981
31982 @subsubheading Synopsis
31983
31984 @smallexample
31985 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
31986 @end smallexample
31987
31988 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
31989 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
31990
31991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31992
31993 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
31994
31995 @subsubheading Example
31996 N.A.
31997 @end ignore
31998
31999
32000 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
32001 @findex -target-detach
32002
32003 @subsubheading Synopsis
32004
32005 @smallexample
32006 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
32007 @end smallexample
32008
32009 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
32010 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
32011 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
32012
32013 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32014
32015 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
32016
32017 @subsubheading Example
32018
32019 @smallexample
32020 (gdb)
32021 -target-detach
32022 ^done
32023 (gdb)
32024 @end smallexample
32025
32026
32027 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
32028 @findex -target-disconnect
32029
32030 @subsubheading Synopsis
32031
32032 @smallexample
32033 -target-disconnect
32034 @end smallexample
32035
32036 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
32037 generally not resumed.
32038
32039 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32040
32041 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
32042
32043 @subsubheading Example
32044
32045 @smallexample
32046 (gdb)
32047 -target-disconnect
32048 ^done
32049 (gdb)
32050 @end smallexample
32051
32052
32053 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
32054 @findex -target-download
32055
32056 @subsubheading Synopsis
32057
32058 @smallexample
32059 -target-download
32060 @end smallexample
32061
32062 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
32063 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
32064
32065 @table @samp
32066 @item section
32067 The name of the section.
32068 @item section-sent
32069 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
32070 @item section-size
32071 The size of the section.
32072 @item total-sent
32073 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
32074 @item total-size
32075 The size of the overall executable to download.
32076 @end table
32077
32078 @noindent
32079 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
32080 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
32081
32082 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
32083 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
32084
32085 @table @samp
32086 @item section
32087 The name of the section.
32088 @item section-size
32089 The size of the section.
32090 @item total-size
32091 The size of the overall executable to download.
32092 @end table
32093
32094 @noindent
32095 At the end, a summary is printed.
32096
32097 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32098
32099 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
32100
32101 @subsubheading Example
32102
32103 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
32104 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
32105
32106 @smallexample
32107 (gdb)
32108 -target-download
32109 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
32110 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
32111 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
32112 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
32113 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
32114 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
32115 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
32116 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
32117 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
32118 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
32119 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
32120 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
32121 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
32122 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
32123 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
32124 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
32125 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
32126 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
32127 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
32128 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
32129 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
32130 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
32131 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
32132 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
32133 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
32134 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
32135 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
32136 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32137 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32138 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
32139 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
32140 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
32141 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
32142 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
32143 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
32144 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
32145 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
32146 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
32147 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
32148 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
32149 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
32150 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
32151 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
32152 write-rate="429"
32153 (gdb)
32154 @end smallexample
32155
32156
32157 @ignore
32158 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
32159 @findex -target-exec-status
32160
32161 @subsubheading Synopsis
32162
32163 @smallexample
32164 -target-exec-status
32165 @end smallexample
32166
32167 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
32168 not, for instance).
32169
32170 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32171
32172 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
32173
32174 @subsubheading Example
32175 N.A.
32176
32177
32178 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
32179 @findex -target-list-available-targets
32180
32181 @subsubheading Synopsis
32182
32183 @smallexample
32184 -target-list-available-targets
32185 @end smallexample
32186
32187 List the possible targets to connect to.
32188
32189 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32190
32191 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
32192
32193 @subsubheading Example
32194 N.A.
32195
32196
32197 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
32198 @findex -target-list-current-targets
32199
32200 @subsubheading Synopsis
32201
32202 @smallexample
32203 -target-list-current-targets
32204 @end smallexample
32205
32206 Describe the current target.
32207
32208 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32209
32210 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
32211 other things).
32212
32213 @subsubheading Example
32214 N.A.
32215
32216
32217 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
32218 @findex -target-list-parameters
32219
32220 @subsubheading Synopsis
32221
32222 @smallexample
32223 -target-list-parameters
32224 @end smallexample
32225
32226 @c ????
32227 @end ignore
32228
32229 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32230
32231 No equivalent.
32232
32233 @subsubheading Example
32234 N.A.
32235
32236
32237 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
32238 @findex -target-select
32239
32240 @subsubheading Synopsis
32241
32242 @smallexample
32243 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
32244 @end smallexample
32245
32246 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
32247
32248 @table @samp
32249 @item @var{type}
32250 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
32251 @item @var{parameters}
32252 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
32253 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
32254 @end table
32255
32256 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
32257 which the target program is, in the following form:
32258
32259 @smallexample
32260 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
32261 args=[@var{arg list}]
32262 @end smallexample
32263
32264 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32265
32266 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
32267
32268 @subsubheading Example
32269
32270 @smallexample
32271 (gdb)
32272 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
32273 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
32274 (gdb)
32275 @end smallexample
32276
32277 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32278 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
32279 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
32280
32281
32282 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
32283 @findex -target-file-put
32284
32285 @subsubheading Synopsis
32286
32287 @smallexample
32288 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
32289 @end smallexample
32290
32291 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
32292 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
32293
32294 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32295
32296 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
32297
32298 @subsubheading Example
32299
32300 @smallexample
32301 (gdb)
32302 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
32303 ^done
32304 (gdb)
32305 @end smallexample
32306
32307
32308 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
32309 @findex -target-file-get
32310
32311 @subsubheading Synopsis
32312
32313 @smallexample
32314 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
32315 @end smallexample
32316
32317 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
32318 on the host system.
32319
32320 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32321
32322 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
32323
32324 @subsubheading Example
32325
32326 @smallexample
32327 (gdb)
32328 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
32329 ^done
32330 (gdb)
32331 @end smallexample
32332
32333
32334 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
32335 @findex -target-file-delete
32336
32337 @subsubheading Synopsis
32338
32339 @smallexample
32340 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
32341 @end smallexample
32342
32343 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
32344
32345 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32346
32347 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
32348
32349 @subsubheading Example
32350
32351 @smallexample
32352 (gdb)
32353 -target-file-delete remotefile
32354 ^done
32355 (gdb)
32356 @end smallexample
32357
32358
32359 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32360 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
32361 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32362
32363 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
32364
32365 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
32366 @findex -gdb-exit
32367
32368 @subsubheading Synopsis
32369
32370 @smallexample
32371 -gdb-exit
32372 @end smallexample
32373
32374 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
32375
32376 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32377
32378 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
32379
32380 @subsubheading Example
32381
32382 @smallexample
32383 (gdb)
32384 -gdb-exit
32385 ^exit
32386 @end smallexample
32387
32388
32389 @ignore
32390 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
32391 @findex -exec-abort
32392
32393 @subsubheading Synopsis
32394
32395 @smallexample
32396 -exec-abort
32397 @end smallexample
32398
32399 Kill the inferior running program.
32400
32401 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32402
32403 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
32404
32405 @subsubheading Example
32406 N.A.
32407 @end ignore
32408
32409
32410 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
32411 @findex -gdb-set
32412
32413 @subsubheading Synopsis
32414
32415 @smallexample
32416 -gdb-set
32417 @end smallexample
32418
32419 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
32420 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
32421
32422 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32423
32424 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
32425
32426 @subsubheading Example
32427
32428 @smallexample
32429 (gdb)
32430 -gdb-set $foo=3
32431 ^done
32432 (gdb)
32433 @end smallexample
32434
32435
32436 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
32437 @findex -gdb-show
32438
32439 @subsubheading Synopsis
32440
32441 @smallexample
32442 -gdb-show
32443 @end smallexample
32444
32445 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
32446
32447 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32448
32449 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
32450
32451 @subsubheading Example
32452
32453 @smallexample
32454 (gdb)
32455 -gdb-show annotate
32456 ^done,value="0"
32457 (gdb)
32458 @end smallexample
32459
32460 @c @subheading -gdb-source
32461
32462
32463 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
32464 @findex -gdb-version
32465
32466 @subsubheading Synopsis
32467
32468 @smallexample
32469 -gdb-version
32470 @end smallexample
32471
32472 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
32473
32474 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32475
32476 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
32477 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
32478
32479 @subsubheading Example
32480
32481 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
32482 @c box in TeX.
32483 @smallexample
32484 (gdb)
32485 -gdb-version
32486 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
32487 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32488 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
32489 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
32490 ~ certain conditions.
32491 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32492 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
32493 ~ details.
32494 ~This GDB was configured as
32495 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
32496 ^done
32497 (gdb)
32498 @end smallexample
32499
32500 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
32501 @findex -list-features
32502
32503 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
32504 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
32505 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
32506 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
32507 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
32508 startup.
32509
32510 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
32511 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
32512 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
32513 is given below.
32514
32515 Example output:
32516
32517 @smallexample
32518 (gdb) -list-features
32519 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
32520 @end smallexample
32521
32522 The current list of features is:
32523
32524 @table @samp
32525 @item frozen-varobjs
32526 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
32527 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
32528 of @code{-varobj-create}.
32529 @item pending-breakpoints
32530 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
32531 command.
32532 @item python
32533 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
32534 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
32535 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
32536 @item thread-info
32537 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
32538 @item data-read-memory-bytes
32539 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
32540 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
32541 @item breakpoint-notifications
32542 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
32543 CLI will be announced via async records.
32544 @item ada-task-info
32545 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
32546 @end table
32547
32548 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
32549 @findex -list-target-features
32550
32551 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
32552 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
32553 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
32554 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
32555 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
32556 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
32557 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
32558 Example output:
32559
32560 @smallexample
32561 (gdb) -list-features
32562 ^done,result=["async"]
32563 @end smallexample
32564
32565 The current list of features is:
32566
32567 @table @samp
32568 @item async
32569 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
32570 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
32571 while the target is running.
32572
32573 @item reverse
32574 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
32575 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32576
32577 @end table
32578
32579 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
32580 @findex -list-thread-groups
32581
32582 @subheading Synopsis
32583
32584 @smallexample
32585 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
32586 @end smallexample
32587
32588 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
32589 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
32590 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
32591 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
32592 top-level thread groups.
32593
32594 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
32595 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
32596 available on the target.
32597
32598 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
32599 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
32600 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
32601 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
32602 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
32603 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
32604 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
32605 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
32606
32607 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
32608 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
32609 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
32610 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
32611 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
32612 @samp{threads} field.
32613
32614 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
32615 the following caveats:
32616
32617 @itemize @bullet
32618 @item
32619 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
32620 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
32621 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
32622
32623 @item
32624 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
32625 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
32626 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
32627 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
32628 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
32629 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
32630
32631 @end itemize
32632
32633 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
32634 have the following fields:
32635
32636 @table @code
32637 @item id
32638 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
32639 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
32640 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
32641
32642 @item type
32643 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
32644 valid type.
32645
32646 @item pid
32647 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
32648 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
32649
32650 @item num_children
32651 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
32652 absent for an available thread group.
32653
32654 @item threads
32655 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
32656 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
32657 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
32658
32659 @item cores
32660 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
32661 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
32662 such information is not available.
32663
32664 @item executable
32665 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
32666 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
32667 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
32668
32669 @end table
32670
32671 @subheading Example
32672
32673 @smallexample
32674 @value{GDBP}
32675 -list-thread-groups
32676 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
32677 -list-thread-groups 17
32678 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32679 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
32680 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32681 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32682 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
32683 -list-thread-groups --available
32684 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
32685 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
32686 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32687 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32688 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
32689 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
32690 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32691 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32692 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
32693 @end smallexample
32694
32695 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
32696 @findex -info-os
32697
32698 @subsubheading Synopsis
32699
32700 @smallexample
32701 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
32702 @end smallexample
32703
32704 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
32705 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
32706 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
32707 of data of that type.
32708
32709 The types of information available depend on the target operating
32710 system.
32711
32712 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32713
32714 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
32715
32716 @subsubheading Example
32717
32718 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
32719 like this:
32720
32721 @smallexample
32722 @value{GDBP}
32723 -info-os
32724 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="3",
32725 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
32726 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
32727 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
32728 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
32729 col2="Processes"@},
32730 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
32731 col2="Process groups"@},
32732 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
32733 col2="Threads"@},
32734 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
32735 col2="File descriptors"@},
32736 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
32737 col2="Sockets"@},
32738 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
32739 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
32740 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
32741 col2="Semaphores"@},
32742 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
32743 col2="Message queues"@},
32744 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
32745 col2="Kernel modules"@}]@}
32746 @value{GDBP}
32747 -info-os processes
32748 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
32749 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
32750 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
32751 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
32752 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
32753 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
32754 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
32755 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
32756 ...
32757 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
32758 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
32759 (gdb)
32760 @end smallexample
32761
32762 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
32763 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
32764 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
32765 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
32766 @code{info os} omits it.)
32767
32768 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
32769 @findex -add-inferior
32770
32771 @subheading Synopsis
32772
32773 @smallexample
32774 -add-inferior
32775 @end smallexample
32776
32777 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
32778 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
32779 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
32780 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
32781 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
32782 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
32783
32784 @subheading Example
32785
32786 @smallexample
32787 @value{GDBP}
32788 -add-inferior
32789 ^done,thread-group="i3"
32790 @end smallexample
32791
32792 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
32793 @findex -interpreter-exec
32794
32795 @subheading Synopsis
32796
32797 @smallexample
32798 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
32799 @end smallexample
32800 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
32801
32802 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
32803
32804 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32805
32806 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
32807
32808 @subheading Example
32809
32810 @smallexample
32811 (gdb)
32812 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
32813 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
32814 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
32815 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
32816 ^done
32817 (gdb)
32818 @end smallexample
32819
32820 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
32821 @findex -inferior-tty-set
32822
32823 @subheading Synopsis
32824
32825 @smallexample
32826 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32827 @end smallexample
32828
32829 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
32830
32831 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32832
32833 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
32834
32835 @subheading Example
32836
32837 @smallexample
32838 (gdb)
32839 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32840 ^done
32841 (gdb)
32842 @end smallexample
32843
32844 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
32845 @findex -inferior-tty-show
32846
32847 @subheading Synopsis
32848
32849 @smallexample
32850 -inferior-tty-show
32851 @end smallexample
32852
32853 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
32854
32855 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32856
32857 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
32858
32859 @subheading Example
32860
32861 @smallexample
32862 (gdb)
32863 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32864 ^done
32865 (gdb)
32866 -inferior-tty-show
32867 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
32868 (gdb)
32869 @end smallexample
32870
32871 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
32872 @findex -enable-timings
32873
32874 @subheading Synopsis
32875
32876 @smallexample
32877 -enable-timings [yes | no]
32878 @end smallexample
32879
32880 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
32881 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
32882 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
32883 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
32884
32885 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32886
32887 No equivalent.
32888
32889 @subheading Example
32890
32891 @smallexample
32892 (gdb)
32893 -enable-timings
32894 ^done
32895 (gdb)
32896 -break-insert main
32897 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32898 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
32899 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
32900 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
32901 (gdb)
32902 -enable-timings no
32903 ^done
32904 (gdb)
32905 -exec-run
32906 ^running
32907 (gdb)
32908 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
32909 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
32910 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
32911 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
32912 (gdb)
32913 @end smallexample
32914
32915 @node Annotations
32916 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
32917
32918 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
32919 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
32920 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
32921 relatively high level.
32922
32923 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
32924 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
32925
32926 @ignore
32927 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
32928 @end ignore
32929
32930 @menu
32931 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
32932 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
32933 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
32934 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
32935 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
32936 * Annotations for Running::
32937 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
32938 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
32939 @end menu
32940
32941 @node Annotations Overview
32942 @section What is an Annotation?
32943 @cindex annotations
32944
32945 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
32946 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
32947 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
32948 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
32949 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
32950 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
32951 cannot contain newline characters.
32952
32953 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
32954 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
32955 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
32956 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
32957 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
32958 means those three characters as output.
32959
32960 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
32961 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
32962 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
32963 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
32964 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
32965 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
32966 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
32967 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
32968 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
32969
32970 @table @code
32971 @kindex set annotate
32972 @item set annotate @var{level}
32973 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
32974 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
32975
32976 @item show annotate
32977 @kindex show annotate
32978 Show the current annotation level.
32979 @end table
32980
32981 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
32982
32983 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
32984
32985 @smallexample
32986 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
32987 GNU gdb 6.0
32988 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32989 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
32990 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
32991 under certain conditions.
32992 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32993 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
32994 for details.
32995 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
32996
32997 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
32998 (@value{GDBP})
32999 ^Z^Zprompt
33000 @kbd{quit}
33001
33002 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33003 $
33004 @end smallexample
33005
33006 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
33007 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
33008 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
33009 output from @value{GDBN}.
33010
33011 @node Server Prefix
33012 @section The Server Prefix
33013 @cindex server prefix
33014
33015 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
33016 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
33017 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
33018 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
33019 a transparent manner.
33020
33021 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
33022 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
33023 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
33024 @code{print} command.
33025
33026 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
33027 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
33028
33029 @node Prompting
33030 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
33031
33032 @cindex annotations for prompts
33033 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
33034 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
33035 over, etc.
33036
33037 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
33038 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
33039 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
33040 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
33041 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
33042 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
33043 features the following annotations:
33044
33045 @smallexample
33046 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33047 ^Z^Zprompt
33048 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33049 @end smallexample
33050
33051 The input types are
33052
33053 @table @code
33054 @findex pre-prompt annotation
33055 @findex prompt annotation
33056 @findex post-prompt annotation
33057 @item prompt
33058 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
33059
33060 @findex pre-commands annotation
33061 @findex commands annotation
33062 @findex post-commands annotation
33063 @item commands
33064 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
33065 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
33066
33067 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
33068 @findex overload-choice annotation
33069 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
33070 @item overload-choice
33071 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
33072
33073 @findex pre-query annotation
33074 @findex query annotation
33075 @findex post-query annotation
33076 @item query
33077 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
33078
33079 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
33080 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
33081 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
33082 @item prompt-for-continue
33083 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
33084 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
33085 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
33086 presence of annotations.
33087 @end table
33088
33089 @node Errors
33090 @section Errors
33091 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
33092
33093 @findex quit annotation
33094 @smallexample
33095 ^Z^Zquit
33096 @end smallexample
33097
33098 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
33099
33100 @findex error annotation
33101 @smallexample
33102 ^Z^Zerror
33103 @end smallexample
33104
33105 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
33106
33107 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
33108 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
33109 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
33110 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
33111 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
33112 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
33113 to the top level.
33114
33115 @findex error-begin annotation
33116 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
33117
33118 @smallexample
33119 ^Z^Zerror-begin
33120 @end smallexample
33121
33122 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
33123 message.
33124
33125 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
33126 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
33127 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
33128
33129 @node Invalidation
33130 @section Invalidation Notices
33131
33132 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
33133 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
33134 changed.
33135
33136 @table @code
33137 @findex frames-invalid annotation
33138 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
33139
33140 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
33141 have changed.
33142
33143 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
33144 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
33145
33146 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
33147 deleted a breakpoint.
33148 @end table
33149
33150 @node Annotations for Running
33151 @section Running the Program
33152 @cindex annotations for running programs
33153
33154 @findex starting annotation
33155 @findex stopping annotation
33156 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
33157 @code{step} or @code{continue},
33158
33159 @smallexample
33160 ^Z^Zstarting
33161 @end smallexample
33162
33163 is output. When the program stops,
33164
33165 @smallexample
33166 ^Z^Zstopped
33167 @end smallexample
33168
33169 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
33170 annotations describe how the program stopped.
33171
33172 @table @code
33173 @findex exited annotation
33174 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
33175 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
33176 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
33177
33178 @findex signalled annotation
33179 @findex signal-name annotation
33180 @findex signal-name-end annotation
33181 @findex signal-string annotation
33182 @findex signal-string-end annotation
33183 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
33184 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
33185 annotation continues:
33186
33187 @smallexample
33188 @var{intro-text}
33189 ^Z^Zsignal-name
33190 @var{name}
33191 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
33192 @var{middle-text}
33193 ^Z^Zsignal-string
33194 @var{string}
33195 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
33196 @var{end-text}
33197 @end smallexample
33198
33199 @noindent
33200 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
33201 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
33202 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
33203 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
33204 user's benefit and have no particular format.
33205
33206 @findex signal annotation
33207 @item ^Z^Zsignal
33208 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
33209 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
33210 terminated with it.
33211
33212 @findex breakpoint annotation
33213 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
33214 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
33215
33216 @findex watchpoint annotation
33217 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
33218 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
33219 @end table
33220
33221 @node Source Annotations
33222 @section Displaying Source
33223 @cindex annotations for source display
33224
33225 @findex source annotation
33226 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
33227
33228 @smallexample
33229 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
33230 @end smallexample
33231
33232 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
33233 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
33234 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
33235 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
33236 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
33237 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
33238 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
33239 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
33240 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
33241 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
33242 depend on the language).
33243
33244 @node JIT Interface
33245 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
33246 @cindex just-in-time compilation
33247 @cindex JIT compilation interface
33248
33249 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
33250 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
33251 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
33252 performance while maintaining platform independence.
33253
33254 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
33255 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
33256 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
33257 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
33258 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
33259 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
33260
33261 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
33262 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
33263 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
33264 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
33265 LLVM JIT.
33266
33267 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
33268 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
33269 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
33270 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
33271 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
33272 out about additional code.
33273
33274 @menu
33275 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
33276 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
33277 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
33278 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
33279 @end menu
33280
33281 @node Declarations
33282 @section JIT Declarations
33283
33284 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
33285 implement the interface:
33286
33287 @smallexample
33288 typedef enum
33289 @{
33290 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
33291 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
33292 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
33293 @} jit_actions_t;
33294
33295 struct jit_code_entry
33296 @{
33297 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
33298 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
33299 const char *symfile_addr;
33300 uint64_t symfile_size;
33301 @};
33302
33303 struct jit_descriptor
33304 @{
33305 uint32_t version;
33306 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
33307 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
33308 uint32_t action_flag;
33309 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
33310 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
33311 @};
33312
33313 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
33314 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
33315
33316 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
33317 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
33318 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
33319 @end smallexample
33320
33321 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
33322 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
33323 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
33324
33325 @node Registering Code
33326 @section Registering Code
33327
33328 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
33329
33330 @itemize @bullet
33331 @item
33332 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
33333 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
33334
33335 @item
33336 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
33337 file.
33338
33339 @item
33340 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
33341
33342 @item
33343 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
33344
33345 @item
33346 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
33347 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33348 @end itemize
33349
33350 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
33351 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
33352 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
33353 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
33354
33355 @node Unregistering Code
33356 @section Unregistering Code
33357
33358 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
33359
33360 @itemize @bullet
33361 @item
33362 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
33363
33364 @item
33365 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
33366
33367 @item
33368 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
33369 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33370 @end itemize
33371
33372 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
33373 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
33374
33375 @node Custom Debug Info
33376 @section Custom Debug Info
33377 @cindex custom JIT debug info
33378 @cindex JIT debug info reader
33379
33380 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
33381 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
33382 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
33383 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
33384 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
33385 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
33386 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
33387 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
33388 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
33389
33390 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
33391 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
33392 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
33393 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
33394 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
33395 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
33396 compiler.
33397
33398 @menu
33399 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
33400 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
33401 @end menu
33402
33403 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33404 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33405 @kindex jit-reader-load
33406 @kindex jit-reader-unload
33407
33408 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
33409 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
33410
33411 @table @code
33412 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader-name}
33413 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader-name}. On a UNIX system, this
33414 will usually load @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/@var{reader-name}}, where
33415 @var{libdir} is the system library directory, usually
33416 @file{/usr/local/lib}. Only one reader can be active at a time;
33417 trying to load a second reader when one is already loaded will result
33418 in @value{GDBN} reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by
33419 first unloading the current one using @code{jit-reader-load} and then
33420 invoking @code{jit-reader-load}.
33421
33422 @item jit-reader-unload
33423 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
33424
33425 @end table
33426
33427 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33428 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33429 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
33430
33431 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
33432 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
33433
33434 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
33435 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
33436 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
33437 the system include directory.
33438
33439 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
33440 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
33441 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
33442
33443 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
33444 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
33445
33446 @findex gdb_init_reader
33447 @smallexample
33448 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
33449 @end smallexample
33450
33451 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
33452
33453 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
33454 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
33455 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
33456 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
33457 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
33458 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
33459
33460 @smallexample
33461 struct gdb_reader_funcs
33462 @{
33463 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
33464 int reader_version;
33465
33466 /* For use by the reader. */
33467 void *priv_data;
33468
33469 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
33470 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
33471 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
33472 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
33473 @};
33474 @end smallexample
33475
33476 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
33477 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
33478
33479 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
33480 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
33481 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
33482 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
33483 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
33484 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
33485 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
33486 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
33487 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
33488 target's address space.
33489
33490 @node In-Process Agent
33491 @chapter In-Process Agent
33492 @cindex debugging agent
33493 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
33494 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
33495 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
33496 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
33497 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
33498 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
33499 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
33500 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
33501 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
33502 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
33503 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
33504 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
33505 behavior without interrupting it.
33506
33507 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
33508 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
33509 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
33510 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
33511 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
33512 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
33513 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
33514 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
33515 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
33516
33517 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
33518 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
33519 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
33520 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
33521
33522 @anchor{Control Agent}
33523 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
33524 debugging with the following commands:
33525
33526 @table @code
33527 @kindex set agent on
33528 @item set agent on
33529 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
33530 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
33531 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
33532 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
33533 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
33534 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
33535
33536 @kindex set agent off
33537 @item set agent off
33538 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
33539 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
33540
33541 @kindex show agent
33542 @item show agent
33543 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
33544 the in-process agent.
33545 @end table
33546
33547 @menu
33548 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
33549 @end menu
33550
33551 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
33552 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
33553 @cindex in-process agent protocol
33554
33555 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
33556 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
33557 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
33558 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
33559 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
33560 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
33561 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
33562 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
33563 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
33564
33565 @menu
33566 * IPA Protocol Objects::
33567 * IPA Protocol Commands::
33568 @end menu
33569
33570 @node IPA Protocol Objects
33571 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
33572 @cindex ipa protocol objects
33573
33574 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
33575 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
33576
33577 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
33578 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
33579 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
33580 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
33581
33582 @enumerate
33583 @item
33584 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
33585 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
33586 @item
33587 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
33588 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
33589 the other one.
33590 @end enumerate
33591
33592 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
33593
33594 @enumerate
33595 @item
33596 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
33597 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
33598 @anchor{agent expression object}
33599 @item
33600 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
33601 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
33602 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
33603 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
33604 @item
33605 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33606 @anchor{tracepoint object}
33607
33608 @end enumerate
33609
33610 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
33611 object:
33612
33613 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
33614 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
33615 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
33616 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
33617 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
33618 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
33619 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33620 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
33621 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
33622 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
33623 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
33624 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
33625 memory address for collecting.
33626 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
33627 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33628 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
33629 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33630 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
33631 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33632 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
33633 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
33634 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
33635 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
33636 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
33637 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
33638 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
33639 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
33640 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
33641 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
33642 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
33643 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
33644 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
33645 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
33646 @ref{agent expression object}
33647 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
33648 @ref{agent expression object}
33649 @item actions @tab variable
33650 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
33651 @end multitable
33652
33653 @node IPA Protocol Commands
33654 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
33655 @cindex ipa protocol commands
33656
33657 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
33658 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
33659
33660 @table @samp
33661
33662 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
33663 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
33664 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
33665 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
33666 in IPA finally.
33667
33668 Replies:
33669 @table @samp
33670 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
33671 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
33672 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
33673 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
33674 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
33675 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
33676 @item E @var{NN}
33677 for an error
33678
33679 @end table
33680
33681 @item close
33682 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
33683 is about to kill inferiors.
33684
33685 @item qTfSTM
33686 @xref{qTfSTM}.
33687 @item qTsSTM
33688 @xref{qTsSTM}.
33689 @item qTSTMat
33690 @xref{qTSTMat}.
33691 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
33692 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
33693
33694 Replies:
33695 @table @samp
33696 @item E @var{NN}
33697 for an error
33698 @end table
33699 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
33700 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
33701 @end table
33702
33703 @node GDB Bugs
33704 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
33705 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
33706 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
33707
33708 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
33709
33710 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
33711 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
33712 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
33713 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
33714
33715 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
33716 information that enables us to fix the bug.
33717
33718 @menu
33719 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
33720 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
33721 @end menu
33722
33723 @node Bug Criteria
33724 @section Have You Found a Bug?
33725 @cindex bug criteria
33726
33727 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
33728
33729 @itemize @bullet
33730 @cindex fatal signal
33731 @cindex debugger crash
33732 @cindex crash of debugger
33733 @item
33734 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
33735 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
33736
33737 @cindex error on valid input
33738 @item
33739 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
33740 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
33741 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
33742
33743 @cindex invalid input
33744 @item
33745 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
33746 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
33747 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
33748 for traditional practice''.
33749
33750 @item
33751 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
33752 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
33753 @end itemize
33754
33755 @node Bug Reporting
33756 @section How to Report Bugs
33757 @cindex bug reports
33758 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
33759
33760 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
33761 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
33762 contact that organization first.
33763
33764 You can find contact information for many support companies and
33765 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
33766 distribution.
33767 @c should add a web page ref...
33768
33769 @ifset BUGURL
33770 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
33771 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33772 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
33773 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
33774 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
33775 be used.
33776
33777 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
33778 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
33779 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
33780 @samp{bug-gdb}.
33781
33782 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
33783 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
33784 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
33785 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
33786 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
33787 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
33788 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
33789 bug reports to the mailing list.
33790 @end ifset
33791 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
33792 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33793 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
33794 @end ifclear
33795 @end ifset
33796
33797 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
33798 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
33799 fact or leave it out, state it!
33800
33801 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
33802 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
33803 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
33804 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
33805 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
33806 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
33807 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
33808 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
33809 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
33810
33811 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
33812 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
33813 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
33814 self-contained.
33815
33816 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
33817 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
33818 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
33819 bugs properly.
33820
33821 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
33822
33823 @itemize @bullet
33824 @item
33825 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
33826 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
33827 version}.
33828
33829 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
33830 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
33831
33832 @item
33833 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
33834 version number.
33835
33836 @item
33837 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
33838 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
33839
33840 @item
33841 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
33842 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
33843 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
33844 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
33845 those compilers.
33846
33847 @item
33848 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
33849 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
33850 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
33851 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
33852
33853 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
33854 and then we might not encounter the bug.
33855
33856 @item
33857 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
33858 reproduce the bug.
33859
33860 @item
33861 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
33862 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
33863
33864 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
33865 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
33866 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
33867 a chance to make a mistake.
33868
33869 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
33870 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
33871 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
33872 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
33873 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
33874 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
33875 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
33876 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
33877
33878 @pindex script
33879 @cindex recording a session script
33880 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
33881 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
33882 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
33883 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
33884
33885 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
33886 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
33887
33888 @item
33889 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
33890 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
33891 it by context, not by line number.
33892
33893 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
33894 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
33895
33896 @end itemize
33897
33898 Here are some things that are not necessary:
33899
33900 @itemize @bullet
33901 @item
33902 A description of the envelope of the bug.
33903
33904 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
33905 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
33906 changes will not affect it.
33907
33908 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
33909 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
33910 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
33911 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
33912
33913 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
33914 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
33915 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
33916 less time, and so on.
33917
33918 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
33919 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
33920
33921 @item
33922 A patch for the bug.
33923
33924 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
33925 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
33926 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
33927 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
33928
33929 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
33930 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
33931 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
33932 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
33933
33934 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
33935 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
33936 help us to understand.
33937
33938 @item
33939 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
33940
33941 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
33942 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
33943 @end itemize
33944
33945 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
33946 @c and consists of the two following files:
33947 @c rluser.texi
33948 @c hsuser.texi
33949 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
33950 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
33951 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
33952 @include rluser.texi
33953 @include hsuser.texi
33954 @end ifclear
33955
33956 @node In Memoriam
33957 @appendix In Memoriam
33958
33959 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
33960 contributors:
33961
33962 @table @code
33963 @item Fred Fish
33964 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
33965 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
33966 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
33967
33968 @item Michael Snyder
33969 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
33970 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
33971 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
33972 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
33973 @end table
33974
33975 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
33976 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
33977
33978 @node Formatting Documentation
33979 @appendix Formatting Documentation
33980
33981 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
33982 @cindex reference card
33983 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
33984 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
33985 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
33986 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
33987 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
33988 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
33989
33990 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
33991 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
33992
33993 @smallexample
33994 make refcard.dvi
33995 @end smallexample
33996
33997 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
33998 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
33999 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
34000 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
34001 your @sc{dvi} output program.
34002
34003 @cindex documentation
34004
34005 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
34006 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
34007 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
34008 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
34009 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
34010 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
34011
34012 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
34013 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
34014 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
34015 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
34016 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
34017 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
34018 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
34019 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
34020
34021 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
34022 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
34023 @code{makeinfo}.
34024
34025 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
34026 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
34027 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
34028
34029 @smallexample
34030 cd gdb
34031 make gdb.info
34032 @end smallexample
34033
34034 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
34035 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
34036 Texinfo definitions file.
34037
34038 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
34039 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
34040 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
34041 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
34042 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
34043 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
34044 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
34045
34046 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
34047 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
34048 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
34049 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
34050 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
34051 directory.
34052
34053 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
34054 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
34055 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
34056 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
34057
34058 @smallexample
34059 make gdb.dvi
34060 @end smallexample
34061
34062 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
34063
34064 @node Installing GDB
34065 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
34066 @cindex installation
34067
34068 @menu
34069 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
34070 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
34071 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
34072 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
34073 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
34074 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
34075 @end menu
34076
34077 @node Requirements
34078 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
34079 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
34080
34081 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
34082 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
34083
34084 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
34085 @table @asis
34086 @item ISO C90 compiler
34087 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
34088 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
34089
34090 @end table
34091
34092 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
34093 @table @asis
34094 @item Expat
34095 @anchor{Expat}
34096 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
34097 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
34098 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
34099 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
34100 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
34101 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
34102
34103 Expat is used for:
34104
34105 @itemize @bullet
34106 @item
34107 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
34108 @item
34109 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
34110 @item
34111 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
34112 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
34113 @item
34114 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
34115 @item
34116 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
34117 @end itemize
34118
34119 @item zlib
34120 @cindex compressed debug sections
34121 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
34122 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
34123 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
34124 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
34125 information in such binaries.
34126
34127 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
34128 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34129 @url{http://zlib.net}.
34130
34131 @item iconv
34132 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
34133 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
34134 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
34135 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
34136
34137 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
34138 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
34139 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
34140 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
34141
34142 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
34143 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
34144 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
34145
34146 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
34147 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
34148 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
34149 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
34150 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
34151 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
34152 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
34153 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
34154 @end table
34155
34156 @node Running Configure
34157 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
34158 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
34159 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
34160 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
34161 build the @code{gdb} program.
34162 @iftex
34163 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
34164 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
34165 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
34166 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
34167 @end iftex
34168
34169 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
34170 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
34171 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
34172
34173 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
34174 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
34175
34176 @table @code
34177 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
34178 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
34179
34180 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
34181 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
34182
34183 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
34184 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
34185
34186 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
34187 @sc{gnu} include files
34188
34189 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
34190 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
34191
34192 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
34193 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
34194
34195 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
34196 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
34197
34198 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
34199 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
34200
34201 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
34202 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
34203 @end table
34204
34205 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
34206 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
34207 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
34208
34209 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
34210 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
34211 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
34212 argument.
34213
34214 For example:
34215
34216 @smallexample
34217 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34218 ./configure @var{host}
34219 make
34220 @end smallexample
34221
34222 @noindent
34223 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
34224 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
34225 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
34226 correct value by examining your system.)
34227
34228 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
34229 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
34230 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
34231 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
34232
34233 @need 750
34234 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
34235 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
34236 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
34237
34238 @smallexample
34239 sh configure @var{host}
34240 @end smallexample
34241
34242 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
34243 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
34244 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
34245 @file{configure}
34246 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
34247 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
34248
34249 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
34250 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
34251 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
34252 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
34253 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
34254 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
34255 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
34256 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
34257 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34258
34259 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
34260 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
34261 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
34262 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
34263 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
34264
34265 @node Separate Objdir
34266 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
34267
34268 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
34269 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
34270 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
34271 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
34272 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
34273 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
34274 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
34275 program specified there.
34276
34277 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
34278 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
34279 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
34280 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
34281 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
34282 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
34283
34284 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
34285 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
34286
34287 @smallexample
34288 @group
34289 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34290 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
34291 cd ../gdb-sun4
34292 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
34293 make
34294 @end group
34295 @end smallexample
34296
34297 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
34298 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
34299 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
34300 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
34301 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
34302 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
34303
34304 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
34305 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
34306 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
34307 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
34308 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34309
34310 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
34311 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
34312 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
34313 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
34314 You specify a cross-debugging target by
34315 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
34316
34317 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
34318 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
34319 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
34320
34321 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
34322 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
34323 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
34324 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
34325 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
34326
34327 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
34328 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
34329 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
34330 with each other.
34331
34332 @node Config Names
34333 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
34334
34335 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
34336 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
34337 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
34338 of information in the following pattern:
34339
34340 @smallexample
34341 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
34342 @end smallexample
34343
34344 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
34345 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
34346 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
34347
34348 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
34349 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
34350 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
34351 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
34352 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
34353 abbreviations---for example:
34354
34355 @smallexample
34356 % sh config.sub i386-linux
34357 i386-pc-linux-gnu
34358 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
34359 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
34360 % sh config.sub hp9k700
34361 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
34362 % sh config.sub sun4
34363 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
34364 % sh config.sub sun3
34365 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
34366 % sh config.sub i986v
34367 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
34368 @end smallexample
34369
34370 @noindent
34371 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
34372 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
34373
34374 @node Configure Options
34375 @section @file{configure} Options
34376
34377 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
34378 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
34379 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
34380 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
34381
34382 @smallexample
34383 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
34384 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34385 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34386 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
34387 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
34388 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
34389 @var{host}
34390 @end smallexample
34391
34392 @noindent
34393 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
34394 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
34395 @samp{--}.
34396
34397 @table @code
34398 @item --help
34399 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
34400
34401 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
34402 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
34403 @file{@var{dir}}.
34404
34405 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
34406 Configure the source to install programs under directory
34407 @file{@var{dir}}.
34408
34409 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
34410 @need 2000
34411 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
34412 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
34413 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
34414 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
34415 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
34416 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
34417 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
34418 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
34419 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
34420 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
34421 @var{dirname}.
34422
34423 @item --norecursion
34424 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
34425 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
34426
34427 @item --target=@var{target}
34428 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
34429 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
34430 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
34431
34432 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
34433
34434 @item @var{host} @dots{}
34435 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
34436
34437 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
34438 @end table
34439
34440 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
34441 needed for special purposes only.
34442
34443 @node System-wide configuration
34444 @section System-wide configuration and settings
34445 @cindex system-wide init file
34446
34447 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
34448 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
34449 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
34450
34451 Here is the corresponding configure option:
34452
34453 @table @code
34454 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
34455 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
34456 @var{file}.
34457 @end table
34458
34459 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
34460 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
34461
34462 @itemize @bullet
34463 @item
34464 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
34465 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
34466 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
34467 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
34468 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
34469 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
34470
34471 @item
34472 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
34473 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
34474 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34475 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34476 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
34477 @end itemize
34478
34479 @node Maintenance Commands
34480 @appendix Maintenance Commands
34481 @cindex maintenance commands
34482 @cindex internal commands
34483
34484 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
34485 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
34486 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
34487 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
34488 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
34489
34490 @table @code
34491 @kindex maint agent
34492 @kindex maint agent-eval
34493 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34494 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34495 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
34496 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
34497 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
34498 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
34499 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
34500 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
34501 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
34502 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
34503 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
34504 addition and return the sum.
34505 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
34506 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
34507
34508 @kindex maint agent-printf
34509 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
34510 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
34511 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
34512 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
34513 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}.
34514
34515 @kindex maint info breakpoints
34516 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
34517 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
34518 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
34519 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
34520 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
34521 is shown:
34522
34523 @table @code
34524 @item breakpoint
34525 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
34526
34527 @item watchpoint
34528 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
34529
34530 @item longjmp
34531 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
34532 @code{longjmp} calls.
34533
34534 @item longjmp resume
34535 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
34536
34537 @item until
34538 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
34539
34540 @item finish
34541 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
34542
34543 @item shlib events
34544 Shared library events.
34545
34546 @end table
34547
34548 @kindex maint info bfds
34549 @item maint info bfds
34550 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
34551 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Top, , BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}.
34552
34553 @kindex set displaced-stepping
34554 @kindex show displaced-stepping
34555 @cindex displaced stepping support
34556 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
34557 @item set displaced-stepping
34558 @itemx show displaced-stepping
34559 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
34560 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
34561 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
34562 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
34563 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
34564
34565 @table @code
34566 @item set displaced-stepping on
34567 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
34568 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
34569
34570 @item set displaced-stepping off
34571 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
34572 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
34573
34574 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
34575 @item set displaced-stepping auto
34576 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
34577 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
34578 architecture supports displaced stepping.
34579 @end table
34580
34581 @kindex maint check-symtabs
34582 @item maint check-symtabs
34583 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
34584
34585 @kindex maint cplus first_component
34586 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
34587 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
34588
34589 @kindex maint cplus namespace
34590 @item maint cplus namespace
34591 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
34592
34593 @kindex maint demangle
34594 @item maint demangle @var{name}
34595 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
34596
34597 @kindex maint deprecate
34598 @kindex maint undeprecate
34599 @cindex deprecated commands
34600 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
34601 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
34602 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
34603 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
34604 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
34605 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
34606 the replacement as part of the warning.
34607
34608 @kindex maint dump-me
34609 @item maint dump-me
34610 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
34611 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
34612 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
34613 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
34614
34615 @kindex maint internal-error
34616 @kindex maint internal-warning
34617 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34618 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34619 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
34620 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
34621 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
34622 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
34623 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
34624 @value{GDBN} session.
34625
34626 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
34627 used as the text of the error or warning message.
34628
34629 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
34630
34631 @smallexample
34632 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
34633 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
34634 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
34635 debugging may prove unreliable.
34636 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34637 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34638 (@value{GDBP})
34639 @end smallexample
34640
34641 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
34642 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
34643
34644 @kindex maint set internal-error
34645 @kindex maint show internal-error
34646 @kindex maint set internal-warning
34647 @kindex maint show internal-warning
34648 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34649 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
34650 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34651 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
34652 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
34653 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
34654 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
34655 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
34656 described in the table below.
34657
34658 @table @samp
34659 @item quit
34660 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34661 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34662
34663 @item corefile
34664 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34665 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34666 @end table
34667
34668 @kindex maint packet
34669 @item maint packet @var{text}
34670 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
34671 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
34672 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
34673 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
34674 checksum.
34675
34676 @kindex maint print architecture
34677 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34678 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
34679 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
34680
34681 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
34682 @item maint print c-tdesc
34683 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
34684 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
34685 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
34686
34687 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
34688 @item maint print dummy-frames
34689 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
34690
34691 @smallexample
34692 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
34693 @dots{}
34694 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
34695 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
34696 58 return (a + b);
34697 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
34698 @dots{}
34699 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
34700 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
34701 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
34702 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
34703 (@value{GDBP})
34704 @end smallexample
34705
34706 Takes an optional file parameter.
34707
34708 @kindex maint print registers
34709 @kindex maint print raw-registers
34710 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
34711 @kindex maint print register-groups
34712 @kindex maint print remote-registers
34713 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34714 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34715 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34716 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34717 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34718 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
34719
34720 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
34721 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
34722 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
34723 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
34724 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
34725 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
34726 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
34727 and offsets in the `G' packets. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
34728 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
34729
34730 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
34731 write the information.
34732
34733 @kindex maint print reggroups
34734 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34735 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
34736 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
34737 information.
34738
34739 The register groups info looks like this:
34740
34741 @smallexample
34742 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
34743 Group Type
34744 general user
34745 float user
34746 all user
34747 vector user
34748 system user
34749 save internal
34750 restore internal
34751 @end smallexample
34752
34753 @kindex flushregs
34754 @item flushregs
34755 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
34756
34757 @kindex maint print objfiles
34758 @cindex info for known object files
34759 @item maint print objfiles
34760 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
34761 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
34762 and symtabs.
34763
34764 @kindex maint print section-scripts
34765 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
34766 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
34767 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
34768 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
34769 matching @var{regexp}.
34770 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
34771 and the full path if known.
34772 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
34773
34774 @kindex maint print statistics
34775 @cindex bcache statistics
34776 @item maint print statistics
34777 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
34778 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
34779 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
34780 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
34781 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
34782 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
34783 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
34784 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
34785 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
34786 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
34787 lengths.
34788
34789 @kindex maint print target-stack
34790 @cindex target stack description
34791 @item maint print target-stack
34792 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
34793 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
34794 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
34795 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
34796 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
34797 address.
34798
34799 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
34800 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
34801
34802 @kindex maint print type
34803 @cindex type chain of a data type
34804 @item maint print type @var{expr}
34805 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
34806 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
34807 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
34808 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
34809 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
34810
34811 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
34812 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
34813 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
34814 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
34815 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
34816 information.
34817
34818 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
34819 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
34820 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
34821 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
34822 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
34823 always see the disassembly form.
34824
34825 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
34826
34827 @smallexample
34828 (gdb) info addr argc
34829 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
34830 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
34831 @end smallexample
34832
34833 For more information on these expressions, see
34834 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
34835
34836 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
34837 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
34838 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
34839 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
34840 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
34841
34842 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
34843 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
34844 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
34845 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
34846 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
34847 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
34848 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
34849 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
34850 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
34851
34852 @kindex maint set profile
34853 @kindex maint show profile
34854 @cindex profiling GDB
34855 @item maint set profile
34856 @itemx maint show profile
34857 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
34858
34859 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
34860 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
34861 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
34862 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
34863 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
34864 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
34865 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
34866
34867 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
34868 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
34869
34870 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
34871 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
34872 @cindex hardware debug registers
34873 @item maint set show-debug-regs
34874 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
34875 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
34876 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
34877 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
34878 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
34879 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
34880
34881 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
34882 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
34883 @item maint set show-all-tib
34884 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
34885 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
34886 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
34887 command.
34888
34889 @kindex maint space
34890 @cindex memory used by commands
34891 @item maint space
34892 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
34893 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
34894 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
34895 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
34896 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34897
34898 @kindex maint time
34899 @cindex time of command execution
34900 @item maint time
34901 Control whether to display the execution time of @value{GDBN} for each command.
34902 If set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
34903 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
34904 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
34905 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
34906 CPU or, e.g., disk/network, latency.
34907 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
34908 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
34909 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
34910 spent by the program been debugged.
34911 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
34912 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
34913
34914 @kindex maint translate-address
34915 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
34916 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
34917 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
34918 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
34919 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
34920 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
34921 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
34922
34923 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
34924 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
34925 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
34926
34927 @end table
34928
34929 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
34930 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
34931
34932 @table @code
34933 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
34934 @kindex set watchdog
34935 @cindex watchdog timer
34936 @cindex timeout for commands
34937 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
34938 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
34939 reports and error and the command is aborted.
34940
34941 @item show watchdog
34942 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
34943 @end table
34944
34945 @node Remote Protocol
34946 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
34947
34948 @menu
34949 * Overview::
34950 * Packets::
34951 * Stop Reply Packets::
34952 * General Query Packets::
34953 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
34954 * Tracepoint Packets::
34955 * Host I/O Packets::
34956 * Interrupts::
34957 * Notification Packets::
34958 * Remote Non-Stop::
34959 * Packet Acknowledgment::
34960 * Examples::
34961 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
34962 * Library List Format::
34963 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
34964 * Memory Map Format::
34965 * Thread List Format::
34966 * Traceframe Info Format::
34967 @end menu
34968
34969 @node Overview
34970 @section Overview
34971
34972 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
34973 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
34974 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
34975 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
34976
34977 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
34978 transmitted and received data, respectively.
34979
34980 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
34981 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
34982 @cindex remote serial protocol
34983 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
34984 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
34985 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
34986 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
34987 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
34988
34989 @smallexample
34990 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
34991 @end smallexample
34992 @noindent
34993
34994 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
34995 @noindent
34996 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
34997 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
34998 eight bit unsigned checksum).
34999
35000 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
35001 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
35002
35003 @smallexample
35004 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35005 @end smallexample
35006
35007 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
35008 @noindent
35009 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
35010 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
35011 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
35012
35013 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
35014 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
35015 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
35016 retransmission):
35017
35018 @smallexample
35019 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35020 <- @code{+}
35021 @end smallexample
35022 @noindent
35023
35024 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
35025 once a connection is established.
35026 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
35027
35028 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
35029 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
35030 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
35031 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
35032 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
35033 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
35034 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
35035
35036 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
35037 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
35038 exceptions).
35039
35040 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
35041 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
35042 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
35043 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
35044
35045 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
35046 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
35047 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
35048
35049 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
35050 @anchor{Binary Data}
35051 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
35052 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
35053 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
35054 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
35055 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
35056 binary data.
35057
35058 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
35059 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
35060 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
35061 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
35062 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
35063 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
35064 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
35065 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
35066 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
35067 (described next).
35068
35069 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
35070 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
35071 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
35072 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
35073 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
35074 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
35075 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
35076 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
35077 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
35078 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
35079 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
35080 3}} more times.
35081
35082 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
35083 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
35084 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
35085 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
35086 @samp{0*"00}.
35087
35088 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
35089 error number. That number is not well defined.
35090
35091 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35092 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35093 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35094 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35095 on that response.
35096
35097 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35098 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35099 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35100 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35101 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35102 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35103
35104 @node Packets
35105 @section Packets
35106
35107 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35108 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35109 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35110 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35111
35112 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35113 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35114 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35115 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35116 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35117 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35118 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35119 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35120 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35121 @var{baz}.
35122
35123 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35124 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35125 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35126 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35127 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35128 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35129 pick any thread.
35130
35131 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35132 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35133 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35134 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35135 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
35136 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
35137 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
35138 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
35139 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
35140 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
35141 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
35142 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
35143 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
35144
35145 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
35146 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
35147 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
35148 more information.
35149
35150 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
35151 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
35152
35153 Here are the packet descriptions.
35154
35155 @table @samp
35156
35157 @item !
35158 @cindex @samp{!} packet
35159 @anchor{extended mode}
35160 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
35161 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
35162 debugged.
35163
35164 Reply:
35165 @table @samp
35166 @item OK
35167 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
35168 @end table
35169
35170 @item ?
35171 @cindex @samp{?} packet
35172 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
35173 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
35174 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35175
35176 Reply:
35177 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35178
35179 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
35180 @cindex @samp{A} packet
35181 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
35182 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
35183 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
35184
35185 Reply:
35186 @table @samp
35187 @item OK
35188 The arguments were set.
35189 @item E @var{NN}
35190 An error occurred.
35191 @end table
35192
35193 @item b @var{baud}
35194 @cindex @samp{b} packet
35195 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
35196 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
35197
35198 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
35199 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
35200 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
35201
35202 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
35203 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
35204 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
35205 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
35206 of view, nothing actually happened.}
35207
35208 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
35209 @cindex @samp{B} packet
35210 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
35211 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
35212
35213 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
35214 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
35215
35216 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
35217 @anchor{bc}
35218 @item bc
35219 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
35220 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35221
35222 Reply:
35223 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35224
35225 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
35226 @anchor{bs}
35227 @item bs
35228 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
35229 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35230
35231 Reply:
35232 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35233
35234 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35235 @cindex @samp{c} packet
35236 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
35237 resume at current address.
35238
35239 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35240 packet}.
35241
35242 Reply:
35243 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35244
35245 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35246 @cindex @samp{C} packet
35247 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
35248 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
35249
35250 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35251 packet}.
35252
35253 Reply:
35254 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35255
35256 @item d
35257 @cindex @samp{d} packet
35258 Toggle debug flag.
35259
35260 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
35261 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
35262
35263 @item D
35264 @itemx D;@var{pid}
35265 @cindex @samp{D} packet
35266 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
35267 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
35268 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
35269
35270 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
35271 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
35272 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
35273 big-endian hex string.
35274
35275 Reply:
35276 @table @samp
35277 @item OK
35278 for success
35279 @item E @var{NN}
35280 for an error
35281 @end table
35282
35283 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
35284 @cindex @samp{F} packet
35285 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
35286 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
35287 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
35288
35289 @item g
35290 @anchor{read registers packet}
35291 @cindex @samp{g} packet
35292 Read general registers.
35293
35294 Reply:
35295 @table @samp
35296 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35297 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
35298 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
35299 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
35300 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
35301 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
35302 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
35303
35304 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
35305 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
35306 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
35307 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
35308 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
35309 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
35310 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
35311 have been collected, and both have zero value:
35312
35313 @smallexample
35314 -> @code{g}
35315 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
35316 @end smallexample
35317
35318 @item E @var{NN}
35319 for an error.
35320 @end table
35321
35322 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
35323 @cindex @samp{G} packet
35324 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
35325 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
35326
35327 Reply:
35328 @table @samp
35329 @item OK
35330 for success
35331 @item E @var{NN}
35332 for an error
35333 @end table
35334
35335 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
35336 @cindex @samp{H} packet
35337 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
35338 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
35339 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
35340 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
35341 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
35342 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
35343 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35344
35345 Reply:
35346 @table @samp
35347 @item OK
35348 for success
35349 @item E @var{NN}
35350 for an error
35351 @end table
35352
35353 @c FIXME: JTC:
35354 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
35355 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
35356 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
35357 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
35358 @c described. For example:
35359 @c
35360 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35361 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
35362 @c otherwise returns current registers.
35363 @c
35364 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35365 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
35366 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
35367
35368 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
35369 @anchor{cycle step packet}
35370 @cindex @samp{i} packet
35371 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
35372 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
35373 step starting at that address.
35374
35375 @item I
35376 @cindex @samp{I} packet
35377 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
35378 step packet}.
35379
35380 @item k
35381 @cindex @samp{k} packet
35382 Kill request.
35383
35384 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
35385 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
35386 thread?)}.
35387
35388 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
35389 @cindex @samp{m} packet
35390 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
35391 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
35392
35393 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
35394 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
35395 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
35396 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
35397 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
35398 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
35399 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
35400 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
35401
35402 Reply:
35403 @table @samp
35404 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35405 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
35406 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
35407 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
35408 @item E @var{NN}
35409 @var{NN} is errno
35410 @end table
35411
35412 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35413 @cindex @samp{M} packet
35414 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
35415 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
35416 hexadecimal number.
35417
35418 Reply:
35419 @table @samp
35420 @item OK
35421 for success
35422 @item E @var{NN}
35423 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
35424 written).
35425 @end table
35426
35427 @item p @var{n}
35428 @cindex @samp{p} packet
35429 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
35430 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
35431 register value is encoded.
35432
35433 Reply:
35434 @table @samp
35435 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35436 the register's value
35437 @item E @var{NN}
35438 for an error
35439 @item
35440 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
35441 @end table
35442
35443 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
35444 @anchor{write register packet}
35445 @cindex @samp{P} packet
35446 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
35447 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
35448 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
35449
35450 Reply:
35451 @table @samp
35452 @item OK
35453 for success
35454 @item E @var{NN}
35455 for an error
35456 @end table
35457
35458 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35459 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35460 @cindex @samp{q} packet
35461 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
35462 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
35463 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
35464
35465 @item r
35466 @cindex @samp{r} packet
35467 Reset the entire system.
35468
35469 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
35470
35471 @item R @var{XX}
35472 @cindex @samp{R} packet
35473 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
35474 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35475
35476 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
35477
35478 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35479 @cindex @samp{s} packet
35480 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
35481 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
35482
35483 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35484 packet}.
35485
35486 Reply:
35487 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35488
35489 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35490 @anchor{step with signal packet}
35491 @cindex @samp{S} packet
35492 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
35493 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
35494
35495 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35496 packet}.
35497
35498 Reply:
35499 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35500
35501 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
35502 @cindex @samp{t} packet
35503 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
35504 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
35505 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
35506
35507 @item T @var{thread-id}
35508 @cindex @samp{T} packet
35509 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
35510
35511 Reply:
35512 @table @samp
35513 @item OK
35514 thread is still alive
35515 @item E @var{NN}
35516 thread is dead
35517 @end table
35518
35519 @item v
35520 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
35521 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
35522
35523 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
35524 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
35525 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
35526 The process ID is a
35527 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
35528 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
35529 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
35530
35531 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
35532 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
35533 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
35534 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
35535 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
35536 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
35537 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
35538 @c stopping or restarting threads.
35539
35540 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35541
35542 Reply:
35543 @table @samp
35544 @item E @var{nn}
35545 for an error
35546 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35547 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35548 @item OK
35549 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
35550 @end table
35551
35552 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
35553 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
35554 @anchor{vCont packet}
35555 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
35556 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
35557 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
35558 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
35559 in their current state in non-stop mode.
35560 Specifying multiple
35561 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
35562 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35563
35564 Currently supported actions are:
35565
35566 @table @samp
35567 @item c
35568 Continue.
35569 @item C @var{sig}
35570 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35571 @item s
35572 Step.
35573 @item S @var{sig}
35574 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35575 @item t
35576 Stop.
35577 @end table
35578
35579 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
35580 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
35581 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
35582
35583 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
35584 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
35585 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
35586 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
35587 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
35588 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
35589 as an implementation detail.
35590
35591 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
35592 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
35593 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
35594 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
35595 @var{thread-id}.
35596
35597 Reply:
35598 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35599
35600 @item vCont?
35601 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
35602 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
35603
35604 Reply:
35605 @table @samp
35606 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
35607 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
35608 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
35609 @item
35610 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
35611 @end table
35612
35613 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
35614 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
35615 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
35616 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
35617
35618 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
35619 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
35620 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
35621 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
35622 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
35623 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
35624 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
35625 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
35626 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35627 packet is received.
35628
35629 Reply:
35630 @table @samp
35631 @item OK
35632 for success
35633 @item E @var{NN}
35634 for an error
35635 @end table
35636
35637 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35638 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
35639 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
35640 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
35641 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
35642 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
35643 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
35644 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
35645 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
35646 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
35647 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
35648 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
35649
35650
35651 Reply:
35652 @table @samp
35653 @item OK
35654 for success
35655 @item E.memtype
35656 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
35657 @item E @var{NN}
35658 for an error
35659 @end table
35660
35661 @item vFlashDone
35662 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
35663 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
35664 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
35665 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
35666 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
35667 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
35668 request is completed.
35669
35670 @item vKill;@var{pid}
35671 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
35672 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
35673 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
35674 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
35675 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
35676
35677 Reply:
35678 @table @samp
35679 @item E @var{nn}
35680 for an error
35681 @item OK
35682 for success
35683 @end table
35684
35685 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
35686 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
35687 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
35688 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
35689 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
35690 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
35691 state.
35692
35693 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
35694
35695 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35696
35697 Reply:
35698 @table @samp
35699 @item E @var{nn}
35700 for an error
35701 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35702 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35703 @end table
35704
35705 @item vStopped
35706 @anchor{vStopped packet}
35707 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
35708
35709 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
35710 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
35711
35712 Reply:
35713 @table @samp
35714 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35715 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35716 @item OK
35717 if there are no unreported stop events
35718 @end table
35719
35720 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35721 @anchor{X packet}
35722 @cindex @samp{X} packet
35723 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
35724 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
35725 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
35726
35727 Reply:
35728 @table @samp
35729 @item OK
35730 for success
35731 @item E @var{NN}
35732 for an error
35733 @end table
35734
35735 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35736 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
35737 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
35738 @cindex @samp{z} packet
35739 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
35740 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
35741 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
35742
35743 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
35744 separately.
35745
35746 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
35747 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
35748 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
35749 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
35750 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
35751 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
35752
35753 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35754 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35755 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
35756 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
35757 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
35758 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
35759
35760 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
35761 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
35762 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
35763 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
35764 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
35765 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
35766 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
35767 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
35768 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
35769 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
35770
35771 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
35772 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
35773
35774 @table @samp
35775
35776 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
35777 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
35778 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
35779
35780 @end table
35781
35782 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
35783 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
35784 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
35785 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
35786 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
35787 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
35788 separators. Each expression has the following form:
35789
35790 @table @samp
35791
35792 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
35793 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
35794 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
35795
35796 @end table
35797
35798 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
35799
35800 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
35801 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
35802 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
35803 target, is not defined.}
35804
35805 Reply:
35806 @table @samp
35807 @item OK
35808 success
35809 @item
35810 not supported
35811 @item E @var{NN}
35812 for an error
35813 @end table
35814
35815 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35816 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
35817 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
35818 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
35819 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
35820 address @var{addr}.
35821
35822 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
35823 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
35824 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
35825
35826 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
35827 movement.}
35828
35829 Reply:
35830 @table @samp
35831 @item OK
35832 success
35833 @item
35834 not supported
35835 @item E @var{NN}
35836 for an error
35837 @end table
35838
35839 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35840 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35841 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
35842 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
35843 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35844 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
35845
35846 Reply:
35847 @table @samp
35848 @item OK
35849 success
35850 @item
35851 not supported
35852 @item E @var{NN}
35853 for an error
35854 @end table
35855
35856 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35857 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35858 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
35859 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
35860 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35861 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
35862
35863 Reply:
35864 @table @samp
35865 @item OK
35866 success
35867 @item
35868 not supported
35869 @item E @var{NN}
35870 for an error
35871 @end table
35872
35873 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35874 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
35875 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
35876 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
35877 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
35878 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
35879
35880 Reply:
35881 @table @samp
35882 @item OK
35883 success
35884 @item
35885 not supported
35886 @item E @var{NN}
35887 for an error
35888 @end table
35889
35890 @end table
35891
35892 @node Stop Reply Packets
35893 @section Stop Reply Packets
35894 @cindex stop reply packets
35895
35896 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
35897 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
35898 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
35899 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
35900 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
35901 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
35902 @value{GDBN} source code.
35903
35904 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
35905 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
35906 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
35907 components.
35908
35909 @table @samp
35910
35911 @item S @var{AA}
35912 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
35913 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
35914 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
35915
35916 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
35917 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
35918 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
35919 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
35920 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
35921 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
35922 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
35923 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
35924
35925 @itemize @bullet
35926 @item
35927 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
35928 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
35929 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
35930 two-digit hex number.
35931
35932 @item
35933 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
35934 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35935
35936 @item
35937 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
35938 the core on which the stop event was detected.
35939
35940 @item
35941 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
35942 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
35943 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
35944 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
35945
35946 @item
35947 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
35948 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
35949 future.
35950 @end itemize
35951
35952 The currently defined stop reasons are:
35953
35954 @table @samp
35955 @item watch
35956 @itemx rwatch
35957 @itemx awatch
35958 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
35959 hex.
35960
35961 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
35962 @item library
35963 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
35964 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
35965 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
35966
35967 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
35968 @item replaylog
35969 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
35970 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
35971 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
35972 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
35973 for more information.
35974 @end table
35975
35976 @item W @var{AA}
35977 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
35978 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
35979 applicable to certain targets.
35980
35981 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
35982 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
35983 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
35984 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
35985
35986 @item X @var{AA}
35987 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
35988 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
35989
35990 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
35991 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
35992 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
35993 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
35994
35995 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
35996 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
35997 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
35998 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
35999 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
36000
36001 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
36002 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
36003 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
36004 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
36005 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
36006 system calls.
36007
36008 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
36009 this very system call.
36010
36011 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
36012 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
36013 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
36014 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
36015 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
36016 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
36017
36018 @end table
36019
36020 @node General Query Packets
36021 @section General Query Packets
36022 @cindex remote query requests
36023
36024 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
36025 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
36026 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
36027 sending information to and from the stub.
36028
36029 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
36030 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
36031 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
36032 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
36033 conventions:
36034
36035 @itemize @bullet
36036 @item
36037 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
36038 @item
36039 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
36040 letter.
36041 @item
36042 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
36043 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
36044 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
36045 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
36046 @end itemize
36047
36048 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
36049 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
36050 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
36051 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
36052 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
36053 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
36054 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
36055 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
36056 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
36057 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
36058 packet.}.
36059
36060 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
36061 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
36062 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
36063 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
36064 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
36065
36066 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
36067
36068 @table @samp
36069
36070 @item QAgent:1
36071 @item QAgent:0
36072 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
36073 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
36074
36075 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
36076 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
36077 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
36078 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
36079 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
36080 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
36081 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
36082 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
36083 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
36084 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
36085 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
36086
36087 @item qC
36088 @cindex current thread, remote request
36089 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
36090 Return the current thread ID.
36091
36092 Reply:
36093 @table @samp
36094 @item QC @var{thread-id}
36095 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
36096 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36097 @item @r{(anything else)}
36098 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
36099 @end table
36100
36101 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
36102 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
36103 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
36104 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
36105 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36106 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36107 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36108
36109 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36110 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36111 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36112 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36113 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36114 detect trailing zeros.
36115
36116 Reply:
36117 @table @samp
36118 @item E @var{NN}
36119 An error (such as memory fault)
36120 @item C @var{crc32}
36121 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36122 @end table
36123
36124 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36125 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36126 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36127 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36128 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36129 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36130 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36131 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36132 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36133 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36134 randomization.
36135
36136 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36137
36138 Reply:
36139 @table @samp
36140 @item OK
36141 The request succeeded.
36142
36143 @item E @var{nn}
36144 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36145
36146 @item
36147 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
36148 by the stub.
36149 @end table
36150
36151 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36152 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36153 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
36154 address space randomization.
36155
36156 @item qfThreadInfo
36157 @itemx qsThreadInfo
36158 @cindex list active threads, remote request
36159 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
36160 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
36161 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
36162 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
36163 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
36164 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
36165 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
36166 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
36167
36168 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
36169
36170 Reply:
36171 @table @samp
36172 @item m @var{thread-id}
36173 A single thread ID
36174 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
36175 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
36176 @item l
36177 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
36178 @end table
36179
36180 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
36181 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
36182 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
36183 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
36184 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
36185 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36186 fields.
36187
36188 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
36189 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
36190 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
36191 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
36192 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
36193
36194 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
36195 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36196
36197 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
36198 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
36199 information associated with the variable.)
36200
36201 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
36202 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
36203 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
36204 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
36205 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
36206 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
36207
36208 Reply:
36209 @table @samp
36210 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36211 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
36212 local storage requested.
36213
36214 @item E @var{nn}
36215 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36216
36217 @item
36218 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36219 @end table
36220
36221 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
36222 @cindex get thread information block address
36223 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
36224 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
36225
36226 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
36227
36228 Reply:
36229 @table @samp
36230 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36231 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
36232 thread information block.
36233
36234 @item E @var{nn}
36235 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
36236 address could not be retrieved.
36237
36238 @item
36239 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36240 @end table
36241
36242 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
36243 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
36244 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
36245 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
36246 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
36247 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
36248 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
36249
36250 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
36251
36252 Reply:
36253 @table @samp
36254 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
36255 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
36256 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
36257 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
36258 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
36259 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
36260 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
36261 @end table
36262
36263 @item qOffsets
36264 @cindex section offsets, remote request
36265 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
36266 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
36267 image.
36268
36269 Reply:
36270 @table @samp
36271 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
36272 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
36273 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
36274 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
36275 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
36276 segments by the supplied offsets.
36277
36278 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
36279 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
36280 to the @code{Bss} section.}
36281
36282 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
36283 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
36284 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
36285 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
36286 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
36287 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
36288 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
36289 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
36290 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
36291 @end table
36292
36293 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
36294 @cindex thread information, remote request
36295 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
36296 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
36297 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
36298 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
36299
36300 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
36301 (see below).
36302
36303 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
36304
36305 @item QNonStop:1
36306 @item QNonStop:0
36307 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
36308 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
36309 @anchor{QNonStop}
36310 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
36311 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
36312
36313 Reply:
36314 @table @samp
36315 @item OK
36316 The request succeeded.
36317
36318 @item E @var{nn}
36319 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36320
36321 @item
36322 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
36323 the stub.
36324 @end table
36325
36326 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36327 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36328 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
36329 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
36330
36331 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36332 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
36333 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
36334 @anchor{QPassSignals}
36335 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
36336 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36337 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36338 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
36339 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
36340 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
36341 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
36342 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
36343 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
36344
36345 Reply:
36346 @table @samp
36347 @item OK
36348 The request succeeded.
36349
36350 @item E @var{nn}
36351 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36352
36353 @item
36354 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
36355 the stub.
36356 @end table
36357
36358 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
36359 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
36360 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36361 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36362
36363 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
36364 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
36365 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
36366 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
36367 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
36368 Others should be silently discarded.
36369
36370 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
36371 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
36372 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
36373 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
36374 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
36375 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
36376 signals.
36377
36378 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
36379 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
36380
36381 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
36382 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
36383 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
36384 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
36385 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
36386
36387 Reply:
36388 @table @samp
36389 @item OK
36390 The request succeeded.
36391
36392 @item E @var{nn}
36393 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
36394
36395 @item
36396 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
36397 by the stub.
36398 @end table
36399
36400 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
36401 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
36402 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36403 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36404
36405 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
36406 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
36407 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
36408 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
36409 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
36410 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
36411 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
36412 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
36413 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
36414
36415 Reply:
36416 @table @samp
36417 @item OK
36418 A command response with no output.
36419 @item @var{OUTPUT}
36420 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
36421 @item E @var{NN}
36422 Indicate a badly formed request.
36423 @item
36424 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
36425 @end table
36426
36427 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
36428 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
36429 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
36430 packets.)
36431
36432 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
36433 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
36434 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
36435 @anchor{qSearch memory}
36436 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
36437 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
36438 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
36439
36440 Reply:
36441 @table @samp
36442 @item 0
36443 The pattern was not found.
36444 @item 1,address
36445 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
36446 @item E @var{NN}
36447 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
36448 @item
36449 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
36450 @end table
36451
36452 @item QStartNoAckMode
36453 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
36454 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
36455 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
36456 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
36457
36458 Reply:
36459 @table @samp
36460 @item OK
36461 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
36462 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
36463 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
36464 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
36465 @item
36466 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
36467 @end table
36468
36469 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
36470 @cindex supported packets, remote query
36471 @cindex features of the remote protocol
36472 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
36473 @anchor{qSupported}
36474 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
36475 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
36476 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
36477 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
36478 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
36479 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
36480 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
36481 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
36482 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
36483 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
36484 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
36485 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
36486 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
36487 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
36488
36489 Reply:
36490 @table @samp
36491 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
36492 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
36493 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
36494 possible forms).
36495 @item
36496 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
36497 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
36498 @end table
36499
36500 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
36501 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
36502 are:
36503
36504 @table @samp
36505 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
36506 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
36507 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
36508 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
36509 @item @var{name}+
36510 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
36511 need an associated value.
36512 @item @var{name}-
36513 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
36514 @item @var{name}?
36515 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
36516 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
36517 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
36518 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
36519 @end table
36520
36521 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
36522 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
36523 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
36524 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
36525 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
36526
36527 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
36528 are defined:
36529
36530 @table @samp
36531 @item multiprocess
36532 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
36533 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
36534 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
36535 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
36536 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
36537
36538 @item xmlRegisters
36539 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
36540 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
36541 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
36542 description.
36543
36544 @item qRelocInsn
36545 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
36546 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
36547 instruction reply packet}).
36548 @end table
36549
36550 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
36551 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
36552 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
36553 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
36554 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
36555 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
36556 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
36557 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
36558 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
36559 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
36560 all the features it supports.
36561
36562 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
36563 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
36564
36565 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
36566 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
36567 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
36568 form response.
36569
36570 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
36571 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
36572 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
36573 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
36574
36575 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
36576 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
36577 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
36578 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
36579 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
36580
36581 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
36582
36583 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
36584 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
36585 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
36586 @item Feature Name
36587 @tab Value Required
36588 @tab Default
36589 @tab Probe Allowed
36590
36591 @item @samp{PacketSize}
36592 @tab Yes
36593 @tab @samp{-}
36594 @tab No
36595
36596 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
36597 @tab No
36598 @tab @samp{-}
36599 @tab Yes
36600
36601 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
36602 @tab No
36603 @tab @samp{-}
36604 @tab Yes
36605
36606 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
36607 @tab No
36608 @tab @samp{-}
36609 @tab Yes
36610
36611 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
36612 @tab No
36613 @tab @samp{-}
36614 @tab Yes
36615
36616 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
36617 @tab No
36618 @tab @samp{-}
36619 @tab Yes
36620
36621 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
36622 @tab No
36623 @tab @samp{-}
36624 @tab Yes
36625
36626 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
36627 @tab No
36628 @tab @samp{-}
36629 @tab Yes
36630
36631 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
36632 @tab No
36633 @tab @samp{-}
36634 @tab Yes
36635
36636 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
36637 @tab No
36638 @tab @samp{-}
36639 @tab Yes
36640
36641 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
36642 @tab No
36643 @tab @samp{-}
36644 @tab Yes
36645
36646 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36647 @tab No
36648 @tab @samp{-}
36649 @tab Yes
36650
36651 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
36652 @tab No
36653 @tab @samp{-}
36654 @tab Yes
36655
36656 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
36657 @tab No
36658 @tab @samp{-}
36659 @tab Yes
36660
36661 @item @samp{QNonStop}
36662 @tab No
36663 @tab @samp{-}
36664 @tab Yes
36665
36666 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
36667 @tab No
36668 @tab @samp{-}
36669 @tab Yes
36670
36671 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
36672 @tab No
36673 @tab @samp{-}
36674 @tab Yes
36675
36676 @item @samp{multiprocess}
36677 @tab No
36678 @tab @samp{-}
36679 @tab No
36680
36681 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
36682 @tab No
36683 @tab @samp{-}
36684 @tab No
36685
36686 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
36687 @tab No
36688 @tab @samp{-}
36689 @tab No
36690
36691 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
36692 @tab No
36693 @tab @samp{-}
36694 @tab No
36695
36696 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
36697 @tab No
36698 @tab @samp{-}
36699 @tab No
36700
36701 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
36702 @tab No
36703 @tab @samp{-}
36704 @tab No
36705
36706 @item @samp{QAgent}
36707 @tab No
36708 @tab @samp{-}
36709 @tab No
36710
36711 @item @samp{QAllow}
36712 @tab No
36713 @tab @samp{-}
36714 @tab No
36715
36716 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
36717 @tab No
36718 @tab @samp{-}
36719 @tab No
36720
36721 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
36722 @tab No
36723 @tab @samp{-}
36724 @tab No
36725
36726 @item @samp{tracenz}
36727 @tab No
36728 @tab @samp{-}
36729 @tab No
36730
36731 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
36732 @tab No
36733 @tab @samp{-}
36734 @tab No
36735
36736 @end multitable
36737
36738 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
36739
36740 @table @samp
36741 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
36742 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
36743 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
36744 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
36745 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
36746 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
36747 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
36748 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
36749 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
36750 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
36751
36752 @item qXfer:auxv:read
36753 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
36754 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
36755
36756 @item qXfer:features:read
36757 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
36758 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
36759
36760 @item qXfer:libraries:read
36761 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
36762 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
36763
36764 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
36765 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
36766 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
36767
36768 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
36769 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
36770 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
36771
36772 @item qXfer:sdata:read
36773 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
36774 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
36775
36776 @item qXfer:spu:read
36777 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
36778 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
36779
36780 @item qXfer:spu:write
36781 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
36782 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
36783
36784 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
36785 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
36786 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
36787
36788 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
36789 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
36790 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
36791
36792 @item qXfer:threads:read
36793 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
36794 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
36795
36796 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
36797 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36798 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
36799
36800 @item qXfer:uib:read
36801 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
36802 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
36803
36804 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
36805 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
36806 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
36807
36808 @item QNonStop
36809 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
36810 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
36811
36812 @item QPassSignals
36813 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
36814 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
36815
36816 @item QStartNoAckMode
36817 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
36818 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
36819
36820 @item multiprocess
36821 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
36822 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
36823 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
36824 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
36825 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
36826 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
36827 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
36828 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
36829 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
36830 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
36831 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
36832
36833 @item qXfer:osdata:read
36834 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
36835 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
36836
36837 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
36838 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
36839 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
36840 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
36841
36842 @item ConditionalTracepoints
36843 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
36844 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
36845
36846 @item ReverseContinue
36847 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
36848 (@pxref{bc}).
36849
36850 @item ReverseStep
36851 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
36852 (@pxref{bs}).
36853
36854 @item TracepointSource
36855 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
36856 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
36857
36858 @item QAgent
36859 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
36860
36861 @item QAllow
36862 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
36863
36864 @item QDisableRandomization
36865 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
36866
36867 @item StaticTracepoint
36868 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
36869 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
36870
36871 @item InstallInTrace
36872 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
36873 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
36874
36875 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
36876 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
36877 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
36878 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
36879
36880 @item tracenz
36881 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
36882 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
36883 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
36884
36885 @item BreakpointCommands
36886 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
36887 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
36888 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
36889
36890 @end table
36891
36892 @item qSymbol::
36893 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
36894 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
36895 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
36896 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
36897
36898 Reply:
36899 @table @samp
36900 @item OK
36901 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
36902 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
36903 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
36904 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
36905 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
36906 below.
36907 @end table
36908
36909 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
36910 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
36911
36912 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
36913 target has previously requested.
36914
36915 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
36916 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
36917 will be empty.
36918
36919 Reply:
36920 @table @samp
36921 @item OK
36922 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
36923 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
36924 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
36925 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
36926 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
36927 @end table
36928
36929 @item qTBuffer
36930 @item QTBuffer
36931 @item QTDisconnected
36932 @itemx QTDP
36933 @itemx QTDPsrc
36934 @itemx QTDV
36935 @itemx qTfP
36936 @itemx qTfV
36937 @itemx QTFrame
36938 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
36939
36940 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
36941
36942 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
36943 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
36944 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
36945 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
36946 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
36947 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
36948 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
36949 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
36950 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
36951 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
36952 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
36953
36954 Reply:
36955 @table @samp
36956 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36957 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
36958 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
36959 the thread's attributes.
36960 @end table
36961
36962 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
36963 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
36964 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
36965 packets.)
36966
36967 @item QTNotes
36968 @item qTP
36969 @item QTSave
36970 @item qTsP
36971 @item qTsV
36972 @itemx QTStart
36973 @itemx QTStop
36974 @itemx QTEnable
36975 @itemx QTDisable
36976 @itemx QTinit
36977 @itemx QTro
36978 @itemx qTStatus
36979 @itemx qTV
36980 @itemx qTfSTM
36981 @itemx qTsSTM
36982 @itemx qTSTMat
36983 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
36984
36985 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
36986 @cindex read special object, remote request
36987 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
36988 @anchor{qXfer read}
36989 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
36990 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
36991 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
36992 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
36993 additional details about what data to access.
36994
36995 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
36996 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
36997 formats, listed below.
36998
36999 @table @samp
37000 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37001 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
37002 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
37003 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
37004
37005 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37006 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37007
37008 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37009 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
37010 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
37011 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
37012 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
37013
37014 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37015 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37016
37017 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37018 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
37019 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
37020 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37021 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37022
37023 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
37024 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
37025 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
37026
37027 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37028 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37029
37030 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37031 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
37032 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
37033 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
37034 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37035
37036 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
37037 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
37038
37039 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37040 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37041
37042 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37043 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
37044 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
37045 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37046 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37047
37048 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37049 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37050
37051 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37052 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
37053
37054 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
37055 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
37056 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
37057 Action Lists}.
37058
37059 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37060 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37061 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37062
37063 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37064 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
37065 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
37066 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37067 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37068
37069 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37070 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37071 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37072
37073 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37074 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
37075 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37076 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
37077 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37078 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37079 in that context to be accessed.
37080
37081 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37082 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37083 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37084
37085 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37086 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
37087 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
37088 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
37089 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37090
37091 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37092 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37093
37094 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37095 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
37096
37097 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
37098 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
37099 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
37100
37101 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37102 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37103
37104 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37105 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
37106
37107 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
37108 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
37109
37110 This packet is not probed by default.
37111
37112 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
37113 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
37114 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
37115 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
37116 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
37117
37118 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37119 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37120
37121 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
37122 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
37123 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
37124 @xref{Operating System Information}.
37125
37126 @end table
37127
37128 Reply:
37129 @table @samp
37130 @item m @var{data}
37131 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
37132 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
37133 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
37134 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
37135 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
37136 request.
37137
37138 @item l @var{data}
37139 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
37140 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
37141 than the @var{length} in the request.
37142
37143 @item l
37144 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
37145 There is no more data to be read.
37146
37147 @item E00
37148 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37149
37150 @item E @var{nn}
37151 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
37152 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37153
37154 @item
37155 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
37156 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
37157 @end table
37158
37159 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37160 @cindex write data into object, remote request
37161 @anchor{qXfer write}
37162 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
37163 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
37164 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
37165 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
37166 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
37167 to access.
37168
37169 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
37170 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
37171 formats, listed below.
37172
37173 @table @samp
37174 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37175 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
37176 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
37177 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
37178 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
37179
37180 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37181 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37182 (@pxref{qSupported}).
37183
37184 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
37185 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
37186 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
37187 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
37188 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
37189 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
37190 in that context to be accessed.
37191
37192 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37193 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37194 @end table
37195
37196 Reply:
37197 @table @samp
37198 @item @var{nn}
37199 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
37200 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
37201
37202 @item E00
37203 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
37204
37205 @item E @var{nn}
37206 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
37207 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
37208
37209 @item
37210 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
37211 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
37212 @end table
37213
37214 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
37215 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
37216 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
37217 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
37218 must respond with an empty packet.
37219
37220 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
37221 @cindex query attached, remote request
37222 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
37223 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
37224 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
37225 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
37226 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
37227 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
37228 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
37229
37230 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
37231 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
37232 the @code{quit} command.
37233
37234 Reply:
37235 @table @samp
37236 @item 1
37237 The remote server attached to an existing process.
37238 @item 0
37239 The remote server created a new process.
37240 @item E @var{NN}
37241 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
37242 @end table
37243
37244 @end table
37245
37246 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37247 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
37248
37249 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
37250 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
37251 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
37252
37253 @menu
37254 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
37255 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
37256 @end menu
37257
37258 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
37259 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
37260
37261 @menu
37262 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
37263 @end menu
37264
37265 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
37266 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
37267 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
37268
37269 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37270
37271 @table @r
37272
37273 @item 2
37274 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
37275
37276 @item 3
37277 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
37278
37279 @item 4
37280 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
37281
37282 @end table
37283
37284 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
37285 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
37286
37287 @menu
37288 * MIPS Register packet Format::
37289 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
37290 @end menu
37291
37292 @node MIPS Register packet Format
37293 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
37294 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
37295
37296 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
37297 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
37298 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
37299 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
37300 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
37301 most-significant -- least-significant.
37302
37303 @table @r
37304
37305 @item MIPS32
37306 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
37307 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
37308 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
37309
37310 @item MIPS64
37311 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
37312 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
37313 as @code{MIPS32}.
37314
37315 @end table
37316
37317 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
37318 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
37319 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
37320
37321 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
37322
37323 @table @r
37324
37325 @item 2
37326 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
37327
37328 @item 3
37329 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37330
37331 @item 4
37332 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
37333
37334 @item 5
37335 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
37336
37337 @end table
37338
37339 @node Tracepoint Packets
37340 @section Tracepoint Packets
37341 @cindex tracepoint packets
37342 @cindex packets, tracepoint
37343
37344 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
37345 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
37346
37347 @table @samp
37348
37349 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
37350 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
37351 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
37352 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
37353 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
37354 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
37355 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
37356 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
37357 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
37358 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
37359 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
37360 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
37361 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
37362 actions.
37363
37364 Replies:
37365 @table @samp
37366 @item OK
37367 The packet was understood and carried out.
37368 @item qRelocInsn
37369 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
37370 @item
37371 The packet was not recognized.
37372 @end table
37373
37374 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
37375 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
37376 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
37377 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
37378 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
37379 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
37380 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
37381
37382 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
37383 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
37384 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
37385 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
37386 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
37387 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
37388 tracepoint actions.
37389
37390 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
37391 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
37392 following forms:
37393
37394 @table @samp
37395
37396 @item R @var{mask}
37397 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
37398 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
37399 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
37400 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
37401 not fit in a 32-bit word.
37402
37403 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
37404 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
37405 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
37406 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
37407 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
37408 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
37409 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
37410
37411 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37412 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
37413 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
37414 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
37415 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
37416 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
37417 packet).
37418
37419 @end table
37420
37421 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
37422 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
37423 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
37424 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
37425 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
37426 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
37427 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
37428 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
37429
37430 Replies:
37431 @table @samp
37432 @item OK
37433 The packet was understood and carried out.
37434 @item qRelocInsn
37435 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
37436 @item
37437 The packet was not recognized.
37438 @end table
37439
37440 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
37441 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
37442 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
37443 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
37444 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
37445 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
37446 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
37447 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
37448
37449 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
37450 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
37451 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
37452 fit in a single packet.
37453 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
37454 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
37455
37456 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
37457 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
37458 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
37459 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
37460
37461 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
37462 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
37463 query packets.
37464
37465 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
37466 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
37467 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
37468 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
37469 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
37470 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
37471 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
37472 be found.
37473
37474 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
37475 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
37476 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
37477 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
37478 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
37479 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
37480 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
37481 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
37482 mentioned in expressions.
37483
37484 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
37485 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
37486 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
37487 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
37488 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
37489
37490 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
37491 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
37492 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
37493 one of the following forms:
37494
37495 @table @samp
37496 @item F @var{f}
37497 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
37498 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
37499 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
37500
37501 @item T @var{t}
37502 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
37503 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
37504
37505 @end table
37506
37507 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
37508 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37509 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
37510 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
37511
37512 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
37513 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37514 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
37515 is a hexadecimal number.
37516
37517 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
37518 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
37519 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
37520 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
37521 numbers.
37522
37523 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
37524 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
37525 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
37526
37527 @item qTMinFTPILen
37528 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
37529 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
37530 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
37531 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
37532 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
37533 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
37534 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
37535 arrange for that.
37536
37537 Replies:
37538
37539 @table @samp
37540 @item 0
37541 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
37542 @item @var{length}
37543 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
37544 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
37545 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
37546 @item E
37547 An error has occurred.
37548 @item
37549 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
37550 @end table
37551
37552 @item QTStart
37553 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
37554 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
37555 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
37556 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37557 instruction reply packet}).
37558
37559 @item QTStop
37560 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
37561 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
37562
37563 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
37564 @anchor{QTEnable}
37565 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
37566 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
37567 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
37568 of data from it will resume.
37569
37570 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
37571 @anchor{QTDisable}
37572 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
37573 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
37574 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
37575 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
37576
37577 @item QTinit
37578 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
37579 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
37580
37581 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
37582 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
37583 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
37584 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
37585 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
37586
37587 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
37588 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
37589 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
37590 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
37591
37592 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
37593 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
37594 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
37595 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
37596 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
37597 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
37598
37599 @item qTStatus
37600 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
37601 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
37602
37603 The reply has the form:
37604
37605 @table @samp
37606
37607 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
37608 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
37609 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
37610 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
37611
37612 @end table
37613
37614 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
37615 explanations as one of the optional fields:
37616
37617 @table @samp
37618
37619 @item tnotrun:0
37620 No trace has been run yet.
37621
37622 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
37623 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
37624 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
37625 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
37626 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
37627
37628 @item tfull:0
37629 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
37630
37631 @item tdisconnected:0
37632 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
37633
37634 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
37635 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
37636
37637 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
37638 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
37639 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
37640 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
37641 @var{text} is hex encoded.
37642
37643 @item tunknown:0
37644 The trace stopped for some other reason.
37645
37646 @end table
37647
37648 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
37649 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
37650 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
37651 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
37652 trace.
37653
37654 @table @samp
37655
37656 @item tframes:@var{n}
37657 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
37658
37659 @item tcreated:@var{n}
37660 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
37661 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
37662
37663 @item tsize:@var{n}
37664 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
37665
37666 @item tfree:@var{n}
37667 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
37668
37669 @item circular:@var{n}
37670 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
37671 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
37672 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
37673 and may fill up.
37674
37675 @item disconn:@var{n}
37676 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
37677 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
37678 that the trace run will stop.
37679
37680 @end table
37681
37682 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
37683 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
37684 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
37685 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
37686 address @var{addr}.
37687
37688 Replies:
37689 @table @samp
37690 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
37691 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
37692 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
37693 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
37694 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
37695
37696 @end table
37697
37698 @item qTV:@var{var}
37699 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
37700 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
37701 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
37702
37703 Replies:
37704 @table @samp
37705 @item V@var{value}
37706 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
37707 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
37708 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
37709 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
37710 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
37711 program is running.
37712
37713 @item U
37714 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
37715 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
37716 was not collected.
37717 @end table
37718
37719 @item qTfP
37720 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
37721 @itemx qTsP
37722 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
37723 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
37724 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
37725 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
37726 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
37727 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
37728
37729 @item qTfV
37730 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
37731 @itemx qTsV
37732 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
37733 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
37734 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
37735 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
37736 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
37737 trace state variables.
37738
37739 @item qTfSTM
37740 @itemx qTsSTM
37741 @anchor{qTfSTM}
37742 @anchor{qTsSTM}
37743 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
37744 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
37745 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
37746 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
37747 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
37748 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
37749
37750 Reply:
37751 @table @samp
37752 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
37753 A single marker
37754 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
37755 a comma-separated list of markers
37756 @item l
37757 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
37758 @item E @var{nn}
37759 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37760 @item
37761 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
37762 stub.
37763 @end table
37764
37765 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
37766 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
37767
37768 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
37769 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
37770 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
37771 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
37772 @dfn{last}).
37773
37774 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
37775 @anchor{qTSTMat}
37776 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
37777 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
37778 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
37779 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
37780 tracepoint markers.
37781
37782 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
37783 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
37784 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
37785 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
37786 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
37787 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
37788
37789 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
37790 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
37791 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
37792 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
37793 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
37794 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
37795 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
37796 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
37797 available.
37798
37799 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
37800 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
37801 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
37802
37803 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
37804 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
37805 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
37806 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
37807 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
37808
37809 @end table
37810
37811 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
37812 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
37813 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
37814 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
37815 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
37816 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
37817 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
37818 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
37819 it had executed in the original location.
37820
37821 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
37822 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
37823 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
37824 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
37825 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
37826 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
37827 format of the request is:
37828
37829 @table @samp
37830 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
37831
37832 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
37833 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
37834 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
37835 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
37836 memory starting at @var{to}.
37837 @end table
37838
37839 Replies:
37840 @table @samp
37841 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
37842 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
37843 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
37844 @item E @var{NN}
37845 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
37846 relocating the instruction.
37847 @end table
37848
37849 @node Host I/O Packets
37850 @section Host I/O Packets
37851 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
37852 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
37853
37854 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
37855 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
37856 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
37857 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
37858 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
37859 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
37860 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
37861 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
37862 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
37863 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
37864
37865 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
37866 its arguments. They have this format:
37867
37868 @table @samp
37869
37870 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
37871 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
37872 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
37873 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
37874 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
37875 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
37876 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
37877 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
37878 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
37879
37880 @end table
37881
37882 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
37883
37884 @table @samp
37885
37886 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
37887 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
37888 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
37889 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
37890 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
37891 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
37892 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
37893 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
37894 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
37895 @var{attachment}.
37896
37897 @item
37898 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
37899
37900 @end table
37901
37902 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
37903
37904 @table @samp
37905 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
37906 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
37907 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
37908 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
37909 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
37910 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
37911 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
37912
37913 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
37914 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
37915 -1 if an error occurs.
37916
37917 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
37918 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
37919 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
37920 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
37921 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
37922 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
37923 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
37924 @var{count} was zero.
37925
37926 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
37927 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
37928 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
37929 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
37930 some characters were escaped.
37931
37932 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
37933 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
37934 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
37935 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
37936 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
37937 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
37938 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
37939 error occurred.
37940
37941 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
37942 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
37943 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
37944
37945 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
37946 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
37947 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
37948
37949 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
37950 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
37951 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
37952 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
37953 some characters were escaped.
37954
37955 @end table
37956
37957 @node Interrupts
37958 @section Interrupts
37959 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
37960
37961 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
37962 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
37963 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
37964 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
37965
37966 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
37967 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
37968 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
37969 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
37970 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
37971
37972 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
37973 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
37974 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
37975 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
37976 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
37977 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
37978 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
37979 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
37980
37981 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
37982 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
37983 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
37984
37985 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
37986 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
37987 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
37988 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
37989 currently-executing threads and processes.
37990 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
37991 running program, it should send one of the stop
37992 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
37993 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
37994 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
37995 Interrupts received while the
37996 program is stopped are discarded.
37997
37998 @node Notification Packets
37999 @section Notification Packets
38000 @cindex notification packets
38001 @cindex packets, notification
38002
38003 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
38004 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
38005 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
38006 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
38007 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
38008 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
38009 is not a problem.
38010
38011 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
38012 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
38013 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
38014 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
38015 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
38016 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
38017 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
38018
38019 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
38020 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
38021
38022 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
38023 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
38024 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
38025 not they understand it.
38026
38027 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
38028 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
38029 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
38030 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
38031 recipients.
38032
38033 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
38034 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
38035 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
38036 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
38037 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
38038
38039 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
38040 defined:
38041
38042 @table @samp
38043 @item Stop: @var{reply}
38044 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
38045 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
38046 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
38047 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
38048 @value{GDBN}.
38049 @end table
38050
38051 @node Remote Non-Stop
38052 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
38053
38054 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
38055 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
38056 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
38057 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38058
38059 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
38060 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
38061 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
38062 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
38063 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
38064 probe the target state after a mode change.
38065
38066 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
38067 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
38068 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
38069 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
38070 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
38071 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
38072 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
38073 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
38074 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
38075 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
38076 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
38077
38078 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
38079 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
38080 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
38081 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
38082 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
38083 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
38084 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
38085 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
38086 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
38087 sending any queued stop events.
38088
38089 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
38090 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
38091 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
38092 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
38093 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
38094 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
38095 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
38096
38097 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
38098 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
38099 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
38100 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
38101 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
38102 process normally.
38103
38104 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
38105 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
38106 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
38107 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
38108 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
38109 should process normally.
38110
38111 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
38112 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
38113 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
38114 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
38115 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
38116
38117 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
38118 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
38119 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
38120 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
38121 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
38122 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
38123 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
38124 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
38125 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
38126 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
38127 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
38128 @samp{OK}.
38129
38130 @node Packet Acknowledgment
38131 @section Packet Acknowledgment
38132
38133 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38134 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
38135 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
38136 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
38137 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
38138 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
38139 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
38140
38141 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
38142 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
38143 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
38144 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
38145 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
38146
38147 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
38148 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
38149 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
38150 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
38151
38152 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
38153 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
38154 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
38155 @pxref{qSupported}.
38156 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
38157 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
38158 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
38159 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
38160 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
38161 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
38162 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
38163
38164 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
38165 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
38166 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
38167 connection.
38168 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
38169 new connection is established,
38170 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
38171 for the current connection, once disabled.
38172
38173 @node Examples
38174 @section Examples
38175
38176 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
38177 does not get any direct output:
38178
38179 @smallexample
38180 -> @code{R00}
38181 <- @code{+}
38182 @emph{target restarts}
38183 -> @code{?}
38184 <- @code{+}
38185 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38186 -> @code{+}
38187 @end smallexample
38188
38189 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
38190
38191 @smallexample
38192 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
38193 <- @code{+}
38194 -> @code{s}
38195 <- @code{+}
38196 @emph{time passes}
38197 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
38198 -> @code{+}
38199 -> @code{g}
38200 <- @code{+}
38201 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
38202 -> @code{+}
38203 @end smallexample
38204
38205 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38206 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
38207 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
38208
38209 @menu
38210 * File-I/O Overview::
38211 * Protocol Basics::
38212 * The F Request Packet::
38213 * The F Reply Packet::
38214 * The Ctrl-C Message::
38215 * Console I/O::
38216 * List of Supported Calls::
38217 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
38218 * Constants::
38219 * File-I/O Examples::
38220 @end menu
38221
38222 @node File-I/O Overview
38223 @subsection File-I/O Overview
38224 @cindex file-i/o overview
38225
38226 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
38227 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
38228 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
38229 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
38230 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
38231 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
38232
38233 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
38234 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
38235 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
38236 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
38237 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
38238
38239 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
38240 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
38241 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
38242 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
38243 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
38244 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
38245 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
38246
38247 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
38248 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
38249 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
38250 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
38251 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
38252
38253 @smallexample
38254 (@value{GDBP}) continue
38255 <- target requests 'system call X'
38256 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
38257 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
38258 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
38259 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
38260 @end smallexample
38261
38262 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
38263 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
38264 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
38265 system are not supported by this protocol.
38266
38267 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
38268
38269 @node Protocol Basics
38270 @subsection Protocol Basics
38271 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
38272
38273 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
38274 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
38275 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
38276 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
38277 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
38278 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
38279 to call the appropriate host system call:
38280
38281 @itemize @bullet
38282 @item
38283 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
38284
38285 @item
38286 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
38287 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
38288 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
38289 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
38290
38291 @end itemize
38292
38293 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
38294
38295 @itemize @bullet
38296 @item
38297 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
38298 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
38299 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
38300 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
38301 packet.
38302
38303 @item
38304 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
38305 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
38306
38307 @item
38308 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
38309
38310 @item
38311 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
38312
38313 @item
38314 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
38315 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
38316 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
38317 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
38318 packet.
38319
38320 @end itemize
38321
38322 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
38323 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
38324
38325 @itemize @bullet
38326 @item
38327 Return value.
38328
38329 @item
38330 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
38331
38332 @item
38333 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
38334
38335 @end itemize
38336
38337 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
38338 the latest continue or step action.
38339
38340 @node The F Request Packet
38341 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
38342 @cindex file-i/o request packet
38343 @cindex @code{F} request packet
38344
38345 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
38346
38347 @table @samp
38348 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
38349
38350 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
38351 This is just the name of the function.
38352
38353 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
38354 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
38355 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
38356 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
38357 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
38358 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
38359 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
38360
38361 @end table
38362
38363
38364
38365 @node The F Reply Packet
38366 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
38367 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
38368 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
38369
38370 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
38371
38372 @table @samp
38373
38374 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
38375
38376 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
38377
38378 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
38379 representation.
38380 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
38381
38382 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
38383 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
38384 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
38385
38386 @smallexample
38387 F0,0,C
38388 @end smallexample
38389
38390 @noindent
38391 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
38392
38393 @smallexample
38394 F-1,4,C
38395 @end smallexample
38396
38397 @noindent
38398 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
38399
38400 @end table
38401
38402
38403 @node The Ctrl-C Message
38404 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
38405 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
38406
38407 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
38408 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
38409 the target should behave as if it had
38410 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
38411 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
38412 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
38413 packet.
38414
38415 It's important for the target to know in which
38416 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
38417
38418 @itemize @bullet
38419 @item
38420 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
38421
38422 @item
38423 The system call on the host has been finished.
38424
38425 @end itemize
38426
38427 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
38428 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
38429 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
38430 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
38431 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
38432 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
38433
38434 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
38435 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
38436 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
38437 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
38438 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
38439 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
38440 or the full action has been completed.
38441
38442 @node Console I/O
38443 @subsection Console I/O
38444 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
38445
38446 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
38447 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
38448 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
38449 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
38450 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
38451 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
38452 conditions is met:
38453
38454 @itemize @bullet
38455 @item
38456 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
38457 @code{read}
38458 system call is treated as finished.
38459
38460 @item
38461 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
38462 newline.
38463
38464 @item
38465 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
38466 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
38467
38468 @end itemize
38469
38470 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
38471 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
38472 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
38473 is stopped at the user's request.
38474
38475
38476 @node List of Supported Calls
38477 @subsection List of Supported Calls
38478 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
38479
38480 @menu
38481 * open::
38482 * close::
38483 * read::
38484 * write::
38485 * lseek::
38486 * rename::
38487 * unlink::
38488 * stat/fstat::
38489 * gettimeofday::
38490 * isatty::
38491 * system::
38492 @end menu
38493
38494 @node open
38495 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
38496 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
38497
38498 @table @asis
38499 @item Synopsis:
38500 @smallexample
38501 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
38502 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
38503 @end smallexample
38504
38505 @item Request:
38506 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
38507
38508 @noindent
38509 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
38510
38511 @table @code
38512 @item O_CREAT
38513 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
38514 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
38515 are concerned.
38516
38517 @item O_EXCL
38518 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
38519 an error and open() fails.
38520
38521 @item O_TRUNC
38522 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
38523 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
38524 truncated to zero length.
38525
38526 @item O_APPEND
38527 The file is opened in append mode.
38528
38529 @item O_RDONLY
38530 The file is opened for reading only.
38531
38532 @item O_WRONLY
38533 The file is opened for writing only.
38534
38535 @item O_RDWR
38536 The file is opened for reading and writing.
38537 @end table
38538
38539 @noindent
38540 Other bits are silently ignored.
38541
38542
38543 @noindent
38544 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
38545
38546 @table @code
38547 @item S_IRUSR
38548 User has read permission.
38549
38550 @item S_IWUSR
38551 User has write permission.
38552
38553 @item S_IRGRP
38554 Group has read permission.
38555
38556 @item S_IWGRP
38557 Group has write permission.
38558
38559 @item S_IROTH
38560 Others have read permission.
38561
38562 @item S_IWOTH
38563 Others have write permission.
38564 @end table
38565
38566 @noindent
38567 Other bits are silently ignored.
38568
38569
38570 @item Return value:
38571 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
38572 occurred.
38573
38574 @item Errors:
38575
38576 @table @code
38577 @item EEXIST
38578 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
38579
38580 @item EISDIR
38581 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
38582
38583 @item EACCES
38584 The requested access is not allowed.
38585
38586 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38587 @var{pathname} was too long.
38588
38589 @item ENOENT
38590 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
38591
38592 @item ENODEV
38593 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
38594
38595 @item EROFS
38596 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
38597 write access was requested.
38598
38599 @item EFAULT
38600 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
38601
38602 @item ENOSPC
38603 No space on device to create the file.
38604
38605 @item EMFILE
38606 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
38607
38608 @item ENFILE
38609 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
38610 has been reached.
38611
38612 @item EINTR
38613 The call was interrupted by the user.
38614 @end table
38615
38616 @end table
38617
38618 @node close
38619 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
38620 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
38621
38622 @table @asis
38623 @item Synopsis:
38624 @smallexample
38625 int close(int fd);
38626 @end smallexample
38627
38628 @item Request:
38629 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
38630
38631 @item Return value:
38632 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
38633
38634 @item Errors:
38635
38636 @table @code
38637 @item EBADF
38638 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
38639
38640 @item EINTR
38641 The call was interrupted by the user.
38642 @end table
38643
38644 @end table
38645
38646 @node read
38647 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
38648 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
38649
38650 @table @asis
38651 @item Synopsis:
38652 @smallexample
38653 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
38654 @end smallexample
38655
38656 @item Request:
38657 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
38658
38659 @item Return value:
38660 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
38661 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
38662 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
38663
38664 @item Errors:
38665
38666 @table @code
38667 @item EBADF
38668 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
38669 reading.
38670
38671 @item EFAULT
38672 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38673
38674 @item EINTR
38675 The call was interrupted by the user.
38676 @end table
38677
38678 @end table
38679
38680 @node write
38681 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
38682 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
38683
38684 @table @asis
38685 @item Synopsis:
38686 @smallexample
38687 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
38688 @end smallexample
38689
38690 @item Request:
38691 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
38692
38693 @item Return value:
38694 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
38695 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
38696 is returned.
38697
38698 @item Errors:
38699
38700 @table @code
38701 @item EBADF
38702 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
38703 writing.
38704
38705 @item EFAULT
38706 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38707
38708 @item EFBIG
38709 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
38710 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
38711
38712 @item ENOSPC
38713 No space on device to write the data.
38714
38715 @item EINTR
38716 The call was interrupted by the user.
38717 @end table
38718
38719 @end table
38720
38721 @node lseek
38722 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
38723 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
38724
38725 @table @asis
38726 @item Synopsis:
38727 @smallexample
38728 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
38729 @end smallexample
38730
38731 @item Request:
38732 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
38733
38734 @var{flag} is one of:
38735
38736 @table @code
38737 @item SEEK_SET
38738 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
38739
38740 @item SEEK_CUR
38741 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
38742 bytes.
38743
38744 @item SEEK_END
38745 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
38746 bytes.
38747 @end table
38748
38749 @item Return value:
38750 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
38751 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
38752 value of -1 is returned.
38753
38754 @item Errors:
38755
38756 @table @code
38757 @item EBADF
38758 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
38759
38760 @item ESPIPE
38761 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
38762
38763 @item EINVAL
38764 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
38765
38766 @item EINTR
38767 The call was interrupted by the user.
38768 @end table
38769
38770 @end table
38771
38772 @node rename
38773 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
38774 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
38775
38776 @table @asis
38777 @item Synopsis:
38778 @smallexample
38779 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
38780 @end smallexample
38781
38782 @item Request:
38783 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
38784
38785 @item Return value:
38786 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
38787
38788 @item Errors:
38789
38790 @table @code
38791 @item EISDIR
38792 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
38793 directory.
38794
38795 @item EEXIST
38796 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
38797
38798 @item EBUSY
38799 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
38800 process.
38801
38802 @item EINVAL
38803 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
38804 of itself.
38805
38806 @item ENOTDIR
38807 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
38808 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
38809 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
38810
38811 @item EFAULT
38812 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
38813
38814 @item EACCES
38815 No access to the file or the path of the file.
38816
38817 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38818
38819 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
38820
38821 @item ENOENT
38822 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
38823
38824 @item EROFS
38825 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
38826
38827 @item ENOSPC
38828 The device containing the file has no room for the new
38829 directory entry.
38830
38831 @item EINTR
38832 The call was interrupted by the user.
38833 @end table
38834
38835 @end table
38836
38837 @node unlink
38838 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
38839 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
38840
38841 @table @asis
38842 @item Synopsis:
38843 @smallexample
38844 int unlink(const char *pathname);
38845 @end smallexample
38846
38847 @item Request:
38848 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
38849
38850 @item Return value:
38851 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
38852
38853 @item Errors:
38854
38855 @table @code
38856 @item EACCES
38857 No access to the file or the path of the file.
38858
38859 @item EPERM
38860 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
38861
38862 @item EBUSY
38863 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
38864 being used by another process.
38865
38866 @item EFAULT
38867 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38868
38869 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38870 @var{pathname} was too long.
38871
38872 @item ENOENT
38873 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
38874
38875 @item ENOTDIR
38876 A component of the path is not a directory.
38877
38878 @item EROFS
38879 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
38880
38881 @item EINTR
38882 The call was interrupted by the user.
38883 @end table
38884
38885 @end table
38886
38887 @node stat/fstat
38888 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
38889 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
38890 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
38891
38892 @table @asis
38893 @item Synopsis:
38894 @smallexample
38895 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
38896 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
38897 @end smallexample
38898
38899 @item Request:
38900 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
38901 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
38902
38903 @item Return value:
38904 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
38905
38906 @item Errors:
38907
38908 @table @code
38909 @item EBADF
38910 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
38911
38912 @item ENOENT
38913 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
38914 path is an empty string.
38915
38916 @item ENOTDIR
38917 A component of the path is not a directory.
38918
38919 @item EFAULT
38920 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38921
38922 @item EACCES
38923 No access to the file or the path of the file.
38924
38925 @item ENAMETOOLONG
38926 @var{pathname} was too long.
38927
38928 @item EINTR
38929 The call was interrupted by the user.
38930 @end table
38931
38932 @end table
38933
38934 @node gettimeofday
38935 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
38936 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
38937
38938 @table @asis
38939 @item Synopsis:
38940 @smallexample
38941 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
38942 @end smallexample
38943
38944 @item Request:
38945 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
38946
38947 @item Return value:
38948 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
38949
38950 @item Errors:
38951
38952 @table @code
38953 @item EINVAL
38954 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
38955
38956 @item EFAULT
38957 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
38958 @end table
38959
38960 @end table
38961
38962 @node isatty
38963 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
38964 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
38965
38966 @table @asis
38967 @item Synopsis:
38968 @smallexample
38969 int isatty(int fd);
38970 @end smallexample
38971
38972 @item Request:
38973 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
38974
38975 @item Return value:
38976 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
38977
38978 @item Errors:
38979
38980 @table @code
38981 @item EINTR
38982 The call was interrupted by the user.
38983 @end table
38984
38985 @end table
38986
38987 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
38988 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
38989 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
38990 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
38991 needed.
38992
38993
38994 @node system
38995 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
38996 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
38997
38998 @table @asis
38999 @item Synopsis:
39000 @smallexample
39001 int system(const char *command);
39002 @end smallexample
39003
39004 @item Request:
39005 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
39006
39007 @item Return value:
39008 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
39009 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
39010 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
39011 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
39012 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
39013 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
39014 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
39015
39016 @item Errors:
39017
39018 @table @code
39019 @item EINTR
39020 The call was interrupted by the user.
39021 @end table
39022
39023 @end table
39024
39025 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
39026 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
39027 the host is simplified before it's returned
39028 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
39029 is discarded, and the return value consists
39030 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
39031
39032 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
39033 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
39034 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
39035
39036 @table @code
39037 @item set remote system-call-allowed
39038 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
39039 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
39040 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
39041
39042 @item show remote system-call-allowed
39043 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
39044 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
39045 protocol.
39046 @end table
39047
39048 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39049 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
39050 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39051
39052 @menu
39053 * Integral Datatypes::
39054 * Pointer Values::
39055 * Memory Transfer::
39056 * struct stat::
39057 * struct timeval::
39058 @end menu
39059
39060 @node Integral Datatypes
39061 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
39062 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
39063
39064 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
39065 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
39066 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
39067
39068 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
39069 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
39070
39071 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
39072
39073 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
39074 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
39075
39076 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
39077
39078 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
39079 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
39080 byte order.
39081
39082 @node Pointer Values
39083 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
39084 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
39085
39086 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
39087 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
39088 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
39089 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
39090
39091 @smallexample
39092 @code{1aaf/12}
39093 @end smallexample
39094
39095 @noindent
39096 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
39097 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
39098 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
39099 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
39100
39101 @smallexample
39102 @code{123456/d}
39103 @end smallexample
39104
39105 @node Memory Transfer
39106 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
39107 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
39108
39109 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
39110 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
39111 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
39112 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
39113 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
39114 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
39115 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
39116
39117
39118 @node struct stat
39119 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
39120 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
39121
39122 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
39123 is defined as follows:
39124
39125 @smallexample
39126 struct stat @{
39127 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
39128 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
39129 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
39130 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
39131 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
39132 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
39133 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
39134 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
39135 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
39136 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
39137 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
39138 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
39139 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
39140 @};
39141 @end smallexample
39142
39143 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39144 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39145 structure is of size 64 bytes.
39146
39147 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
39148 range of values.
39149
39150 @table @code
39151
39152 @item st_dev
39153 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
39154
39155 @item st_ino
39156 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39157
39158 @item st_mode
39159 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
39160 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
39161
39162 @item st_uid
39163 @itemx st_gid
39164 @itemx st_rdev
39165 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
39166
39167 @item st_atime
39168 @itemx st_mtime
39169 @itemx st_ctime
39170 These values have a host and file system dependent
39171 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
39172 support exact timing values.
39173 @end table
39174
39175 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
39176 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
39177 continuing.
39178
39179 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
39180 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
39181 get truncated on the target.
39182
39183 @node struct timeval
39184 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
39185 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
39186
39187 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
39188 is defined as follows:
39189
39190 @smallexample
39191 struct timeval @{
39192 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
39193 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
39194 @};
39195 @end smallexample
39196
39197 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
39198 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
39199 structure is of size 8 bytes.
39200
39201 @node Constants
39202 @subsection Constants
39203 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
39204
39205 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
39206 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
39207 values before and after the call as needed.
39208
39209 @menu
39210 * Open Flags::
39211 * mode_t Values::
39212 * Errno Values::
39213 * Lseek Flags::
39214 * Limits::
39215 @end menu
39216
39217 @node Open Flags
39218 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
39219 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
39220
39221 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
39222
39223 @smallexample
39224 O_RDONLY 0x0
39225 O_WRONLY 0x1
39226 O_RDWR 0x2
39227 O_APPEND 0x8
39228 O_CREAT 0x200
39229 O_TRUNC 0x400
39230 O_EXCL 0x800
39231 @end smallexample
39232
39233 @node mode_t Values
39234 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
39235 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
39236
39237 All values are given in octal representation.
39238
39239 @smallexample
39240 S_IFREG 0100000
39241 S_IFDIR 040000
39242 S_IRUSR 0400
39243 S_IWUSR 0200
39244 S_IXUSR 0100
39245 S_IRGRP 040
39246 S_IWGRP 020
39247 S_IXGRP 010
39248 S_IROTH 04
39249 S_IWOTH 02
39250 S_IXOTH 01
39251 @end smallexample
39252
39253 @node Errno Values
39254 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
39255 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
39256
39257 All values are given in decimal representation.
39258
39259 @smallexample
39260 EPERM 1
39261 ENOENT 2
39262 EINTR 4
39263 EBADF 9
39264 EACCES 13
39265 EFAULT 14
39266 EBUSY 16
39267 EEXIST 17
39268 ENODEV 19
39269 ENOTDIR 20
39270 EISDIR 21
39271 EINVAL 22
39272 ENFILE 23
39273 EMFILE 24
39274 EFBIG 27
39275 ENOSPC 28
39276 ESPIPE 29
39277 EROFS 30
39278 ENAMETOOLONG 91
39279 EUNKNOWN 9999
39280 @end smallexample
39281
39282 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
39283 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
39284
39285 @node Lseek Flags
39286 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
39287 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
39288
39289 @smallexample
39290 SEEK_SET 0
39291 SEEK_CUR 1
39292 SEEK_END 2
39293 @end smallexample
39294
39295 @node Limits
39296 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
39297 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
39298
39299 All values are given in decimal representation.
39300
39301 @smallexample
39302 INT_MIN -2147483648
39303 INT_MAX 2147483647
39304 UINT_MAX 4294967295
39305 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
39306 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
39307 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
39308 @end smallexample
39309
39310 @node File-I/O Examples
39311 @subsection File-I/O Examples
39312 @cindex file-i/o examples
39313
39314 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
39315 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
39316
39317 @smallexample
39318 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
39319 @emph{request memory read from target}
39320 -> @code{m1234,6}
39321 <- XXXXXX
39322 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
39323 -> @code{F6}
39324 @end smallexample
39325
39326 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
39327 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
39328
39329 @smallexample
39330 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39331 @emph{request memory write to target}
39332 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
39333 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
39334 -> @code{F6}
39335 @end smallexample
39336
39337 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
39338 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
39339
39340 @smallexample
39341 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39342 -> @code{F-1,9}
39343 @end smallexample
39344
39345 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
39346 host is called:
39347
39348 @smallexample
39349 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39350 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
39351 <- @code{T02}
39352 @end smallexample
39353
39354 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
39355 host is called:
39356
39357 @smallexample
39358 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
39359 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
39360 <- @code{T02}
39361 @end smallexample
39362
39363 @node Library List Format
39364 @section Library List Format
39365 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
39366
39367 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
39368 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
39369 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
39370 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
39371 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
39372 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
39373 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
39374 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
39375 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
39376 are loaded.
39377
39378 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
39379 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
39380 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
39381 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
39382
39383 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
39384 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
39385 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
39386 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
39387 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
39388 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
39389
39390 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39391 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
39392
39393 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
39394 offset, looks like this:
39395
39396 @smallexample
39397 <library-list>
39398 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
39399 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
39400 </library>
39401 </library-list>
39402 @end smallexample
39403
39404 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
39405 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
39406
39407 @smallexample
39408 <library-list>
39409 <library name="sharedlib.o">
39410 <section address="0x10000000"/>
39411 <section address="0x20000000"/>
39412 <section address="0x30000000"/>
39413 </library>
39414 </library-list>
39415 @end smallexample
39416
39417 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
39418
39419 @smallexample
39420 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
39421 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
39422 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39423 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
39424 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39425 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
39426 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
39427 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
39428 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
39429 @end smallexample
39430
39431 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
39432 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
39433 section for each library.
39434
39435 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
39436 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
39437 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
39438
39439 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
39440 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
39441 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
39442 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
39443
39444 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
39445 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
39446 target, the following parameters are reported:
39447
39448 @itemize @minus
39449 @item
39450 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
39451 @code{struct link_map}.
39452 @item
39453 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
39454 (Thread Local Storage) access.
39455 @item
39456 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
39457 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
39458 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
39459 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
39460 @item
39461 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
39462 @end itemize
39463
39464 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
39465 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
39466 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
39467
39468 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39469 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
39470
39471 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
39472 looks like this:
39473
39474 @smallexample
39475 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
39476 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
39477 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
39478 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
39479 l_ld="0x152350"/>
39480 </library-list-svr>
39481 @end smallexample
39482
39483 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
39484
39485 @smallexample
39486 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
39487 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
39488 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39489 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
39490 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
39491 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39492 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
39493 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
39494 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
39495 @end smallexample
39496
39497 @node Memory Map Format
39498 @section Memory Map Format
39499 @cindex memory map format
39500
39501 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
39502 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
39503 memory map.
39504
39505 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
39506 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
39507 lists memory regions.
39508
39509 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39510 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
39511
39512 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
39513
39514 @smallexample
39515 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39516 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
39517 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
39518 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
39519 <memory-map>
39520 region...
39521 </memory-map>
39522 @end smallexample
39523
39524 Each region can be either:
39525
39526 @itemize
39527
39528 @item
39529 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
39530 bytes from there:
39531
39532 @smallexample
39533 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39534 @end smallexample
39535
39536
39537 @item
39538 A region of read-only memory:
39539
39540 @smallexample
39541 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39542 @end smallexample
39543
39544
39545 @item
39546 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
39547 bytes in length:
39548
39549 @smallexample
39550 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
39551 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
39552 </memory>
39553 @end smallexample
39554
39555 @end itemize
39556
39557 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
39558 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
39559 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
39560
39561 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
39562
39563 @smallexample
39564 <!-- ................................................... -->
39565 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
39566 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
39567 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
39568 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
39569 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
39570 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
39571 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
39572 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
39573 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
39574 and its type, or device. -->
39575 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
39576 start CDATA #REQUIRED
39577 length CDATA #REQUIRED
39578 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
39579 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
39580 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
39581 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
39582 @end smallexample
39583
39584 @node Thread List Format
39585 @section Thread List Format
39586 @cindex thread list format
39587
39588 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
39589 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
39590 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
39591 the following structure:
39592
39593 @smallexample
39594 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39595 <threads>
39596 <thread id="id" core="0">
39597 ... description ...
39598 </thread>
39599 </threads>
39600 @end smallexample
39601
39602 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
39603 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
39604 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
39605 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
39606 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
39607
39608 @node Traceframe Info Format
39609 @section Traceframe Info Format
39610 @cindex traceframe info format
39611
39612 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
39613 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
39614 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
39615 collected in a traceframe.
39616
39617 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39618 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
39619
39620 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39621 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
39622
39623 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
39624
39625 @smallexample
39626 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39627 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
39628 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
39629 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
39630 <traceframe-info>
39631 block...
39632 </traceframe-info>
39633 @end smallexample
39634
39635 Each traceframe block can be either:
39636
39637 @itemize
39638
39639 @item
39640 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
39641 @var{length} bytes from there:
39642
39643 @smallexample
39644 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
39645 @end smallexample
39646
39647 @end itemize
39648
39649 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
39650
39651 @smallexample
39652 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory)* >
39653 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
39654
39655 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
39656 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
39657 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
39658 @end smallexample
39659
39660 @include agentexpr.texi
39661
39662 @node Target Descriptions
39663 @appendix Target Descriptions
39664 @cindex target descriptions
39665
39666 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
39667 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
39668 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
39669 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
39670 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
39671 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
39672 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
39673
39674 @itemize @bullet
39675 @item
39676 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
39677 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
39678 @item
39679 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
39680 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
39681 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
39682 @item
39683 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
39684 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
39685 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
39686 @end itemize
39687
39688 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
39689 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
39690 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
39691 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
39692 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
39693
39694 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
39695 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
39696
39697 @menu
39698 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
39699 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
39700 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
39701 descriptions.
39702 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
39703 @end menu
39704
39705 @node Retrieving Descriptions
39706 @section Retrieving Descriptions
39707
39708 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
39709 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
39710 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
39711 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
39712 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
39713 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
39714 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
39715 Format}.
39716
39717 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
39718 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
39719 specify a file are:
39720
39721 @table @code
39722 @cindex set tdesc filename
39723 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
39724 Read the target description from @var{path}.
39725
39726 @cindex unset tdesc filename
39727 @item unset tdesc filename
39728 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
39729 will use the description supplied by the current target.
39730
39731 @cindex show tdesc filename
39732 @item show tdesc filename
39733 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
39734 @end table
39735
39736
39737 @node Target Description Format
39738 @section Target Description Format
39739 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
39740
39741 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
39742 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
39743 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
39744 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
39745 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
39746 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
39747 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
39748
39749 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
39750 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
39751 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
39752 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
39753 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
39754
39755 Here is a simple target description:
39756
39757 @smallexample
39758 <target version="1.0">
39759 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
39760 </target>
39761 @end smallexample
39762
39763 @noindent
39764 This minimal description only says that the target uses
39765 the x86-64 architecture.
39766
39767 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
39768 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
39769 are explained further below.
39770
39771 @smallexample
39772 <?xml version="1.0"?>
39773 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
39774 <target version="1.0">
39775 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
39776 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
39777 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
39778 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
39779 </target>
39780 @end smallexample
39781
39782 @noindent
39783 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
39784 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
39785 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
39786 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
39787 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
39788 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
39789 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
39790 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
39791 the version mismatch.
39792
39793 @subsection Inclusion
39794 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
39795 @cindex XInclude
39796 @ifnotinfo
39797 @cindex <xi:include>
39798 @end ifnotinfo
39799
39800 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
39801 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
39802 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
39803 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
39804 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
39805
39806 @smallexample
39807 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
39808 @end smallexample
39809
39810 @noindent
39811 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
39812 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
39813 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
39814 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
39815 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
39816 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
39817 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
39818 original description.
39819
39820 @subsection Architecture
39821 @cindex <architecture>
39822
39823 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
39824
39825 @smallexample
39826 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
39827 @end smallexample
39828
39829 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
39830 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
39831
39832 @subsection OS ABI
39833 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
39834
39835 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
39836 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
39837
39838 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
39839
39840 @smallexample
39841 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
39842 @end smallexample
39843
39844 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
39845 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
39846
39847 @subsection Compatible Architecture
39848 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
39849
39850 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
39851 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
39852
39853 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
39854
39855 @smallexample
39856 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
39857 @end smallexample
39858
39859 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
39860 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
39861
39862 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
39863 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
39864 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
39865 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
39866 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
39867 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
39868 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
39869
39870 @smallexample
39871 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
39872 <compatible>spu</compatible>
39873 @end smallexample
39874
39875 @subsection Features
39876 @cindex <feature>
39877
39878 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
39879 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
39880 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
39881 has this form:
39882
39883 @smallexample
39884 <feature name="@var{name}">
39885 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
39886 @var{reg}@dots{}
39887 </feature>
39888 @end smallexample
39889
39890 @noindent
39891 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
39892 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
39893 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
39894 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
39895
39896 @subsection Types
39897
39898 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
39899 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
39900 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
39901 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
39902 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
39903
39904 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
39905 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
39906 Types must be defined before they are used.
39907
39908 @cindex <vector>
39909 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
39910 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
39911 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
39912 @var{count}:
39913
39914 @smallexample
39915 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
39916 @end smallexample
39917
39918 @cindex <union>
39919 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
39920 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
39921 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
39922 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
39923
39924 @smallexample
39925 <union id="@var{id}">
39926 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
39927 @dots{}
39928 </union>
39929 @end smallexample
39930
39931 @cindex <struct>
39932 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
39933 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
39934 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
39935 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
39936 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
39937 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
39938 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
39939 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
39940
39941 @smallexample
39942 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
39943 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
39944 @dots{}
39945 </struct>
39946 @end smallexample
39947
39948 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
39949 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
39950
39951 @smallexample
39952 <struct id="@var{id}">
39953 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
39954 @dots{}
39955 </struct>
39956 @end smallexample
39957
39958 @cindex <flags>
39959 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
39960 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
39961 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
39962 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
39963 are supported.
39964
39965 @smallexample
39966 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
39967 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
39968 @dots{}
39969 </flags>
39970 @end smallexample
39971
39972 @subsection Registers
39973 @cindex <reg>
39974
39975 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
39976
39977 @smallexample
39978 <reg name="@var{name}"
39979 bitsize="@var{size}"
39980 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
39981 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
39982 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
39983 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
39984 @end smallexample
39985
39986 @noindent
39987 The components are as follows:
39988
39989 @table @var
39990
39991 @item name
39992 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
39993
39994 @item bitsize
39995 The register's size, in bits.
39996
39997 @item regnum
39998 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
39999 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
40000 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
40001 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
40002 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
40003 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
40004 in order of increasing register number.
40005
40006 @item save-restore
40007 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
40008 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
40009 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
40010 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
40011 ABI.
40012
40013 @item type
40014 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
40015 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
40016 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
40017 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
40018 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
40019 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
40020
40021 @item group
40022 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
40023 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
40024 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
40025 in @code{info registers}.
40026
40027 @end table
40028
40029 @node Predefined Target Types
40030 @section Predefined Target Types
40031 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
40032
40033 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
40034 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
40035 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
40036 types. The currently supported types are:
40037
40038 @table @code
40039
40040 @item int8
40041 @itemx int16
40042 @itemx int32
40043 @itemx int64
40044 @itemx int128
40045 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40046
40047 @item uint8
40048 @itemx uint16
40049 @itemx uint32
40050 @itemx uint64
40051 @itemx uint128
40052 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
40053
40054 @item code_ptr
40055 @itemx data_ptr
40056 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
40057 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
40058 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
40059 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
40060 may be marked as data pointers.
40061
40062 @item ieee_single
40063 Single precision IEEE floating point.
40064
40065 @item ieee_double
40066 Double precision IEEE floating point.
40067
40068 @item arm_fpa_ext
40069 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
40070
40071 @item i387_ext
40072 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
40073
40074 @item i386_eflags
40075 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
40076
40077 @item i386_mxcsr
40078 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
40079
40080 @end table
40081
40082 @node Standard Target Features
40083 @section Standard Target Features
40084 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
40085
40086 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
40087 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
40088 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
40089 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
40090 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
40091 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
40092 can recognize them.
40093
40094 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
40095 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
40096 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
40097 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
40098 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
40099 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
40100 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
40101 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
40102
40103 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
40104 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
40105 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
40106
40107 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
40108 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
40109 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
40110 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
40111
40112 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
40113 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
40114 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
40115
40116 @menu
40117 * ARM Features::
40118 * i386 Features::
40119 * MIPS Features::
40120 * M68K Features::
40121 * PowerPC Features::
40122 * TIC6x Features::
40123 @end menu
40124
40125
40126 @node ARM Features
40127 @subsection ARM Features
40128 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
40129
40130 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
40131 ARM targets.
40132 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
40133 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
40134
40135 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
40136 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
40137 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
40138 and @samp{xpsr}.
40139
40140 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
40141 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
40142
40143 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
40144 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
40145 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
40146 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
40147
40148 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
40149 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
40150 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
40151 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
40152 halves of the double-precision registers.
40153
40154 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
40155 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
40156 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
40157 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
40158 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
40159 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
40160
40161 @node i386 Features
40162 @subsection i386 Features
40163 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
40164
40165 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
40166 targets. It should describe the following registers:
40167
40168 @itemize @minus
40169 @item
40170 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
40171 @item
40172 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
40173 @item
40174 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
40175 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
40176 @item
40177 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
40178 @item
40179 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
40180 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
40181 @end itemize
40182
40183 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
40184
40185 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
40186 describe registers:
40187
40188 @itemize @minus
40189 @item
40190 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
40191 @item
40192 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
40193 @item
40194 @samp{mxcsr}
40195 @end itemize
40196
40197 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
40198 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
40199 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
40200
40201 @itemize @minus
40202 @item
40203 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
40204 @item
40205 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
40206 @end itemize
40207
40208 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
40209 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
40210
40211 @node MIPS Features
40212 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
40213 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
40214
40215 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
40216 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
40217 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
40218 on the target.
40219
40220 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
40221 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
40222 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40223
40224 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
40225 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
40226 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
40227 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40228
40229 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
40230 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
40231 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
40232 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40233
40234 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
40235 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
40236 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
40237
40238 @node M68K Features
40239 @subsection M68K Features
40240 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
40241
40242 @table @code
40243 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
40244 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
40245 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
40246 One of those features must be always present.
40247 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
40248 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
40249 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
40250 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
40251
40252 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
40253 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
40254 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
40255 @samp{fpiaddr}.
40256 @end table
40257
40258 @node PowerPC Features
40259 @subsection PowerPC Features
40260 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
40261
40262 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
40263 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
40264 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
40265 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
40266
40267 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
40268 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
40269
40270 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
40271 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
40272 and @samp{vrsave}.
40273
40274 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
40275 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
40276 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
40277 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
40278 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
40279 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
40280
40281 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
40282 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
40283 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
40284 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
40285 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
40286 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
40287 user.
40288
40289 @node TIC6x Features
40290 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
40291 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
40292 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
40293 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
40294 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
40295 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
40296
40297 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
40298 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
40299 through @samp{B31}.
40300
40301 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
40302 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
40303
40304 @node Operating System Information
40305 @appendix Operating System Information
40306 @cindex operating system information
40307
40308 @menu
40309 * Process list::
40310 @end menu
40311
40312 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
40313 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
40314 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
40315 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
40316 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
40317 on a different aspect of target.
40318
40319 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
40320 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
40321 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
40322 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
40323
40324 @node Process list
40325 @appendixsection Process list
40326 @cindex operating system information, process list
40327
40328 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
40329 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
40330 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
40331 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
40332
40333 An example document is:
40334
40335 @smallexample
40336 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40337 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
40338 <osdata type="processes">
40339 <item>
40340 <column name="pid">1</column>
40341 <column name="user">root</column>
40342 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
40343 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
40344 </item>
40345 </osdata>
40346 @end smallexample
40347
40348 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
40349 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
40350 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
40351 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
40352 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
40353 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
40354 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
40355
40356 @node Trace File Format
40357 @appendix Trace File Format
40358 @cindex trace file format
40359
40360 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
40361 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
40362
40363 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
40364 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
40365 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
40366 in the future.
40367
40368 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
40369 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
40370 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
40371 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
40372 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
40373 of this section.
40374
40375 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
40376
40377 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
40378 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
40379 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
40380 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
40381 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
40382 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
40383 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
40384 endianness.
40385
40386 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
40387
40388 @table @code
40389 @item R @var{bytes}
40390 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
40391 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
40392 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
40393 hexadecimal encoding.
40394
40395 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
40396 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
40397 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
40398 @var{length} bytes.
40399
40400 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
40401 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
40402 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
40403
40404 @end table
40405
40406 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
40407 of blocks.
40408
40409 @node Index Section Format
40410 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
40411 @cindex .gdb_index section format
40412 @cindex index section format
40413
40414 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
40415 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
40416 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
40417 description.
40418
40419 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
40420 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
40421 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
40422 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
40423 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
40424 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
40425
40426 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
40427
40428 @enumerate
40429 @item
40430 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
40431 unless otherwise noted:
40432
40433 @enumerate
40434 @item
40435 The version number, currently 7. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
40436 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
40437 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
40438 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
40439 symbol table. @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
40440 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
40441
40442 @item
40443 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
40444
40445 @item
40446 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
40447 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
40448 to the next offset.
40449
40450 @item
40451 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
40452
40453 @item
40454 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
40455
40456 @item
40457 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
40458 @end enumerate
40459
40460 @item
40461 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
40462 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
40463 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
40464 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
40465 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
40466 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
40467 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
40468 CU indices.
40469
40470 @item
40471 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
40472 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
40473 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
40474 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
40475
40476 @item
40477 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
40478 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
40479
40480 @enumerate
40481 @item
40482 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
40483
40484 @item
40485 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
40486 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
40487
40488 @item
40489 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
40490 @end enumerate
40491
40492 @item
40493 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
40494 the hash table is always a power of 2.
40495
40496 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
40497 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
40498 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
40499 constant pool.
40500
40501 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
40502 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
40503 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
40504
40505 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
40506 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
40507 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
40508 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
40509 index version:
40510
40511 @table @asis
40512 @item Version 4
40513 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
40514
40515 @item Versions 5 to 7
40516 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
40517 @end table
40518
40519 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
40520
40521 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
40522 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
40523 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
40524 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
40525 collision.
40526
40527 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
40528 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
40529 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
40530 the code.
40531
40532 @item
40533 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
40534 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
40535 strings.
40536
40537 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
40538 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
40539 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
40540 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
40541 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
40542 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
40543
40544 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
40545 @end enumerate
40546
40547 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
40548 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
40549 CU index+attributes value for each use.
40550
40551 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
40552 (bit 0 = LSB):
40553
40554 @table @asis
40555
40556 @item Bits 0-23
40557 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
40558 @item Bits 24-27
40559 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
40560 @item Bits 28-30
40561 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
40562
40563 @table @asis
40564 @item 0
40565 This value is reserved and should not be used.
40566 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
40567 with previous versions of the index.
40568 @item 1
40569 The symbol is a type.
40570 @item 2
40571 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
40572 @item 3
40573 The symbol is a function.
40574 @item 4
40575 Any other kind of symbol.
40576 @item 5,6,7
40577 These values are reserved.
40578 @end table
40579
40580 @item Bit 31
40581 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
40582
40583 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
40584 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
40585 @value{GDBN} sources.
40586
40587 @end table
40588
40589 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
40590 global/static attributes in the index.
40591
40592 @smallexample
40593 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
40594 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
40595 switch (die->tag)
40596 @{
40597 case DW_TAG_typedef:
40598 case DW_TAG_base_type:
40599 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
40600 kind = TYPE;
40601 is_static = 1;
40602 break;
40603 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
40604 kind = VARIABLE;
40605 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
40606 break;
40607 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
40608 kind = FUNCTION;
40609 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
40610 break;
40611 case DW_TAG_constant:
40612 kind = VARIABLE;
40613 is_static = ! is_external;
40614 break;
40615 case DW_TAG_variable:
40616 kind = VARIABLE;
40617 is_static = ! is_external;
40618 break;
40619 case DW_TAG_namespace:
40620 kind = TYPE;
40621 is_static = 0;
40622 break;
40623 case DW_TAG_class_type:
40624 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
40625 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
40626 case DW_TAG_union_type:
40627 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
40628 kind = TYPE;
40629 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
40630 break;
40631 default:
40632 assert (0);
40633 @}
40634 @end smallexample
40635
40636 @include gpl.texi
40637
40638 @node GNU Free Documentation License
40639 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
40640 @include fdl.texi
40641
40642 @node Concept Index
40643 @unnumbered Concept Index
40644
40645 @printindex cp
40646
40647 @node Command and Variable Index
40648 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
40649
40650 @printindex fn
40651
40652 @tex
40653 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
40654 % meantime:
40655 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
40656 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
40657 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
40658 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
40659 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
40660 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
40661 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
40662 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
40663 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
40664 \page\colophon
40665 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
40666 @end tex
40667
40668 @bye
This page took 0.931494 seconds and 5 git commands to generate.